Common Massage Terminology And Questions Flashcards
Client History
- Information about contraindicated conditions is requested.
- Attempt to ascertain client need.
- Case history related to surgery, illness, or injury
Appropriate Attire
Clothing and shoes are neat, clean, and practical for the practice or massage therapy.
Hygiene
- Hands washed and clean
- fingernails cut short
- hair away from face
Contact
- Establishment and conclusion of touch.
- Secure and consistent contact
Application of Lubricant
- Evenly spread
- Right amount using taking body hair into consideration
- type of lubricant appropriate for body part
- hands warmed
Effleurage
- Gliding hands with long, even strokes over the surface of the body
- Applied with the palms of two hands, palm of one hand, ball of thumb, pads of finger tips or knuckles
Petrissage
- Kneading, pressing, rolling and squeezing
- pulling the muscle away from the bone
- applied with one hand, 2 hands, 2 thumbs, or thumb and finger
Friction
- Small circular movements with the tips of the fingers, the thumb, or the heel of the hand
- Small, flat ellipsoids are described with penetrate into the depth of the tissue, not moving the fingers on the skin, but by moving the tissues under the skin
- can be done cross fiber (Cyriax) or parallel to the muscle fibers (storms)
- on a scale of 1 to 10, pressure should be 6 to 7
Vibration
- Performed by placing hands or fingers on body and applying trembling, pressing movement
- Shaking is a variation, but coarser in degree.
- Performed by grasping the muscle belly and gently shaking it back and forth.
Percussive Techniques (Tapotement)
-Rapid striking of the body with the hands or fingers.
-Performed any of the following ways:
*Hacking - using ulnar border of the hand
*Tapping - uses finger tips
*Clapping or cupping - uses open surface of cupped palms
*Beating - uses ulnar surface of a closed hand
*Slapping - using anterior surface of fingers
Stretches
- Any slow, sustained stretch of a muscle group.
- gentle and within the client’s limits of flexibility
- No bouncing
- tense-relax techniques may be included.
Joint Mobilization
- Any slow movement of a joint through its range of motion.
- Stabilization of the joint must be provided
Tableside Manner
- Ability to put client at ease, self-confidence, professional demeanor
Body Mechanics
- Appropriate use of the body through maximum efficiency with minimum strain
- proper use of leverage and strength.
Pressure
- Appropriate for body part
- understands how to work into deep pressure gradually
- ability to monitor client reaction to pressure
Rythm/Pacing
- Includes continuity of flow
- variation between techniques
- transitions between body parts,
- appropriate pace for body part
- ability to judge pace for completion of work in time allotted
Sequence
- Logical Sequencing of strokes
- General to specific and back to general.
- Strokes toward heart
Specificity
- Ability to address specific client need
- Understanding of theraputic options
Table Mechanics
- Knowledge of draping (no exposure of breasts, genitals, or gluteal cleavage/ability to manipulate sheets and towels with ease and proficiency)
- Skill in changing client position, using pillows, towels, and bolstering devices
Therapeutic Effectiveness
- Overall expertise
- Ability to meet individual client’s needs
1) Doc
Are you under a doctor’s care? if yes, explain.
2) Meds
Are you taking any medications? if yes, explain.
3) Illness
Have you had any recent illness?
4) Injuries
What injuries have you had?
5) Stress
Where do you hold your stress?
6) Focus
Where do you want me to focus my attention today?
7) Allergies
Are you allergic to any oils, nuts, or fragrances?
8) Goals
Is this for relaxation (slow) or for increased energy (fast)/ What is your goal for this session?
9) Pressure
Do you want a light or deep pressure massage?
10) Comfort
Let me know, at any time, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason.
(pressure, area of body, temperature, music, scents)
11) Pregnant
Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?
12) Exercise
Do you exercise, what type, how often?
13) Massage
When was your last massage? / Have you ever received massage before?
