Swedish massage is very similar to sports and therapeutic massage and incorporates the majority of massage stokes such as effluerage, perttrisage, friction and tapotement (percussive) strokes. Although skill levels vary between practitioners, in general training in Swedish massage focuses less on the therapeutic treatment of ailments compared to therapeutic or sports massage, however it can be beneficial for back pain, muscular tension and a wide range of conditions. Swedish massage can be both relaxing and invigorating.