Massage Therapy Flashcards
What massage technique should you always begin and end with?
effleurage
Where should massage stroke begin and end in reference to the effected joint?
Massage stroke should begin at joint or below joint and finish above joint
Where and how should you apply pressure?
Pressure should be inline with venous flow, return stroke without pressure
Describe the effleurage technique
It involves a long, slow stroke with minimal drag
What are the effects of effleurage?
- Assists circulation
- Decreases muscular tension
- Can reduce pain
What is effleurage most often used for?
For applying and spreading massage cream
2 Types of Effleurage
Superficial and Deep
Describe the Pétrissage technique
Kneading manipulations that press and roll the muscles
What are the effects of Pétrissage?
- Increases venous and lymphatic return
- Improves health of muscle tissue
Where should Pétrissage be applied?
To individual muscles rather than the entire body area
Describe how Pétrissage is applied?
You should grasp at parallel or right angles to muscle fibers moving distal to proximal, apply pressure, release in a lifting or rolling motion, then move to an adjacent area
What are the 3 variations of Pétrissage?
- Deep
- Wringing
- Skin Rolling
Deep Pétrissage is similar to what type of massage technique?
Circular, deep effleurage
How do you perform wringing Pétrissage?
Slowly apply pressure without lifting the fascia
How do you perform skin rolling Pétrissage?
Pinch the superficial fascia, lift it, then walk to roll of tissue in order to deform and loosen it
Describe the tapotement technique
Fast, rhythmic stroke similar to drumming
What are the effects of tapotement?
- Initial response is stimulating
- With longer duration, result is relaxation
- Often used to get a more active flow of blood
4 Variations of Tapotement
- Pummeling (almost no sound)
- Tapping (no sound)
- Cupping (hollow sound)
- Slapping (light smack)
What type of patients benefit from cupping tapotement?
Cystic fibrosis patients for postural drainage purposes
Describe the vibration technique
High-frequency shaky hand movements
Effect of vibration
Long duration initiates relaxation
3 types of vibration techniques
- Rocking
- Jostling
- Shaking
How does vibration induce relaxation?
It confuses the nervous system
Describe the 2 types of friction massage effects
Superficial Friction Effects
- heat is created by friction by rubbing the client’s skin
- increases superficial blood flow
Deep Fiber Friction Effects
- increases circulation in deep fascia and muscle tissues
- breaks up fascial adhesions and scar tissue
Describe the application of superficial friction massage
- Applying more resistance produces more heat
- Pressure is applied at a fast rate with the thumbs, finger pads, or palms
Describe the application of deep fiber friction massage
- Pressure is applied in a perpendicular or circular motion using the thumbs, finger pads, knuckle portion of fist, or forearm
When should you use deep fiber friction massage?
After other techniques have warmed the area first
What is the purpose of a friction massage?
Pressure actually re-injures the affected tissue to get mobile, functional scar
3 directions in which friction massage can be applied
- Cross-fiber friction
- Circular friction
- Longitudinal friction
What is the difference between trigger points and tender points?
Trigger points refer pain
What things cause trigger points?
- Mechanical stresses
- Poor posture
- Long-term muscle constriction
- Nutritional inadequacies
- Insufficient hydration
- Psychological factors
- Inadequate sleep
How long should pressure be applied to trigger points?
30 to 45 seconds if not longer
What type of trigger point release should you use when the trigger point I near the center of the muscle belly
Strumming, which is a more aggressive approach
Myofascial tissue is thixotropic in nature, what does this mean?
Describes a material which undergoes a reduction in viscosity when shaken, stirred or otherwise mechanically disturbed and which readily recovers the original condition on standing
3 types of myofascial release techniques
- 45-degree stroke
- Skin rolling
- C-stroke / S-stroke
Describe the Graston Therory
Type of instrument assisted tissue-mobilization to help with break-down of scar tissue and fascial restrictions, as well as to stretch connective tissue and muscle fibers.
How long should you hold for a positional release (Strain/Counterstrain)
Hold painless position for 90 seconds
What technique uses a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organize(s) the whole body in gravity?
Rolfing
Describe the Rolfing series
Consists of 10 one hour sessions of myofascial mobilization and movement re-education in which the ultimate goal is restoring the vertical alignment of the body
Describe the Trager technique
Fluffing, jiggling, lengthening, and shimmering of muscle tissue is communicated to the patient’s mind via type Ia and type II afferent neurons of muscle spindles, resulting in the reduction of tone maintained by the CNS
What is the goal of Trager massage?
For the patient to relinquish control
