Mid Term Exam Flashcards
Define massage.
Massage is the ethical and professional application of structured, therapeutic touch to benefit soft tissue health, movement, posture, and neurological patterns.
What are the 5 basic massage strokes?
Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, Vibration
What is effleurage?
Effleurage is a succession of strokes applied by gliding the hand over an extended portion of the body. The word means to glide. Its benefits include increasing circulation, warming the tissues, being the first point of skin-to-skin contact with the client, and allowing the practitioner to make an assessment of the client’s condition and needs.
What is petrissage?
Petrissage means to knead. This stroke lifts, squeezes, rolls and presses the tissues. It’s benefits include the removal of toxins and wastes.
What is tapotement?
Tapotement movements include tapping, slapping, hacking, cupping, and beating. The word means to tap. It is also called percussion. It’s benefits include toning weak and flaccid muscles,
What does friction mean?
To rub one surface over another.
What is vibration?
Vibration is to shake. It has a relaxing effect on the client’s body.
What is drag?
Drag refers to the resistance experienced by the therapist’s hands or tools as they move over the client’s skin.
What is centripetal?
The term “centripetal” refers to strokes or movements that are directed toward the center of the body, specifically toward the heart. Massage therapists usually focus on centripetal movements to support circulation and lymphatic drainage. The opposite is centrifugal movements - from the center of the body toward the extremities, such as from the torso out toward the hands or feet.
What is the average time for a standard massage?
60 minutes is most common.
What is the correct direction for an abdominal massage?
The correct direction typically follows the natural path of the large intestine (colon) to promote digestion and support bowel movements. The general direction for an abdominal massage is clockwise when looking down at the abdomen.
What is static friction?
Static friction, often referred to as stasis friction or ischemic compression, involves applying deep, consistent pressure to a specific point on the muscle without moving the hand or fingers. The pressure is held in place for a period of time. This technique is used to release trigger points, reduce muscle tension, and increase localized blood flow.
What is circular friction?
Circular friction involves making small, circular motions on the skin with firm pressure, typically used to work on deeper muscle layers or to break down adhesions in the tissue.
What is compression?
Compression in massage therapy involves applying pressure directly to the muscle tissue, typically using hands, fingers, or elbows. This pressure is applied and then released, often in a rhythmic pattern. The goal of compression is to stimulate blood flow, relax muscles, and prepare the tissue for deeper work. Compression produces hyperemia, or an increase in the amount of blood stored in the muscle tissue.
What is cupping good for?
Cupping is a technique often employed by respiratory therapists to help break up lung congestion. Cupping is most often employed over the rib cage.
