Friction

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A repetitive, non-gliding technique where a specific contact, such as the fingertips or thumb, is used to penetrate dense connective tissue and produce small movements between the fibres

Question 2

Frictions are

Answer 2

small longitudinal, transverse or circular movements that involve moving a specific segment of tissue towards the underlying structure. No gliding takes place over the skin. The frictions are small, 1⁄4 inch, one directional movements

Question 3

Uses

Answer 3

• Decrease fibrous adhesions
• Increase tissue mobility and extensibility
• Reduce joint restriction
• Restore and maintain tissue mobility in conditions of chronic tendonitis, sub-acute or chronic ligamentous sprains
• Restore tissue blood supply

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

• Decreased ROM at the joint
• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• Tendinopathies (tendonitis, tenosynovitis)
• Tissue adhesions
• Scars

Question 5

Effects

Answer 5

• Increase efficiency of local blood and fluid exchange thus increasing tissue repair
• Maintain or increase the extensibility of connective tissue
• Reduces the restrictive effects of adhesive tissue and/or scar tissue
• analgesia
• Break up adhesions or minimalize the rough surfaces between tendons and their synovial sheaths

Question 6

CI’s

Answer 6

• All general and local CI’s
• Conditions of acute inflammation where the condition is too painful to be touched
and accompanied by severe swelling, redness and heat
• Hypersensitivity (patient’s tolerance to treatment)
• Local infections, contagious skin conditions, tumours, cysts, severe varicose
veins
• Medications (eg. anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory or analgesics)

Question 7

Principle of massages

Answer 7

Superficial to deep

Question 8

Pressure should never be released

Answer 8

Suddenly

Question 9

Application of technique

Answer 9

Using index finger with middle finger reinforcing. Applied in circular, longitudinal, or cross fibre direction to the muscle and or tendon fibres.

Question 10

If the pain increases you should

Answer 10

Not apply deeper pressure and/or discontinue with the treatment

Question 11

How long should frictions last

Answer 11

5 or more minutes or when inflammatory response is noted

Question 12

How long is it normal for patients to feel soreness for

Answer 12

About 24-36 hours

Question 13

The application of this technique should primarily come from

Answer 13

The hands

Question 14

How should friction be applied

Answer 14

Small, 1/4inch #1’s, slowly, be specific, 1 directionally, not a back/forth motion.

Question 15

Hand placement for ischial tuberosity

Answer 15

Reinforced fingertip

Question 16

Hand placement for supraspinatus

Answer 16

Circular thumb kneading