I practice from home in a room that is elegant, serene and silent. My professional massage table is covered by a gauze material, which is hygienic and disposable, as well as fresh clean towels for each new client. The massage generally takes between an hour to an hour and a quarter, but may be extended if there are problems that need alleviation. Music maybe used during the massage to enhance atmosphere, but if not desirable then silence may be kept.

The massage, known as Swedish Massage Therapy - the most widely recognised and commonly used category is predominately used, although a variety of strokes and pressure may be incorporated. The massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotment (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fibre or with the fibres) and vibration/shaking.

Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. The development of Swedish massage is often inaccurately credited to Per Henrick Ling, although the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger applied the French terms to name the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Elsewhere the style is referred to as "classic massage". Clinical studies report that Swedish Massage can effectively reduce low back pain and the effectiveness can last for as long as 15 weeks. One study reported that Swedish Massage caused reduction in salivary cortisol indicating its role in management of stress and improvement in mood. However, it should be made clear that a massage therapy is a complement to practical medical healthcare and not a cure.