Swedish Massage is the most commonly practiced form of massage in the United States. It is characterized by its long, gliding strokes (called effleurage), its "kneading" strokes (called petrissage), and its tapping movements (called tapotement). It also includes active and passive movements of the joints.

Swedish massage promotes relaxation, improves circulation and flexibility, and reduces muscle tension.

Per Henrik Ling (1776-1830) is generally credited with the invention of Swedish Massage. He proposed a program including both active and passive movements, and massage for treatment of disease.

This system, originally called the Swedish Movement Cure, used many of the positions and movements of Swedish gymnastics. The Swedish Movement Cure spread quickly throughout Europe, and various institutes were established outside of Sweden. The Swedish Movements were introduced to the U.S. in 1856.

It is said that Swedish Massage is the foundation on which other Western massage techniques are based.