Massage Technique Categorization

Question 1

What broad categories are there within ACTM’s massage curriculum?

Answer 1

Superficial Reflex Techniques
Superficial Fluid Techniques
Percussive Techniques
Connective Tissue Techniques
Neuromuscular Techinques
Passive Movement Techniques

Question 2

What techniques consist of the superficial reflex category?

Answer 2

Superficial Stroking (soothing and stimulating)
Static Contact
Vibrations (fine, coarse, running)

Question 3

What techniques consist of the superficial fluid category?

Answer 3

Superficial Effleurage (unilateral, bilateral, reinforced, short stroke, half-circles, and alternating)
Superficial Lymphatic Drainage

Question 4

What techniques consist of the percussive category?

Answer 4

Tapotement
Light - pincement, tapping, point hacking
Moderate - slapping/clapping, cupping, light hacking
Heavy - heavy hacking, beating, pounding,

Question 5

What techniques consist of the connective tissue category?

Answer 5

Skin Rolling
Friction (cross-fiber)
Direct Fascial Technique
Myofascial Release

Question 6

What techniques consist of the neuromuscular category?

Answer 6

Petrissage (C-scoops, kneadings [specific with digits, and general with palm/deep effleurage], wringing, and muscle squeezing)
Broad-Contact Compression
Specific Compression
Muscle Stripping

Question 7

What techniques consist of the passive movement category?

Answer 7

Rhythmical Mobilization
Shaking (soothing and stimulating)
Rocking (shoulders to greater trochanter)