Cross Friction

Question 1

Designed for…

Answer 1

Tendons
Tendon sheaths
Ligaments
Muscles (origins/insertions)
Subcutaneous tissues

Question 2

Useful for…

Answer 2

treating localized, chronic musculoskeletal lesions
Mobilizing scar tissue secondary to fibrositis or trauma
Reputation for being painful to the patient
After several minutes of treatment can be little to no pain
Producing pain is well-known technique for the treatment of chronic pain associated with myofascial pain syndromes
Painful response triggers resolution of chronic inflammation

Question 3

Types

Answer 3

Transverse

Circular

Question 4

Transverse Friction

Answer 4

index finger reinforced by middle finger placed on top

Always at right angles to the long axis of the fibers

Series of short, deep strokes

Fingers do not move across the skin!

5-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week

Question 5

Circular Friction

Answer 5

Tripod

Fingers close together

Pressure is applied obliquely into the tissues before beginning the movement and then very small circles

Going deeper with each successive circle

Pressure is release gradually and fingers lifted and moved to an adjacent area

Commonly performed along paraspinal muscles

Fingers do not move across the skin!

5-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week

Question 6

Keys to Correct Cross Friction Massage

Answer 6

Pressure applied to exactly the correct spot

Accurate localization of lesions is essential

Structure treated muscle be placed on full stretch

Fingertips and skin must move together on deeper tissues

Movement must be at right angles to the direction of the fibers

Movements must have sufficient depth

Start light and increase gradually

To be effective, must cover a sufficient area surrounding the lesion as well