Swedish massage that is practiced in the Western world today uses many of the original techniques of gliding, kneading, hacking, friction and vibration that Henri originaly conceived. All Swedish style strokes are applied moving toward the heart in order to encourage blood flow and the elimination of toxins in the body. Strokes can consist of gentle tapping across the back, long gliding strokes for lengthening the muscles as well as vibrational strokes and kneading techniques much like making bread.

Massage oil for lubrication is a very important componant of Swedish massage. Used to facilitate the long gliding strokes over the clients body, massage oils can also be used as an aromatherapy addition to a treatment. Swedish massage clients are generally nude under a sheet that allows the therapist to cover and uncover regions of the body as they are being worked on only.

Many of the strokes and techniques of Swedish massage have migrated and become incorporated into other modalities such as Sports massage. The theory of pushing the blood supply in the muscles toward the heart to encourage faster processing and healing of tissue has been shown to be effective. The muscles need oxygen and if they don't get it they cramp and hurt. The quicker that oxygen suppy is replenished the quicker the pain and or cramps will go away.