Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

Which massage technique is used primarily for relaxation and stress relief?

1. Deep tissue massage

2. Swedish massage

3. Trigger point therapy

4. Sports massage

The correct answer is: Swedish massage

Swedish massage is primarily designed for relaxation and stress relief. This technique utilizes long, flowing strokes, kneading, and gentle movements that help soothe the body and mind. The combination of these techniques promotes circulation, relaxation of muscles, and a sense of overall well-being, which is particularly effective in reducing stress levels. This type of massage focuses on the surface layers of muscle, providing a gentle and relaxing experience that encourages deep relaxation. The rhythmic nature of Swedish massage not only helps to alleviate tension but also stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and contributing to a calming effect. In contrast, deep tissue massage targets deeper muscle layers to relieve chronic tension, trigger point therapy is focused on specific tight areas in muscles to alleviate pain, and sports massage is typically aimed at enhancing athletic performance or aiding recovery. Each of these techniques serves specific purposes that may relate to muscle recovery or pain management but do not primarily address relaxation and stress relief the way Swedish massage does.