Massage Techniques Flashcards
What are the goals of massage therapy
enhance tone and tissue extensibility
increases blood flow (deep) increases cutaneous temperature (deep)
What does massage effects
- nervous
- muscular
- circulatory
- lymphatic
What are GENERAL PRINCIPLES of massages
- Start superficial, and then go deep… this warms up area/tissue, increase blood flow and extensibility before going deeper
- start non-specific and then become more specific
- end with general/broad strokes … this helps relax the patient and increase blood flow
What are the Benefits of Effleurage
- Warms tissues due to mild erythema,
decreases pain, reduces muscle tension - slow technique - no more than 15 strokes
per minute
How to do Petrissage (fancy term for kneading/pinching)
- Grasp the skin and underlying muscle tissue while applying cross-fibre stroking or stretching
- Alternating traction, squeezing and relaxing of a localized mass of tissue between thumb and fingers
What are the Benefits of Petrissage (hands in a C position or crab hands)
- Improves tissue fluid exchange and vascularity
- reduces swelling and fluid accumulation
- creates hyperemia
- improves elasticity and contractility of connective tissue
- Decreases muscle tone via spindle cells and golgi tendon receptors
- may break adhesions
ROULOMONT (aka skin rolling)
- lifts the skin away from the fascia surfaces underneath
- similar to petrissage but you are only pulling the skin
- Warms and softens superficial fascia
Tapotement can be done with finger tips, tools, palms etc.
- tapping or vibration applied rapidly to the soft tissue… hand in knife position and perform the chop chop
i.e. in movies - Applied perpendicular to the muscle fibres, 8-10 sinusoidal vibrations per second
- Produces reflexive physiologic effects in 2-5 mins
- Hyperaemia, improved muscle tonicity (the state of tension or contraction in muscles when they are at rest. “Improved muscle tonicity” suggests that the stimulus leads to a positive change in the resting tension of muscles, possibly resulting in enhanced muscle function or readiness),reflex stimulation of cutaneous receptors (Cutaneous receptors are sensory receptors located in the skin that respond to stimuli such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. “Reflex stimulation” indicates that the stimulus triggers a quick, automatic response in these receptors, leading to sensory feedback or reactions)
Benefits of Transvere Friction
- side to side or small circular movements
- moves skin over subcutaneous tissues and muscle
- Lubricant is usually avoided because you are trying to move the tissue under the skin
- Performed over ligaments or myofascial lesions
- Stretches/releases adhesions
- Reduces edema
- Reduces fibrosis
- Disperses pathologic deposits
- Reduces pain
- Reduces muscle spasms
Benefits of Transverse Friction
- vigorous friction applied across the
treated tissue - breaks up adhesions, encourages absorption of exudates
- Creates a controlled inflammatory response, causes heat and redness through histamine release and increased circulation*need to consider pt tolerance as it’s not
overly comfortable
Risk Factors of Mobilization
- Exacerbation of symptoms with overuse
- Muscle soreness or fatigue from introducing new movement
- Joint instability for people with pre-existing joint issues
Rationale:
This involves gradually increasing the intensity of movement or exercise. The rationale behind the risks associated with graded mobilization includes the exacerbation of symptoms with overuse, such as increased pain or discomfort due to pushing the body beyond its current capacity. Muscle soreness or fatigue can also occur when introducing new movements, especially if the muscles are not accustomed to the specific actions.
Risk Factors of Stretching
- Delayed onset muscle soreness
- Muscle or tendon injury – can cause strain
- Joint instability for people with pre-existing joint issues
- Overstretching or strain
Rationale: Stretching aims to improve flexibility and range of motion but can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) due to microscopic damage to muscle fibers. Overstretching or straining during stretching exercises can also cause muscle or tendon injuries, particularly if done improperly or too aggressively. People with pre-existing joint issues may experience joint instability or exacerbation of symptoms with stretching.
Risk Factors of Traction/Distraction
- Joint hypermobility or laxity with overuse
- Potential muscle strain
- Exacerbation of symptoms with overuse
Rationale: This technique involves gently pulling or separating joint surfaces to relieve pressure and improve mobility. However, overuse can lead to joint hypermobility or laxity, potentially causing joint strain. Muscle strains may also occur, especially if traction is applied too forcefully.
Risk of Strain-counterstrain
- Exacerbation of symptoms with overuse
- Temporary soreness or discomfort
Rationale: This technique aims to reduce muscle spasms and pain by positioning the body in a relaxed state. However, overuse can lead to exacerbation of symptoms, such as increased pain or discomfort. Temporary soreness or discomfort may also occur after the procedure.
Risk of Myofascial Release
- Bruising or skin irritation due to pressure
- Temporary increases in pain
- Soreness
Rationale: Myofascial release techniques target the fascia (connective tissue) to improve mobility and reduce pain. Risks include bruising or skin irritation from pressure, temporary increases in pain, and exacerbation of symptoms, particularly if the techniques are applied too aggressively.
