General Principles Flashcards
Massage as a Modality
Form of manual therapy utilized to bring about physical, physiological, and sometimes psychological changes.
PTs/ATs traditionally perform therapeutic massage versus recreational massage.
Therapuetic Vs. Recreational
Reactional - The use of a variety of manual techniques designed to relieve stress, promote relaxation and general wellnessin a person who has no definable health problem.
Therapuetic - use of a variety of manual techniques designed to promote stress relief and relaxation, mobilize various structures, relieve pain and swelling, prevent deformity and promote functional independence in a person who has a specific health problem.
Why Massage?
- Foundation for principles of touch and palpation
- Foundation for principles of draping and client handling
- Gateway modality
- Effective intervention
General Effects of Massage on Cardiovascular System
Circulation - Dilation of superficial vessels via local reflexes. Increase in Stroke Volume via promotion of venous return. Decrease incidence of DVT via decrease in blood viscosity and hematocrite.
Edema - Increases lymph flow via mechanical pressure.
General Effects of Massage on Connective Tissue
Decreases pain and improves tissue mobility
Cyriax Friction -
Traumatic hyperemia
Prevents/Disrupts adhesions
Temporary analgesia
Traumatic Hyperemia
Traumatize Connective Tissue
Temporary Analgesia
Temporary Numbing
General Effects of Massage on Muscle Tissue
Decrease muscle spasm
Decreases muscle hypertension
General Effects of Massage on Nervous System
Decreases pain, possibly via the Gate Theory of Pain and via an increase an opiate production.
Clinical Indications for Massage
Pain
Edema
Muscle Spasms
Trigger Points
Insufficiencies of Circulation
Contracted Tissue
Specific or General Tension
Contraindications for Massage
*contraindications may be absolute or relative in this course*
Severe Distress (severe pain, febrile state)
Systemic Edema
Acute Conditions (0-48hrs)
Over recent Surgery
Increased circulation is not desired
Contagious skin condition
Over foreign bodies or sharp bony prominences
Over areas of active bone growth (fracture healing)
Over areas of decreased sensation
Tuberculosis Diagnosis
Ovr pregnant Abdomen
Considerations before Massage
Is massage indicated
Is massag contraindicated
Is the patient Agreeable
How are you going to proceed (technique, position,drape,duration)
Role of Touch
Interaction is both physical and psychological
Helps you to identify the patient’s state
Touch can communicate your state of being
Positioning of Patient
Support given to natural joint curvatures
Limbs should be elevateds to allow gravity to assist (when possible) with circulation.
Patient should not be holding/supporting any part of themselves
above all else, the patient should be comfortable.
Table Height
Is usually between therapists wrist and fingers
