Massage Techniques

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

This chapter will not only serve to familiarize you with the specific strokes and variations of techniques to be used when you massage an animal, but it will also challenge you to look at the many aspects involved in providing such a service to your community.

You will need to understand the importance of establishing and observing both a scope of practice and a code of ethics in relations to your interaction with animals and their guardians. This will help to dictate how you present yourself and how your organize each session. Even if you do not intend to use these new skills in a professional capacity, you will want to learn how to properly assess an animal in its environment and make reasonable decisions about how massage will be useful in their care and management.

I have always felt that the success of the therapist is dependent on their ability to make accurate assessments and then tailor their session around the needs of the animal on that given day and time. Each massage session should be unique because the body is such a dynamic system that’s its needs are never identical from session to session. Your studies will stress the importance of the many assessment tools at your disposal (palpation, observation, conformation, gait analysis, health history, range of motion testing…). The various strokes and techniques that you learn will be described in terms of their effects on the body and their proper application. Devising a proper massage plan based on your findings will be discussed at length.

What you will not find in these materials is a preordained series of steps to follow when providing a massage or a recipe for a specific massage routine. While these may have merit for the most basic use of massage or for massaging your own pets for fun, they do not provide the type of precision and deductive reasoning truly needed to provide a high standard of massage that directly addresses the needs and concerns of each individual. Therefore, a significant part of your studies will be the development of a wide range of massage tools and techniques that you can combine in any number of ways based on your assessments to provide massage to the very best of your ability.

Question 2

Preparing for the Massage Session

Answer 2

Before initiating the massage session, you will need to assess the environment and make some adjustments for the safety of both your patient and yourself. Because the session may be taking place at the guardian’s home, a clinical setting, or at an outdoor event you will find it valuable to gather some materials for use during on-site massages. You may be providing massage on a low table or on the ground and may want to provide some sort of padding. Some therapists carry their own table in the form of a professional grooming table or massage table.

Question 3

Helpful Items to Have with You

Answer 3

• A rubber mat can be used to provide a flat, non-slip surface or to protect a table from nail punctures. A yoga mat, bathtub mat or rubber-backed carpet mat are good examples.
• A soft dog bed can be placed on top of the rubber mat to encourage the dog to relax and find a comfortable position. You may use the dog’s own bed or a clean bed. Do not use the same bed for multiple dogs without cleaning it or using a protective cloth cover for each dog to avoid transmitting irritants (fleas, dander, skin conditions, etc.)
• You may choose to carry nail clippers and a small pair of trimming scissors to remove matted material from the coat or trim back cracked or torn nails. If you trim nails, be sure to carry a styptic stick or powder in case of bleeding. Attempt nail clipping and trimming only when properly trained.
• A dog brush is useful not only in removing dirt and debris prior to massage, but it may be a positive way to initiate contact through a familiar ritual.
• A short lead to secure the dog, if necessary, particularly in a distracting environment.
• Acceptable treats. Be sure to use a bland treat that is naturally made without unnecessary preservative. Always ask the guardian before offering a treat to any dog.
• Alcohol wipes or baby wipes can be used to clean up little messes (urine, drool, etc.) and to clean your hands between animals. Nolvasan® is a commercial bacteriostatic that can be useful in cleaning your mat, table, and equipment between dogs.
• Acceptable toy for use in engaging and rewarding the dog.

Question 4

Important Guidelines

Answer 4

• Avoid reaching over the top of a dog to provide massage and keep your face and upper body a safe distance to avoid being bitten.
• Never try to force any animal to receive a massage.
• Observe the animal’s reactions throughout the massage and modify the massage as needed for comfort and safety.
• Never massage directly on an open wound or skin infection.
• Never massage a dog who is exhibiting signs of shock or fever.
• Never massage directly over a suspicious lump.
• Never diagnose or prescribe treatment for any condition. Suggest appropriate veterinarian care whenever appropriate.

Question 5

Initial Health Intake

Answer 5

Overview
An important part of every session is the gathering of information and the use of the information in creating a plan of action. The initial health intake includes information from the following sources:

• Initial contact with the guardian
• Initial observations of the location
• Initial observations of the dog

Guardian Contact
When you first make contact with a client, you should gather data. This will often be during a phone call or a meeting at an event and the pet may or may not be present. It is rarely difficult to encourage a guardian to talk about their pet. You may want to jot down a few notes at this time, but be careful not to let extraneous information cloud your judgment or lead you to conclusions at this point.

• Name of the client
• Client’s address
• Client’s contact telephone numbers
• The name of the dog
• Some history about the animal • The dog’s recent activity

Set an Appointment Date and Time Set an appointment to meet the client and pet and be ready at that time to conduct a more thorough health intake.

Collect other information that may be useful to you.

• Veterinarian’s name and contact information • Trainer’s name and contact information

Collect a detailed history of the dog:

• Age • Temperament • Habits • Diet • Medical history

On the pages to follow, we have included a sample of a health intake form that you may choose to adopt for your initial health intake. This is a more complete intake that is useful for your first contact with a guardian. For subsequent sessions, the subjective area provided on the SOAP chart should suffice for any new or additional information required.

For your information we have also included a few health intakes that have been completed. They will match with the examples provided for the SOAP charts included later in this section

Question 6

Facility Visit

Answer 6

If you provide massage at your client’s home remember to be respectful of being invited into their home. You must be sure to respect the culture that has been created in this space and work within the social structure. Naturally you should never participate in activities that you deem unsafe or unethical. Be aware, however, that there are many ways that people care for their pets. It is important for you to be observant. This will make your job easier, gain the respect of your client, and save the pet any confusion.

Below is a list of things to look for when visiting a new client:

1. Observe how the home is organized when you enter. • Are pets restricted to one or more areas of the home? • Where is the food and water located? • Are there multiple pets? • Are there beds in the area where you will massage?
2. How are things organized in your immediate area? • You may need to move small furniture or accents. • Be sure that when you finish working you return everything to its proper place or at least to where it was when you began.
3. Is something unclear to you? • Always ask! Never assume!
4. Do not feed treats without permission. • Many people feel that hand feeding leads to biting and others have their dogs on a very specific diet and do not appreciate extra treats, even if their pets do!
5. When scheduling an appointment try to find a time that works best for you and your client. • Good times are after the pet has had some exercise. • Try to avoid busy days, feeding time, or during the active times like when members of the family are arriving home from school or work.
6. As a pet lover and massage practitioner, you may occasionally see practices with which you do not agree. • You may also notice a dog being trained or behaving in a way that is unfamiliar to you. • You are there as a massage practitioner and not as a trainer. It can be very tempting to give some helpful advice, but it is also a sure way to become an unwelcome presence. • If someone asks for your opinion, you will have to use discretion in choosing your answer. • Of course, cases of severe abuse or neglect are your responsibility to report if you have witnessed them.

Most importantly, treat all the people you meet the same way that you would treat their pets. Be respectful and compassionate without judgment. There are many other aspects of etiquette that could be discussed here, but we think the key rules to remember are:

! Always leave things as you found them. ! Never assume when you can ask. ! Be safe. ! Be respectful and compassionate

Question 7

Initial Contact with the Dog

Answer 7

We have already discussed how understanding the dog’s natural behavior can help us make that first contact positive and rewarding. In addition, it is crucial to develop acute skills of observation, so that information about the environment and the pet’s mannerisms can aid you in choosing the proper therapy.

Below is a list of things to look for when you first observe the pet:

1. Where does the pet spend most of its time? Is it an area that is relatively clean and safe?
2. Does the area have ample natural light and ventilation? Are the people or animals in the area affecting the pet’s behavior?
3. How is the dog standing the first time you observe him/her? Is the weight distributed evenly naturally?
4. Does the pet adopt a specific posture more often than not?
5. What is the general demeanor of the pet? (Sullen, anxious, peaceful, bored)
6. Does the pet show interest in your arrival?
7. What is the general appearance of the pet’s coat, eyes, and feet?
8. Surface dirt is not of consequence, but is the hair irregular, fish hooked, or dull?
9. Are the eyes warm and bright or rheumy? (A watery or thin mucous discharge.)
10. Are there any obvious injuries or scars?
11. Does the pet favor a limb or carry its head or neck to the side or downward?

Question 8

The Five Stages of a Massage

Answer 8

In every massage session, you will work your way through 5 stages.

1. Opening 2. Palpation 3. Body 4. Stretching 5. Closing

Question 9

The Five Stages of a Massage:

The Opening Stage

Answer 9

Opening is the time during which you allow the pet to greet you and you introduce yourself. This stage begins as soon as you enter the pet’s environment. The opening usually involves some initial touch to quiet the pet, engaging the nervous system, and encouraging a relaxation response.

Question 10

The Five Stages of a Massage:

The Palpation Stage

Answer 10

During the Palpation stage, you will use mild strokes to run your hands over the entire body of the pet with light pressure. This will serve several purposes. It will provide you with information about how comfortable the pet is with being touched, which areas they do not like to be touched, or which areas they are not accustomed to being touched. It will also allow the animal to understand your intention and to feel your touch over its entire body. Lastly, but most importantly, you will be feeling the general health of the body and the pets tissues run through your hands. This information will be used to make decisions for the next stage of the massage.

Question 11

How to Palpate

Answer 11

We looked at many of the ways to open a conversation with the pet in the chapter on Behavior and Handling. Now, let’s take a closer look at palpation.

Assessing the pet’s overall muscular health is the essential first step to every successful massage session. In addition to providing information on the health of the tissue and areas of concern palpation familiarizes the pet with the massage practitioner, their touch, and the intent of the massage session.

You will gain invaluable information about where the pet is comfortable being touched and where it is not. While this cursory evaluation of the pet may not reveal all the elements of their discomfort it will allow you to formulate a massage plan. Further into the massage anything new can be accommodated. Having no massage plan at all is a waste of time and money and will not maximize the benefit of your massage work.

1. Using a flat hand and light pressure, run your hand(s) over the entire surface of the pet. It is usually best to start at the head, follow the line of the spinal column, sweep over the shoulder, belly and hindquarters, and then pass over each limb and along the stifle area.
2. Feel for heat, cold, swelling, contusions, spasm, tension, atrophy, or anything out of the ordinary. Notice the pet’s reaction to palpation. Also, compare left to right in terms of symmetry and tissue health. At this point, collect the information without judgment to get a clear picture.
3. After assessing the entire body you can return to areas of concern. Remember that once we initiate touch, we begin to influence change within the body. By the time you have touched the entire body you will have created change, so to get a true picture, examine the pet once in a deliberate manner and then return to reassess areas of concern.

Question 12

The Five Stages of a Massage:

The Body Stage

Answer 12

The body of the massage is the stage where we do most of our massage work. Based on your observations and palpation you will now select the strokes and techniques that will best suit that particular pet’s needs on that given day. It is critical that the body of your massage does not follow a rigid pattern or routine. Each pet will have a different set of needs each time you work on them. The body of your massage should be designed to meet those needs.

Question 13

The Five Stages of a Massage:

The Stretching Stage

Answer 13

After the body of the massage, it is generally beneficial to add stretching to help cement the work you have done for the nervous system, take the muscles to their full length, and restore good circulation to all parts of the body. If the animal is older, sick, or injured then you would modify the stretches or leave the stretching for a later time as you deemed appropriate.

Question 14

The Five Stages of a Massage:

The Closing Stage

Answer 14

Lastly, you will need to end the massage with the closing stage. The closing is similar to the opening in that you will use light strokes to reconnect all the aspects of the body and to leave the pet in a calm and relaxed place. Too abrupt of an ending could leave the pet feeling unresolved or confused.

It is also useful to keep a small notebook nearby to make notes to yourself or jot down questions you want to ask the owner later. This information is for your use only; it may or may not go into your record keeping.

Question 15

Conclusion

Answer 15

Now that we have looked at the five stages of the massage and have looked closely at palpation, we can start to make decisions about how to formulate a massage plan for the body of our massage and for the ongoing care of the pet. The Northwest School of Animal Massage has developed guidelines to help you decide whether a pet should be considered a candidate for massage based on a plan of maintenance, for enhancement of performance, or for the support of rehabilitation efforts.

Question 16

Massage Plan

Answer 16

Now you have a wealth of information on which to formulate a massage plan. You have the information gathered from the guardian (health intake), your assessment of the environment, your initial observation of the pet, and your initial palpation of the pet. Pause here to fill in any blanks or confirm information. As your skills improve, this entire process may only take the first five minutes of a session. In the beginning, however, do not attempt to rush the palpation stage.

Massaging without a plan or adequate information is inefficient, you will do more work than necessary with far less impact and you will soon become frustrated with your limited successes and exhausting efforts. Allow time for the process and the pets and their guardians will appreciate you and your massage work.

Before we begin learning the actual strokes and techniques used in small animal massage we should discuss when massage is used and how we can plan for the pet’s care.

Regardless of the type of massage you practice your work will fit into one of three categories.

! To maintain of a specific level of health and fitness ! To optimize performance potential ! To assist in rehabilitation from an injury or illness

When you see a pet for the first time you will gather a health history and observe the dog or cat. You will also need to make an assessment of the pet’s needs. Let’s look at each of these categories individually.

In this program we will focus on maintenance massage only. Our Level 200 program focuses on the advanced training needed for performance massage and our Level 300 program focuses on rehabilitation massage. Here, we will describe differences between the programs, so that you can identify how each is unique and specialized.

Massage provides constant monitoring. When a pet receives regular massages the massage practitioner develops a sense of what is normal for that particular pet and can quickly identify a new concern or developing problem often before it becomes a debilitating condition.

Question 17

Maintenance Massage

Answer 17

The maintenance massage is perhaps the most common type of massage and one of the most valuable. A massage practitioner could easily devote their entire practice to maintenance massage and not want for work.

Intent The intent of the maintenance massage is to help a healthy pet stay at a specific level of work for as long as possible and as safely as possible. Many pet may start out as a rehabilitation or performance case and progress to a point where maintenance massage is sufficient.

Primary Goal The primary goal of the maintenance massage is to: • Decrease muscular tension

Physical Benefits

• Decreased recovery time between workouts (removal of metabolic waste products) • Decreased post-workout discomfort (release of natural occurring endorphins) • Decreased chance of overuse/stress related injuries (lengthening muscle fibers) • Stimulation of lymphatic system (improved immune function) • Prevention of chronic conditions (regular monitoring and early detection)

Candidates The typical candidate for maintenance massage is any animal who has a regular routine or activity level. A maintenance massage is not the ideal choice for an animal asked to increase the amount or the difficulty of its work (performance) or for an animal that is debilitated in any way (rehabilitation).

• Companion animals • Healthy athletic animals • Geriatric pets • Working animals (scent dogs, police dogs, assistance dogs) in the normal course of duty.

Typical Maintenance Massage Schedule Maintenance massage programs are designed for individual’s needs and budgets. Maintenance massage is the most common and most valuable.

1 – 2 massage sessions per month

Question 18

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Circulatory System

Answer 18

• Encourages development of stronger cardiac muscle • Improves oxygen supply to the cells • Decreases blood pressure • Improves elimination of metabolic waste

Question 19

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Digestive System

Answer 19

• Relaxes the intestinal muscles • Stimulates peristalsis • Improves blood flow to the alimentary (digestive) tract • Stimulates liver and kidney function • Improves appetite

Question 20

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Muscular System

Answer 20

• Relaxes or stimulates muscles to relieve soreness, tension, stiffness, weakness • Mobilizes soft tissues • Improves joint flexibility • Improves elimination of metabolic waste

Question 21

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Nervous System

Answer 21

• Relieves pain • Stimulates motor nerves • Relieves restlessness and sleep disturbances • Improves proprioception

Question 22

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Respiratory System

Answer 22

• Improves respiration

Question 23

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Lymphatic System

Answer 23

• Drains stagnant lymph nodes • Stimulates movement of lymphatic fluid • Cleanses the body of metabolic waste

Question 24

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Integumenatry System (skin)

Answer 24

• Improves tone and elasticity of skin • Stimulates follicular oils and sebaceous glands • Improves quality of coat • Removes dead skin and lose hair

Question 25

Physiological Benefits of Massage:

Skeletal System

Answer 25

• Improves alignment of skeletal structures without force

Question 26

Documenting Your Session SOAP Charting

Answer 26

Now that you have gathered information, you need to organize it in a way that best serves you and your client. A therapist who keeps good records will have greater success with their clientele and be better positioned to assist their patients now and in the future.

We strongly recommend using charts for each session. A good chart contains the four basic S.O.A.P. elements:

Subjective Objective Action Plan

The best charts are one page and rely heavily on diagrams or pictures which are easily understood by you and others that may view them like the owner, the veterinarian, or the trainer. You may want to consider having carbonless, copy-type charts, so that a copy of the chart may be left with the guardian and this copy can also serve as an invoice. You would keep the original for your records. A good chart is a simple and professional way to communicate to your clients.

To record the information, you may choose to use notes written in longhand or you may adopt the accepted medical shorthand for charting. You may also choose to create your own abbreviations or codes that are specific to your work. Just be sure to take into consideration the people who may be using your charts for information like a veterinarian, trainer, the owner, etc.

Your method of record keeping should be specific to your audience and to your own preferences regarding paperwork. There are many different ways of SOAP charting. In this course, we will be using the method most commonly recognized in the massage profession. There are examples at the end of this section for you to use as a guide. We encourage you to practice this method during your studies, although in your own practice you may choose to adapt the style and forms to your own unique method.

Question 27

Parts of the SOAP Chart

Answer 27

Subjective The subjective section of your chart will include the information from your initial health intake (client information, basic animal information, veterinarian, trainer, use, etc.) Generally this is information that you get from the “subject” or owner and it is “subject” to opinion.

Objective The objective section of your chart will include your findings before and after palpation and throughout the session. Generally this information comes from you and is based on what you “observe”.

Action The action section of your chart includes the actual techniques you use to massage the animal and the results. (Some people prefer to call this the assessment section, which is acceptable. It is my feeling that my assessments are part of my observations and are included in the objective section).

Plan The plan section of your chart should describe your recommendations for future massage or any immediate actions the client should consider (stretches, icing, etc.). Always indicate when the next massage should be scheduled. This area can also include information on payment.

Question 28

SOAP Charting Key

Answer 28

The following is a key of abbreviations that you may use in charting your session based on medically accepted language. You may choose a different method that more closely fits your individual style, but please use this format for your class work or document your sessions in longhand.

Symbols

Ā, pre  before 
@  at 
~, ≈  approximate 
Ĉ, w/  with 
Δ  change 
↓  down, decrease 
↑  up, increasing 
=  equals 
< >  lesser than, greater than 
-  minus, negative 
\+  plus, positive 
Ø  no, none 
P (w/ line overhead)    post, after 
//  parallel 
/  per 
Š, w/o  without 
X  repetitions, also indicates adhesion 
///  hypertonicity (excessive tension) 
*  spasm 
®  right (a circle with an L would indicate left) 
•  tender point 
๑  trigger point 
P  (circled) indicates area of pain 

Additional symbols could include circling any area of concern on a figure or using a broken circle or sunburst pattern to indicate and area of swelling. And X in a circle would indicate an area that is contraindicated for massage or an area that you avoided during the session for some reason.

Question 29

Massage Overview

Answer 29

Massage strokes are essential tools we use to provide therapy to the animal. Having learned a great deal about our animal subjects we can now learn the common massage strokes and their effects.

The exercises will prepare you for the work we will do during the practicum. It is not necessary to master these strokes during your home-study. The majority of the time during the practicum will be dedicated to practicing the massage strokes presented here and learning specific techniques built upon these basic concepts.

The six classes of massage strokes are the foundation in traditional Swedish massage. As we learn each stroke, we will learn the physiological effects on the tissues and how the stroke can be used to create specific changes or reactions within the soft tissue structures.

Question 30

Massage:

Speed and Pressure

Answer 30

In nearly all cases, the speed and the pressure of the stroke can be modified to change the effect. For instance, slower strokes almost always produce a sedating or calming effect while rapid strokes tend to be stimulating or rejuvenating.

A light touch is perceived on a very high level by the nervous system, sometimes to the extent of being ticklish or hair-raising. Deeper pressures are often well tolerated because they tend to occupy or engage the nerve endings fully and allow for more physical change on the cellular level. Be aware however that deeper pressures are also more likely to create tissue damage if the application and location are not accurate. Furthermore, highly sensitized organisms like prey animals (rabbits) respond much more readily to light pressures than animals with a higher tolerance for touch (most canines).

The pressure you use to apply the strokes should always be approached from an ascending scale and then adjusted to suit the comfort of the animal and the response of the tissue. Start with the lightest of pressure and add to the firmness until you get a response from the animal or from the tissue. At this point you may choose to remain at that pressure or to lighten the pressure slightly so that your touch is just ahead or before the response. Excessive pressure should not be confused with deep pressure; one is abusive while the other is educated and directed.

In all cases, each animal is the best indicator of what is needed and tolerated and will vary dramatically from case to case or even session to session.

Question 31

The Three D’s of Massage

Answer 31

When determining how to make a stroke most effective for your client, bear in mind the Three D’s of massage:

! Depth ! Direction ! Duration

Depth
Depth as described can be the amount of pressure you determine is needed. It can also describe the level of the tissue you are intending to affect, such as a deep muscle or the deeper fascial layers.

Direction
Direction can be the way that you contact the skin or the manner in which you move the skin. You can use your hands, fingers, or arms to contact the skin at a direct 90 degree angle to produce an intense localized affect. Or you can slant the hand or fingers to approach the tissue from a 45 degree angle to create a more diffused sensation and create a sense of drag. Direction is also the way that you take the tissue; up, down, and in circles.

90 degrees = localized effect
45 degrees = diffused sensation and create a sense of drag

Duration
Duration is a critical and often overlooked aspect of the massage strokes. The amount of time you apply the massage stroke for and the rate at which you move through the tissue can create the most benefit. Slow steady frictions are more acceptable to the body that rapid ones. Taking the time needed until you feel the tissue respond by softening under your fingers or moving back to a state of freedom is one of the best rewards and it well worth the wait.

All massage is improved when the massage practitioner bears in mind that accuracy in palpation is the key to success and massage strokes should be constantly evaluated in terms of their depth, direction and duration.

Question 32

The Massage Strokes:

Passive Touch

Answer 32

Passive touch is sustained contact usually using the hand, fingers, or fingertips. The technique does not require movement or pressure. Passive touch can be used anytime during the massage, but is an excellent opening stroke. It can also be used during deeper techniques to calm the tissues in-between treatments, such as between trigger-point applications or in-between cross-fiber friction work.

Passive touch can be used during palpation to feel subtle differences in the tissue. It is also useful in creating a sense of calm and safety for a nervous or aggressive animal. Early sessions may consist of mostly passive touch, especially when an animal is unaccustomed to touch or has negative behaviors associated with touch.

Oftentimes, passive touch will be provided with one hand while the other hand or arm is applying another stroke elsewhere on the animal’s body. This provides an electrochemical grounding between you and the dog and will also alert you to movement or tension as it passes through the animal. It is good to keep a closed circuit between you and your client as much as possible.

Another powerful use of passive touch involves breath work. The steady hand pressure can be used to influence the breath of the animal and create a strong awareness of disruptive or ineffective breathing patterns, which is very common in confined and competitive animals.

Question 33

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Passive Touch

Answer 33

Here are some exercises you can use to practice passive touch and refine your skills:

1. Close your eyes and rest your hand on a piece of fabric. Try decreasing your touch pressure to the point where you just perceive the feel of the cloth. Repeat again with other textures and compare. Do some give off sensation earlier than others? What types of sensations do they create on your skin? Do this exercise again using different parts of your hands and arms. Are your palms more sensitive than your fingers? Do these items feel differently using the back of your hand versus the palm? Are certain parts of your hands and arms more sensitive to temperature, smoothness or surface tension?
2. Practice passive touch on yourself with eyes closed. Can you feel a change in tissue temperature under your touch? Notice any effects on your breathing, awareness, or heart rate?

Practice passive touch without pressure and at a level just above your skin, make contact with just the hairs on your arm, and add enough pressure to engage the skin, the fascia, the muscle and then the bone. Hold each level of pressure for several minutes and note the effects.

3. Practice passive touch on a friend or family member. Ask them questions about the experience. What felt good about the experience? Was anything unpleasant? Was your touch comforting, relaxing, warm, cool, or hot?

Question 34

The Massage Strokes:

Effleurage

Answer 34

Effleurage is the use of the flat hand passing over the skin and muscle with light to moderate pressure, similar to petting or stroking the fur. It is used to initiate touch, familiarize the dog and practitioner, calm and relax the tissue and the mind, and to affect the fluid dynamics at a superficial level. Effleurage may initiate warming of the tissues and is useful in initial palpation. It is one of the most used strokes.

Effleurage should be used for:

• Initial palpation • Opening each area • Warming an area before advanced work • Closing each area • Transitioning between areas • Connecting the entire body at the end of the session

Another good use of effleurage is to attend to areas of the body on which you do not have time to perform a full massage. For instance, if you are providing rehabilitative massage for a specific area, you may not have time to address the whole body, but a few sweeping strokes of effleurage can serve to reconnect the body and create awareness for the receiver.

Question 35

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Effleurage

Answer 35

Here are a few exercises you can use to practice effleurage and refine your skills:

1. Take a walk around the room. Find at least five different surfaces on which to practice the effleurage stroke. Good examples would include a counter surface, a cushion, a piece of fruit, or a book cover. Notice the different sensations and how the surface aids or interferes with the movement of your hands.
2. Practice effleurage on yourself. Vary the speed or pressure of your stroke and notice the different effects produced. Does effleurage feel different to the different parts of your body? Try the back of the neck, your cheek, and your arm.
3. Practice effleurage on a friend or family member. Ask them for feedback.
4. If you find yourself having to wait in line for your morning coffee or at a traffic light practice effleurage as you wait. You can practice effleurage on the dashboard, or while selecting produce at the market, or while shopping for clothing, etc.

Question 36

The Massage Strokes:

Petrissage

Answer 36

This stroke involves lifting and/or kneading the tissues with light to deep pressure. It creates a pumping response in the muscle and is useful in moving fluids and waste products in and out of the muscle and tissues. It also helps to establish pliability and resiliency in the muscle. This technique is also known as kneading.

Petrissage should be used after the area has been warmed up with a stroke such as effleurage or passive touch. Always begin kneading with gentle pressure and a slow rhythm. You can change the quality of the stroke as you progress. This stroke is most effective on muscle tissue, as opposed to fascia or ligaments. The lifting action separates the muscle fibers while the pulling action lengthens the muscle. There are several variations of the petrissage stroke. We will list a few of the most common here, but any kneading or pumping stroke would be classified as petrissage.

One-Handed
One-handed petrissage involves lifting and squeezing the tissue into the palm of one hand. The other hand may be used to support the area (i.e. Holding the forearm while doing petrissage on the triceps.) or to apply passive touch to a nearby area (i.e. Hand rests on the sacrum as you petrissage the gluteal group.). This is a common way to apply petrissage on small muscles or on the limbs of smaller animals. You may find this useful in massaging both sides of the neck at once. It also allows you to restrain the animal with the free hand if needed.

Two Handed
Two-handed petrissage involves placing hands facing one another across the belly of the muscle. The muscle tissue is lifted and gently squeezed one hand at a time or with both hands simultaneously. A push-pull rhythm is particularly effective on hypertonic muscle tissue.

Open C / Closed C
Open C / Closed C petrissage is a style of two-handed petrissage where the thumb and forefingers are held in the shape of the letter C. The hands are kept close together, so the tissue can be lifted and pressed with one hand toward the second hand, which then receive the tissue and presses it back again. This is a very effective way of creating a fluid pump within the muscle belly. It can also be used to relieve a mild cramp. This is sometimes called the “pac man” stroke, because the two hands act like the arcade game’s namesake, gobbling up tissue.

Sifting
Sifting is a form of lifting the tissues using just the fingers in areas such as the chest and inner thigh.

Question 37

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Petrissage

Answer 37

1. Using a soft pillow or rice pack as a model, try the different styles of petrissage. Vary your speed and pressure and try shifting weight between the heel of your palm and the fingers.
2. Practice on yourself! You can petrissage your arm muscles, your neck or your calves easily.
3. Practice on your friends or family members. Ask them for feedback.

Question 38

The Massage Strokes:

Compression

Answer 38

During compression, the hands are used (flat or balled) to press directly into underlying tissue. Compression can also be applied using the arm, elbow, or fingertips. Variations in speed and pressure produce effects similar to petrissage in lengthening and separating muscle fibers.

Compression can be very useful in areas of the body where it is hard to lift the muscle for petrissage like on the shoulder blade or parts of the back. Compression can be very relaxing when applied gently for a sustained period over an area. It is also very effective when applied over the joint to stimulate fluid activity and loosen soft tissue. Most point work is accomplished using fingertip compressions.

As with all strokes, you can vary the intensity of compression by changing the speed, pressure, or rhythm. Faster strokes tend to be more stimulating while slower strokes tend to be more sedating. Pressure should always be gradually increased from light-to-deep and deep pressures should only be used when indicated by the health of the tissue. Compression can also vary according to the angle at which you contact the tissue. Broad, flat surfaces like the flat of your hand will produce a diffused effect while the edge of your hand or elbow will create a more focused effect.

Question 39

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Compression

Answer 39

1. Practice compression while varying your speed, pressure, and direction using a pillow or ricefilled pack.
2. Take an orange and use compression to soften the orange without tearing the skin.
3. Practice compression on yourself. Be sure to try using different surfaces like the heel of your hand, a loose fist, and your fingertips. With a loose fist, try compression with a rolling-action versus straight-down into the tissue.
4. Practice on a friend or family member. Be sure to ask for feedback.

Question 40

The Massage Strokes:

Friction

Answer 40

A wide variety of strokes fall under the title of friction that involves sustained pressure in a focal area at a moderate-to-deep level. Friction strokes warm the tissue, help to stimulate localized circulation, lengthen muscle fibers and loosen restricted tissues.

Friction is one of the more advanced strokes. Deeper pressure should be used only when indicated by the health of the tissue. Use caution if you are using friction on healthy tissue as it may cause trauma. Always use an introductory stroke such as passive touch or effleurage to prepare the tissue. The following paragraphs describe various ways to apply friction for different effect.

Direct Pressure
Direct pressure involves applying sustained pressure at a focal point with your fingers, thumb or elbow. You may use direct pressure to address tissue adhesions, tender points, trigger points, or to apply acupressure if you are familiar with the meridian points. It is generally advisable to apply direct pressure for no more than 30 seconds (often less) and to repeat as necessary, gradually increasing pressure if indicated. If no change occurs or has stopped after 5 applications, leave the area to do other work, returning at a later time. Do not over-treat an area. It may take repeated sessions to achieve the desired result. Over-treatment or aggressive direct pressure will result in splinting (muscle guarding) or trauma such as bruising and can impede circulation to an unhealthy degree.

Cross-Fiber
Cross-fiber friction is similar to direct pressure except movement across the fiber direction is included. It is most useful in addressing tissue adhesions or knots or in mobilizing scar tissue when appropriate. To apply cross-fiber friction, start by finding a site for application and apply direct pressure for a few seconds to drain blood from the site. Release the pressure just enough to allow blood to rush back into the site. Apply pressure again to the point of resistance and then, easing up just slightly, move your fingers back and forth across the fibers for several seconds. Be sure to anchor the adhesion under your finger and move the skin with you. Do not slide across the surface of the skin. You should feel the resistance of the tissue decrease and you may feel the fibers unwinding. As with direct pressure, use cross-fiber friction several times for short periods of time with a break between applications. Do not over treat the area and do not use cross-fiber friction on healthy tissue.
Cross Fascicular Cross-fascicular friction is similar to cross-fiber except you allow the fingers to span several fiber bundles within the muscle, so it is more diffuse. It is an excellent tool for releasing stubborn hypertonicities. This is often referred to as raking or sifting.

Linear
Linear friction is used to move along the fiber direction and is useful in separating borders of muscle groups or releasing bound connective tissue.

Circular
Circular friction moves over an area of tissue in a circular pattern to mobilize structures and warm underlying tissues. It is also useful in acupressure or Shiatsu applications and has a very engaging effect on the nervous system.

Skin Rolling
Skin rolling is an excellent assessment tool for pliability of the skin and fascia. It involves lifting the skin with the fingers in a crawling motion while allowing the thumb to follow like a plow. It is sometimes described as using your hands to walk like a spider across the surface. Skin rolling can be irritating to the uninitiated or if the fascia is tight or dehydrated. Watch for any indication of discomfort. Often simply slowing down the movement of the stroke will make it more comfortable. It is recommended that you make several passes over the same area when doing skin-rolling.

Rubbing
Rubbing involves briskly sweeping the hand or arm or fist over an area to build up heat in the surface tissues.

Chucking
Chucking involves wrapping the fingers and hand around an area and gently pulling the tissues up and down or back and forth. It is used mostly on the limbs.

Twisting
Twisting is similar to chucking except that the tissue is anchored by the hand and then gently twisted, often using both hands simultaneously.

Question 41

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Friction Strokes

Answer 41

1. Take a cloth or towel, and lay it flat. Grasping the edge of the towel practice skin rolling until you have moved the towel from one end to the other through your fingers.
2. Tie a shoestring loosely in a bow or several loose knots then, using only friction strokes, try to untie the shoestring, and lay it out flat.
3. Practice on yourself. Caution: This is one stroke you may not wish to practice on friends or families until you feel confident in applying the strokes, since they can be uncomfortable while you are learning.

Question 42

The Massage Strokes:

Tapotement

Answer 42

Any percussive stroke is considered tapotement and can be applied with an open or closed hand. Tapotement is useful in the stimulation of weak or atrophied muscles as well as healthy tissues. It is useful in loosening and warming up muscles prior to work. It also can be used lightly to provide nerve stimulus or repetitively to produce a numbing effect. Tapping is a very effective technique in animals when it is necessary to engage their attention or in combination with other strokes. The following paragraphs describe various ways to apply tapotement for different effect.

From Your Instructor: Never use tapotement on a muscle that is cramped or in spasm or even exhibiting severe hypertonicity as this may increase the severity of the problem.

Tapping
Tapping involves drumming the fingers or even a single finger in rhythm over a focal point or along an area. Tapping is useful for engaging the central nervous system or producing a local sedative effect.

Slapping
Slapping is accomplished with a flat hand and is useful along the abdominal muscles and the chest. Be careful not to use slapping anywhere on the body where it may be perceived as an assault on the haunches or anywhere near the face.

Hacking
Hacking involves using the edge of the hand to provide a slanting blow to the tissue. Rapid two-handed hacking can be helpful in warming tissue up prior to use.

Cupping
Cupping creates an interesting sensation that can loosen fluids especially in the chest or over the joints. Loosely fold the hand to create a small cup and directly contact the skin with a light blow. Gentle cupping over the ribcage can relieve congestion and improve breathing.

Pounding or Beating
Pounding or beating is done using a loosely balled fist to knead the muscle.

Pincement
Pincement is a mild form of tapotement that also resembles petrissage. The fingertips and thumb are used to quickly in a chopstick-like fashion to rapidly lift small segments of skin and fascia. Allow the fingers to glide smoothly over the tissue so that there is no sharp pinch felt by the receiver.

Question 43

The Massage Strokes:

Practicing Tapotement Strokes

Answer 43

1. Use a pillow or bean bag to practice the various types of tapotement. Be sure to vary the speed of your strokes or try blending smoothly from one stroke to the other.
2. Practice tapotement to music to help establish rhythm and pacing.
3. Practice tapotement on yourself. Try tapping your cheeks and forehead with your eyes closed. Practice slapping along your neck and shoulders. Now try some pincement along your arms, cupping over your collar bone and upper chest, hacking or pounding over your thighs. and beating the soles of your feet.
4. Practice on friends or family members. Remember to use an opening stroke to warm the tissues first and be careful not to use tapotement on sore or cramped muscles.

Question 44

Nerve Strokes and Gymnastic Strokes

Answer 44

Movement is an essential aspect of massage. Through range of motion and stretching we can mechanically introduce flexibility. We can also use nerve strokes and gymnastic strokes to stimulate the cells responsible for posture and movement in the muscles and other tissues. A massage practitioner can use a variety of movements to produce a wide range of results, such as breaking up postural habits, improving neural education, and freeing areas of restriction.

Question 45

Nerve Strokes

Answer 45

Nerve strokes work by stimulating receptors in the surface of the skin with light strokes and include things like flicking and brushing described below.

Flicking
Flicking is done rapidly with your fingers as if you were removing lint or dandruff from your shoulder. It can be invigorating and helps to restore sensation in thickened skin or areas of poor circulation.

Brushing
Brushing is similar to flicking, but uses the flat hand rather than the fingers. It is a nice finishing stroke for any area.

Question 46

Gymnastic Strokes

Answer 46

Gymnastic strokes involve a greater degree of movement and help to either engage a sluggish nerve response or disengage a pattern of holding or resistance and include things like jostling and shaking.

Shaking
Shaking is just what it sounds like. Pick up a limb, joint, or some loose skin in your hands. While providing proper support shake it. The shaking may be slow and rhythmic or quite vigorous if needed for stimulation. Examples of some areas where you might try shaking are the crest of the neck or along the loose skin and muscle of the lower neck. Some dogs enjoy have their whole bodies gently shaken or rocked to release muscle guarding or tension. Gently rocking the dog to and fro along the spine can lead to great releases. Let the animal be your guide in how much this stroke is used.

Jostling
Jostling is a milder form of shaking that is especially useful on the limbs. Flexing the lower limb and gently bouncing it up and down as you support the leg can help release muscle guarding. It is also useful when an animal has reduced their activity to help keep the fluids moving. Jostling helps restless or nervous dogs by engaging the part of the brain responsible for posture. The brain must focus on the unfamiliar stimuli, because it generally does not have a memory associated with jostling.

Chucking
Chucking is a form of friction that is most useful on the limbs. Wrap your fingers or hands around the limb and gently move the fascial sleeve up and down several times. You can do this the entire length of the leg or in an area of restriction.

Vibrating
Vibrating takes practice and patience to apply well, but is infinitely useful for the joints or to access deeper tissues. Using the palm or a loosely balled fist over an area, gently pulse your hand(s) while maintaining contact. The vibration will pass down through the layers of tissue. This stroke feels fantastic as it ripples through the layers of tissue like a warm bath. Vibration using the palms over the joints helps to agitate the fluids and move them around a joint and also may stimulate the fluid production in the joint capsule.

Traction
Traction refers to any time two areas of the body are moved away from one another under tension. For instance, place one hand above a joint and another hand below a joint. Gently, traction the joint. You may also choose to anchor one area, such as the sacrum, with one hand and use the other hand to traction the lumbar spine the opposite direction. Traction is always done gently and with respect for the animal’s response.

Question 47

Practicing Nerve and Gymnastic Strokes

Answer 47

1. Use a loaf of bread dough. You can buy them in the frozen foods section and set out to thaw. Or you can use pizza dough and shape of flatten it using only the nerve strokes and gymnastic strokes described.
2. Practice nerve strokes and gymnastic strokes on yourself. Try flicking and brushing on the forearms. You can jostle each of your fingers and do some vibration over each of your knuckles. Also try shaking on your ankles, also another good joint for vibration.
3. Practice on friends or family members. Ask for feedback on how each stroke felt. Did they like a rapid stroke or prefer it done slowly? Did they feel the sensations in their deeper muscles or on the surface? Which was their favorite?