Final answer:
Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physiologist and fencing master, is credited with the development of Swedish massage. Ling established the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute where he developed 'Medical Gymnastics' which evolved into what we know today as Swedish massage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inventor credited with the development of Swedish massage is Per Henrik Ling. Ling, a Swedish physiologist, and fencing master, established the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Sweden in the early 19th century. He developed a system of gymnastics that included movements performed by a therapist called 'Medical Gymnastics' which later became known as Swedish massage.
Ling's techniques were focused on enhancing physical health and involved manipulations that are similar to the ones used in modern Swedish massage. These include rubbing, kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending, and stretching. While some aspects of this massage may have been influenced by earlier techniques, it is Ling's systematic approach and its subsequent teaching at his institute that solidified its reputation and widespread adoption.