Treatment · Swedish
Swedish Massage at Home in London
The classic relaxing full-body massage, brought to your door. Long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading ease everyday tension and quieten a busy mind, and because you are already at home, the calm lasts long after your therapist has packed away.
- Light to medium pressure, tailored to you
- From £80 for 60 minutes
- Evenings and weekends, 24h
What it is
What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is the most widely practised form of massage in the Western world and the foundation that most other massage styles are built on. It uses a set of long, rhythmic strokes and kneading movements, applied with oil over the whole body, to relax the muscles, encourage circulation and calm the nervous system.
Its name comes from the nineteenth century. The Swedish physiologist Per Henrik Ling developed a system of “medical gymnastics” combining movement and manual therapy, and the Dutch physician Johann Georg Mezger later organised massage strokes into the system and French terminology still used today. Over time, the combination became known in English-speaking countries as Swedish massage.
The five classic Swedish massage strokes are:
- Effleurage: long, gliding strokes with the palms, used to spread the oil, warm the tissue and connect one area to the next.
- Petrissage: kneading, lifting and squeezing the muscles, rather like kneading dough, to ease tightness.
- Friction: small circular or cross-fibre movements with the thumbs or fingertips on specific tight spots.
- Tapotement: light, rhythmic tapping or cupping, used briefly to energise the muscles.
- Vibration: gentle shaking or rocking movements that help the muscles let go.
Who it helps
Who is Swedish massage for?
Swedish massage is the best place to start if you are new to massage, and the treatment many regular clients come back to when they simply want to feel better. It is a good choice if you:
- Feel stressed, anxious or mentally overloaded and want to switch off
- Have trouble sleeping, or want to sleep more deeply after a busy week
- Carry general, mild muscle tension rather than one painful area
- Prefer lighter pressure, or find deep tissue massage uncomfortable
- Are recovering from jet lag or a long journey
- Want a treat for a birthday, anniversary or a night in at home or in a hotel
If you have specific knots or chronic tightness that you want worked on firmly, a deep tissue massage may suit you better. Many clients ask for a Swedish massage with a little extra pressure on the shoulders, which our therapists are happy to do.
Benefits
The benefits of Swedish massage
Deep relaxation
Slow, predictable strokes encourage the body to move away from the stress response and into the “rest and digest” mode governed by the parasympathetic nervous system. Breathing slows, and many clients drift off on the table.
Better sleep
An evening Swedish massage at home is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep. There is no journey home, so you can go straight to bed.
Easing everyday tension
Kneading and gliding strokes soften muscles that have tightened from sitting, standing or carrying bags around London all day.
Feeling looked after
Touch from a skilled, caring professional is restorative in itself. For many people, an hour of uninterrupted time without a phone is just as valuable as the massage.
Warmer, lighter-feeling legs
Many clients notice warmer hands and feet and less heavy legs after long effleurage strokes, especially after a day on their feet.
A mood lift
Many people describe feeling calmer, clearer and more positive after a relaxing massage, which can carry through the following day.
The session
What happens during your Swedish massage at home
Your therapist arrives with a massage table, warm towels, sheets and oil and sets up in a quiet room of your choice. Dim the lights if you like, and choose music or silence. After a short consultation about your health and preferences, you lie face down under a towel while the therapist begins with the back, the area most people carry tension in.
A typical full-body Swedish massage then moves through the back of the legs, turns to the front of the legs, arms, shoulders and neck, and often finishes with a gentle scalp massage. Only the area being treated is uncovered at any time. You can ask for any area to be skipped, such as the feet or stomach, or for more time on your shoulders.
At the end, your therapist leaves the room so you can get up slowly. Drink a glass of water and give yourself a few quiet minutes before you check your phone.
Oils and allergies
We use a neutral, skin-friendly carrier oil as standard. Some carrier oils, such as sweet almond oil, are made from nuts, so please tell us about any nut or skin allergies when you book and we will bring a suitable alternative. Essential oils can be added as an aromatherapy upgrade, apart from during pregnancy.
Prices
Swedish massage prices
| Session length | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | A full-body relaxing massage at a steady, unhurried pace | £80 |
| 90 minutes | Full-body massage with extra time on the back, neck, shoulders and scalp | £110 |
| 120 minutes | Our most indulgent option, ideal for special occasions and deep relaxation | £140 |
Booking for two? A couples Swedish massage with two therapists costs £160 for 60 minutes or £220 for 90 minutes.
Occasions
Popular ways to book a Swedish massage at home
A night in
Book a 90-minute Swedish massage for 8pm, run a bath afterwards and go straight to bed. It is the most popular evening booking with our London clients.
Couples and celebrations
Two therapists set up side by side in your living room or hotel suite, perfect for anniversaries, birthdays and honeymoons.
Hotel stays and jet lag
If you have just landed at Heathrow or Gatwick, a relaxing massage in your hotel room is a gentle way to reset your body clock and ease stiffness from the flight.
Gifts
A Swedish massage voucher is a thoughtful present for new parents, busy friends and anyone who would never book a treat for themselves.
Where we visit
Swedish massage at home across London
We offer relaxing massage at home throughout Central London and most of Greater London, including Mayfair, Marylebone, Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Belgravia, Islington, Hampstead, Richmond, Wimbledon, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. See the full list of areas we cover on our homepage.
Options
Swedish massage or aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage uses the same gentle Swedish strokes but adds a blend of essential oils, chosen for their scent and the mood you want to create. Lavender-based blends are popular for relaxation and sleep, while citrus and peppermint blends feel brighter and more refreshing. You can add aromatherapy to any Swedish massage as an upgrade.
Essential oils are not suitable for everyone. We do not use them during pregnancy, and we check with every client about allergies, asthma and sensitive skin before adding a blend. If in doubt, a plain Swedish massage with an unscented carrier oil is just as relaxing.
Getting the most from your relaxing massage
- Book in the evening if you can, so you can rest straight afterwards.
- Put your phone on silent or in another room before the therapist arrives.
- Ask for the pressure you like; relaxing does not have to mean very light.
- Take a few minutes before getting up, and drink a glass of water.
- Have a warm bath or shower later to keep the muscles relaxed.
FAQs
Swedish massage FAQs
Is Swedish massage the same as a relaxing massage?
Broadly, yes. Swedish massage is the technique, and relaxation is its main purpose. Most "relaxing massage" menus in spas are based on Swedish strokes.
Can I ask for firmer pressure?
Of course. Swedish massage can be given with light, medium or medium-firm pressure. If you want very firm, sustained pressure on specific knots, we will recommend a deep tissue massage instead.
Will I fall asleep?
Many clients do, and that is perfectly fine. Your therapist will gently let you know when it is time to turn over.
Is Swedish massage suitable if I have never had a massage before?
Yes, it is the ideal first massage. Your therapist will explain everything before you start and check in on the pressure during the treatment.
Can I have a Swedish massage while pregnant?
We offer a dedicated pregnancy massage, which uses many Swedish techniques adapted for pregnancy, with side-lying positions and no essential oils.
How soon can a therapist arrive?
Same-day bookings are often possible, especially in Central London. Evenings and weekends book up quickly, so a day's notice gives you the widest choice.
Book a relaxing massage at home
Send us your postcode and preferred time, and we will confirm a Swedish massage therapist near you.