manual skills effleurage/stroking

Question 1

effleurage

Answer 1

USE – 
Used early to spread oil
It can introduce the therapist’s touch
Palpation of temperature, tone and texture are incorporated
Prepares tissues for deeper techniques
Transition stroke
Used to complete massage in an area

Question 2

effects of effleurage

Answer 2

EFFECTS –
Effects vary depending on the depth, rate and rhythm
If less pressure is used, it tends to have a reflexive effect on circulation and if more pressure is applied, it will have more of a mechanical effect
Increases local venous and lymphatic return to reduce edema
A slow rate can have a sedative effect
A quick rate can be stimulating.

Question 3

indications

Answer 3

Edema
Hypertoned muscles (muscle tension)
Poor or sluggish circulation
Prevention of fibrosis
Palpable assessment tool of an area
Introductory technique
Indicated when disrobing may not be appropriate (patient is fully dressed for their treatment)

Question 4

precautions

Answer 4

Not used distal to an area of inflammation
Acute injury or infection
Not used over skin lesions (covered or uncovered)
Hypertension (uncontrolled)
Heart disease
Over varicose veins or edema caused by a thrombus in a vein

Question 5

technique

Answer 5

Performed with soft hands molding to the contours of the body
Pressure applied is broad and general
It is applied smoothly, using a light to moderate depth; the depth varies depending on the patient’s condition
A lighter pressure is used if patient is in poor health
A long stroke covering the length of the patient’s limb or thorax
Direction is towards the heart with venous return

Question 6

stroking

Answer 6

LIGHT STROKING –
The palms and fingers move lightly over area of body without pressure, in any direction, as long as that direction is maintained. It can be applied as single hand, double, alternating double, or with fingertips

DEEP STROKING –
Even, rhythmical movements applied with palms or fingers with deep pressure down toward the underlying structures in the direction of venous flow. It can be applied as single hand, reinforced single hand, double, alternating double, or with the fingertips

KNUCKLE STROKING –
Even, rhythmical movements applied with the dorsal surface between the distal and proximal inter-phalangeal joints. The pressure is released at the apex of the stroke and the contact is broken bringing the knuckle to the start of the stroke once again. It can be applied as single hand, reinforced single hand, double, or alternating double.

Question 7

light and deep

Answer 7

LIGHT STROKING
primarily reflex effects offers stimulation of cutaneous sensory neurons, minimal mechanical effects occur

DEEP STROKING
fluid exchange at cutaneous levels
a- increases local and cutaneous circulation, compression of the tissue empties venous beds, lowers venous pressure and increases capillary flow
b- Increase interstitial fluid exchange increases nutrient supply to the area of application increases waste removal from area of applicationc- Increases relaxation and elongates hypertoned muscle fibers – significant pressure or stretch to any tight or hypertoned muscle fibers may elicit a response from small organs within the muscle structures (Golgi Tendon Organ & Muscle Spindles)

Question 8

use

Answer 8

Is often used as an introductory or closing technique.
Application at the end of a massage, stroking from head to feet can create an awareness and sense of connection of the entire body (light stroking)
Temperature differences can be palpated with stroking, differences in tone can be palpated depending on the amount of pressure used
It is also used as a transition stroke, or used to maintain connection to the body while transitioning to another part, or maneuvering around the massage table

Question 9

effects

Answer 9

Generally, repetitive stroking is considered to be a soothing technique that decreases sympathetic nervous system firing and reduces pain perception (Rattray – p-21)
It tends to have a reflexive effect on the circulatory system because of the lightness of pressure (for light stroking) (Rattray – p-21

Question 10

indications

Answer 10

Edema
Hypertoned muscles (muscle tension)
Poor or sluggish circulation
Prevention of fibrosis
Palpable assessment tool of an area
Introductory technique 
Indicated when disrobing may not be appropriate (patient wants to remain fully clothes for their treatment)

Question 11

precautions

Answer 11

Hyperaesthesia

All local and general CI’s (Refer to list given

Question 12

technique

Answer 12

Light Stroking
the palmar surface of the hand and fingers are used
the pressure is applied equally through the entire surface of the hand and fingers
Technique is applied superficially, tissues are not compressed
May be performed with short movements
Not necessary to use oil
Can be applied above the sheets