What happens during a Swedish massage at Santi London?

Your therapist begins with a brief consultation to tailor pressure and focus areas. The treatment uses classic Swedish techniques—effleurage, pétrissage, friction, tapotement and gentle joint mobilisations—in a warm, comfortable environment.

How is Swedish massage different from other massage styles?

Swedish massage works broadly across the body’s upper muscle layers for overall relaxation, rather than targeting a single problem area. If you need focused or stronger work, Deep Tissue or Sports Massage may be more suitable; Aromatherapy offers a gentler sensory experience.

What are the potential benefits?

Clients often report deep relaxation, reduced day-to-day tension and a general sense of ease. Swedish massage can support healthy circulation and complement recovery alongside regular exercise. Responses vary and massage is not a substitute for medical care.

How should I prepare and what about aftercare?

Arrive a little early, wear comfortable clothing and stay well-hydrated. After your massage, continue to hydrate and take it easy for a few hours. Regular sessions can help maintain benefits.

What’s the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage?

Swedish massage uses lighter, flowing strokes over the superficial muscles for overall relaxation and circulation. Deep Tissue uses slower, firmer pressure into deeper muscles and fascia to address chronic tension and knots. Choose Swedish for de-stressing and whole-body ease; choose Deep Tissue for persistent tightness or targeted problem areas.

What should I avoid after a Swedish massage?

Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours, limit caffeine and alcohol, skip heavy meals immediately, and try to protect your calm window from unnecessary stress. Stay well-hydrated.

When should I consider a different massage style?

For deeper, targeted work on chronic tension consider a Deep Tissue or Sports Massage. For pregnancy (second trimester+), choose a pregnancy-safe massage with side-lying positioning.

Book Swedish Massage Have a question?

Chelsea • Kensington • Knightsbridge

Swedish Massage in South Kensington

Unwind with gentle, flowing techniques that release surface tension, calm the nervous system, and encourage restorative sleep. Choose 60–90 minute sessions tailored to how you feel today.

Calming, full-body relaxation 60 · 90 minutes Tailored pressure

Book now See pricing

Looking for deeper pressure? Try our Deep Tissue or Sports Massage. For post-surgical or medical needs, see Medical Lymphatic Massage. For a blended protocol, explore our Full House massage (Swedish + remedial + deep tissue + physio).

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Reduce stress & anxiety

Long, rhythmic strokes activate the parasympathetic response, helping lower stress hormones and calm a racing mind.

Release muscle tension

Effleurage, petrissage and kneading loosen superficial muscle tightness and improve mobility without intense pressure.

Support better sleep

Many clients report deeper, more restorative sleep after Swedish massage—ideal during demanding weeks.

Ideal if you:

Prefer lighter to medium pressure
Feel overwhelmed or mentally fatigued
Have general tightness from desk work or travel
Want a restorative, whole-body treatment

Consider alternatives if you:

Need focused, firm release (try Deep Tissue)
Have sports-related tension (see Sports Massage)
Are post-surgical or have oedema (see Medical Lymphatic)

What to expect at Santi

Consult & customise

We discuss your aims (stress relief, sleep, shoulder/neck focus) and adapt pressure, pace and areas accordingly.

Techniques

Classic Swedish methods—effleurage, petrissage, kneading and gentle stretching—applied with premium oils.

Optional enhancements

Add aromatherapy, hot stones or scalp massage. Your therapist can suggest a blend to suit your state of mind.

Looking to track recovery markers (sleep quality, stress, skin hydration)? Ask about our Skin Lab and the Santi Companion for guided lifestyle tracking.

Pricing & durations

60 minutes

£90

Full-body reset with focus on your priority area.

90 minutes

£135

Head-to-toe ritual; add scalp/foot work for complete calm.

See our full price list and current offers. Gift experiences available on request.

Book your session Ask a question

Aftercare

Hydrate well for the next 24 hours
Avoid intense workouts or heat (sauna/steam) the same day
Gentle stretching before bed can extend the benefits
For ongoing tension patterns, consider a course or alternate with Deep Tissue

Find us in South Kensington

Santi London
33 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ — a few minutes from South Kensington Station.

Telephone: +44 20 7584 7000

What happens on the day?

Swedish massage is the classic Western approach to full-body relaxation. Your therapist will begin with a short consultation to understand your health, preferences and goals, then tailor pressure and focus areas accordingly. The room and table are kept comfortably warm; early strokes are gentle to settle the nervous system and warm soft tissues.

Typical duration: 60–90 mins Pressure: light to medium Aim: whole-body relaxation

Core techniques you may experience

Effleurage — long, gliding strokes to warm tissue and ease you into relaxation.
Pétrissage — classic kneading/rolling to mobilise soft tissue.
Friction — slower, firmer circular movements to stimulate circulation and address local tightness.
Tapotement — rhythmic percussive tapping to gently invigorate.
Passive joint movement — light mobilisations to encourage ease of motion.

Good to know: Neutral or lightly scented oils are used; please let us know about any sensitivities.

How is it different from other massage?

Swedish massage works broadly across the body’s upper muscle layers for an overall sense of ease, rather than concentrating on a single problem area. If you need focused work on a specific region or a stronger approach, you might consider Deep Tissue or Sports Massage. For a gentler sensory experience, Aromatherapy Massage may be suitable.

Benefits (what clients often report)

A deep sense of relaxation and reduced day-to-day muscle tension.
Support for healthy circulation and ease of movement.
Complementary support for recovery alongside regular exercise.

Massage is a complementary therapy and individual responses vary. It is not a replacement for medical care.

Before & after your massage

Before: Arrive a few minutes early, wear comfortable clothing, and stay well-hydrated.
After: Continue to hydrate, take it easy for a few hours, and notice how your body responds.
Frequency: Regular sessions can help maintain results; your therapist can suggest a cadence that suits you.

Who should check with a clinician first?

Please speak with your doctor before booking if you have a complex medical history (e.g., recent surgery, active infection, unstable cardiovascular conditions, clotting disorders, or are pregnant). If you’re looking for pregnancy-safe options, see Pregnancy Massage.

Book or enquire Buy a gift voucher

What’s the difference between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?

Both styles support relaxation and circulation—the main difference is **depth and intent**. Swedish focuses on whole-body ease using lighter strokes; Deep Tissue uses slower, firmer work to address long-standing tightness.

Swedish Massage

Gentle to moderate pressure for stress relief and relaxation.
Long, gliding strokes with kneading and light joint movement.
Targets superficial muscle layers for a full-body reset.
Great for newcomers or when you want to unwind.

Deep Tissue Massage

Moderate to very firm pressure; slower, focused techniques.
Targets deeper muscle and fascia to release chronic knots.
Helpful for long-term tightness, limited mobility, old strains.
May feel “good sore” during/after; intensity is adjustable.

Recommended for…	Swedish	Deep Tissue
General relaxation / high stress	✓	~
Widespread “desk” tension (neck/shoulders/back)	✓	✓
Chronic knots / restricted range	~	✓
Post-training muscle recovery	~	✓
First-time massage / sensitivity to pressure	✓	~
Targeted work on a specific problem area	~	✓

Tip: If you’re unsure, start with Swedish to relax and let your therapist gauge your pressure tolerance. You can progress to Deep Tissue or Sports Massage as needed. Please share any injuries or medical guidance at booking.

What are the benefits of Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction and gentle joint movements to promote relaxation and reduce day-to-day muscle tension. Benefits clients often report include:

Stress relief: a calm reset for body and mind.
Muscle ease: helps reduce soreness and stiffness from daily posture or training.
Healthy circulation: flowing strokes encourage blood flow to soft tissues.
Range of motion: gentle mobilisations can support flexibility and ease of movement.
Wellbeing support: many people feel more settled and rested after treatment.

Responses vary person-to-person; massage is a complementary therapy and not a substitute for medical care.

What happens in a Swedish full body massage?

Your therapist starts with a short consultation to tailor pressure and focus areas. A warm room, comfortable table and neutral oils help you unwind. You may experience:

Effleurage (long, gliding strokes) to warm tissues and settle the nervous system.
Pétrissage (kneading/rolling) to mobilise soft tissue.
Friction (slower circular work) to stimulate local circulation and ease tight spots.
Tapotement (light rhythmic tapping) for gentle invigoration.
Passive joint movement to encourage comfortable range of motion.

You’ll be asked to lie face down and face up at different times. Professional draping maintains privacy; only the area being treated is uncovered.

What do you wear for a Swedish massage?

Undress to your comfort level — many clients remove clothing and keep underwear on. Draping covers you throughout. Prefer to stay partially clothed? Tell your therapist; techniques can be adapted.

Need stronger or more targeted work?

If you have long-standing knots or restricted movement, consider Deep Tissue or Sports Massage. If you’re pregnant (2nd trimester+), see Pregnancy Massage.

Swedish: light–medium Deep Tissue: medium–firm Sports: performance & recovery

What to avoid after a Swedish massage

Strenuous workouts for a few hours — let your body integrate the work.
Excess caffeine/alcohol — they can be dehydrating.
Heavy meals immediately — opt for light, nourishing food.
High-stress tasks if possible — enjoy the calm window.

Stay well-hydrated before and after your session.

FAQs

Do you wear clothes for a Swedish massage?

Dress down to your comfort level — many clients undress and keep underwear on. Your therapist will use professional draping to protect privacy and can adapt techniques if you prefer to remain partially clothed.

What are Swedish massages good for?

Whole-body relaxation, easing day-to-day tension, supporting circulation and comfortable movement. They can complement recovery alongside regular exercise and help you unwind during busy periods.

What not to do during a massage?

Try not to hold your breath or tense against pressure — let your therapist know what feels comfortable. Please share any injuries, conditions or preferences so we can tailor safely to you.

Have a complex medical history (recent surgery, active infection, clotting disorders, unstable cardiovascular conditions), or are pregnant? Please mention this at booking — we’ll guide you to the safest option and may request clinical advice where appropriate.