Massage Techniques

Question 1

purpose of retrograde massage

Answer 1

decrease edema in effected area following acute trauma to area

Question 2

when to do retrograde massage

Answer 2

following injury that has resulted in edema

Question 3

how to perform retrograde massage

Answer 3

begin distal and massage proximal with a continuous, firm motion

Question 4

purpose of Hand Manual Edema Mobilization (MEM)

Answer 4

• decrease edema following acute trauma, post surgery, or stroke
• gently stimulates lymphatic system to facilitate flow of edema from area

Question 5

when to use MEM

Answer 5

thick, spongy, slow to rebound when pitted edema

Question 6

how to perform MEM

Answer 6

light proximal to distal, than distal to proximal massage of the skin done in segments

Question 7

contraindications for MEM

Answer 7

infection
blood clot
cancer
CHF
acute wound healing
renal failure/kidney disease
primary lymphedema

Question 8

purpose of Manual lymphatic drainage

Answer 8

congested lymph is moved to a healthy functioning lymphatic quadrant
-requires special training

Question 9

when to use manual lymph drainage

Answer 9

removal or damage to lymph nodes and/or lymphatic structures, resulting in blockage of fluid

Question 10

how to perform manual lymph drainage

Answer 10

begin with light manipulation proximal to edema, which creates a suctioning effect

Question 11

purpose of friction massage

Answer 11

maintain mobility of structures with respect to adjacent tissues
increase extensibility of structure under normal loading conditions

Question 12

when to use friction massage

Answer 12

chronic conditions of soft tissues, usually tendons, ligaments, or muscles

Question 13

contraindications of friction massage

Answer 13

acute symptoms should be resolved before beginning friction massage

Question 14

how to perform friction massage

Answer 14

1. pad of fingers/thumb directly over site of lesion
2. skin over lesion is moved back and forth, in a direction perpendicular to the fibers being targeted
3. therapist uses light pressure at first and gradually increases pressure as time goes on
   - patient may feel discomfort at first, but should subside after a few minutes
   - if discomfort does not subside after a few minutes, massage should be discontinued

Question 15

normal side effects of friction massage

Answer 15

skin or soft tissue tenderness

muscle soreness

Question 16

how long should a friction massage last

Answer 16

5-6 minutes for first session

gradually increase time each session up to 12-15 min

Question 17

typical dx friction massage is used for

Answer 17

medial and lateral epicondylitis
Dequiervain’s tendonitis
shoulder tendonitis

Question 18

purpose of scar massage

Answer 18

maintain mobility of structures with respect to adjacent tissue
promote normal orientation of fibers

Question 19

indications for scar massage

Answer 19

scar tissue, once tissue is well healed

Question 20

how to perform scar massage

Answer 20

deep massage directly to site of lesion in a direction perpendicular to fiber orientation

Question 21

purpose of elastomere

Answer 21

decrease development of scar tissue

Question 22

when to use elastomere

Answer 22

when scar massage alone is not enough; often used in conjunction with scar massage

Question 23

kinesiotape used to address

Answer 23

pain
edema
assist in muscle function
improve joint function