Kneading

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A compressive petrissage movement applied with the palms, thumbs, fingertips, or knuckles. This technique is applied in a short, rhythmical, unidirectional circular motion with alternate pressure and release. Pressure is applied on the upstroke of the circle and released on the downstroke of the circle. The technique is compressed towards the underlying structures with hands, fingers molded to the body part being treated

Question 2

Kneading techniques

Answer 2

Palmar
Thumb
Fingertip
Open C
Knuckle

Question 3

Uses

Answer 3

• Decrease muscle hypertonicity
• Increase peristalsis when applied directly to the colon
• General mobilization of muscle and soft tissue
• Increase local circulation
• Promote relaxation

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

• Adhered muscles and fascia
• Atonic constipation (fingertip kneading along descending, transverse and ascending colon)
• Non acute digestive disorders (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s)
• Hypertoned muscles
• (same as petrissage)

Question 5

Effects

Answer 5

• Can indirectly help maintain/improve muscle tone through reflex effects on motor nerves
• Decreases and realigns fibrous thickenings and adhesions in conditions of overuse or traumatic injury
• Reduces muscular pain due to ischemia and build of metabolic by products by increasing local tissue circulation
• Reflexively decreases muscle hypertonicity
• Releases adhered muscle tissue
• Sedating/stimulating effect on the nervous system depending on the rate at
which applied
• Stretches muscle and connective tissue fibres
• Tissues can become more elastic, therefore it can help maintain/increase range
of motion
• When applied to the colon may mechanically help move intestinal contents and
reflexively stimulates peristalsis (wave of contraction of the colon) when applied to the abdomen

Question 6

CI’s

Answer 6

• All general and local
• Bony prominences (eg. sacrum, scapula, spinous processes, clavicle etc…)
• Severely atrophied or atonic muscles

Question 7

The four S’s

Answer 7

Slow, Small, Specific and Circular

Question 8

Pressure is applied on the

Answer 8

Upward stroke of the circle

Question 9

Contact is

Answer 9

Continuous

Question 10

Open C uses

Answer 10

• Decrease edema
• General mobilization of muscle and soft tissue
• Increase local circulation