Modalities Ch. 18 Massage

Question 1

what is massage

Answer 1

the application of soft-tissue techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation

Question 2

what is therapeutic massage

Answer 2

systematic manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues in order to restore normal function

Question 3

common massage techniques

Answer 3

Swedish massage
-classic, traditional, basic massage
-includes friction massage
sports massage
-application of Swedish massage techniques to athletes
-focus on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance
myofascial release (MFR)
-light sustained pressure applied in opposite directions to gently stretch and release myofascial restrictions that inhibit or cause pain

Question 4

common massage techniques for athletes

Answer 4

graston
-instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
structural integration
-vigorous deep massage and MFR to restore normal body alignment, structure, and function
neuromuscular therapy (NMT)
-practitioners address nerves that are entrapped by osseous or myofascial structures, trigger points, postural imbalances, emotional factors, ischemia and nutrition deficiencies
-numerous techniques - trigger point release, cryospray, needling, and MFR

Question 5

common massage techniques for athletes cont.

Answer 5

shiatsu
-japanese pressure point therapy
-similar to trigger point release, but focuses on accupuncture points
craniosacral therapy
-theory: improve the functioning of the central nervous system by releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system

Question 6

common massage techniques for athletes cont.

Answer 6

trigger point therapy
-repetitive cycles of pressure over a trigger point, which is a painfully tight area in a muscle caused by muscle overuse or injury
reflexology
-application of finger and thumb pressure to specific reflex areas of patients hands and feet that are thought to correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body

Question 7

therapeutic effects of massage

Answer 7

increased circulation to superficial tissues
increased relaxation
decreased muscle spasm
decreased scar tissue in tendinitis
increased muscle flexibility with certain techniques
beneficial for chronic neck pain
may decrease blood pressure

Question 8

misconceptions about massage

Answer 8

no change in cardiac output, blood pressure or lactic acid accumulation
no increase in arterial blood pressure
does not remove blood lactate
no increase in muscle temperature
no more effective than control interventions in treating generalized anxiety disorder

Question 9

indications for therapeutic massage

Answer 9

pain
muscle spasm
scar tissue

Question 10

advantages of therapeutic massage

Answer 10

psychological

increased patient time

Question 11

contraindications of therapeutic massage

Answer 11

infections
weakened bones
bleeding disorders
fractures
open wounds
cancer (precaution)
pregnancy (precaution)

Question 12

therapeutic massage vs. “rub-down”

Answer 12

therapeutic
-relating to the treatment or cure of any disease or disorder
rub-down
-application of friction/pressure to the body, for any purpose

Question 13

two categories of sports massage

Answer 13

therapeutic or curing
-required as part of a treatment regiment
psychological or relaxation
-desired by an athlete (or coach) for muscles that were overworked during a competition or training

Question 14

treatment considerations

Answer 14

be patient and courteous
know what you're treating and why
wash hands
keep nails short and smooth
consider your own posture and positioning

Question 15

treatment guidelines

Answer 15

pressure regulation should be determined by the type and amount of tissue present and patient’s tolerance
-deliver pressure through the body - care for your hands
rhythm should be steady and even
duration depends on
-pathology
-area size
-treatment type
-age
-size and condition of the patient
if swelling is present in an extremity, treatment should begin proximally to induce lymphatic flow
-“uncorking effect”

Question 16

treatment guidelines 2

Answer 16

the direction of force should generally be applied in the same direction as the muscle fibers
treatment should begin with effleurage, then techniques that increase progressively to the greatest energy possible, then techniques that decrease energy, and finish with effleurage
consider patient positioning and ensure that the patient is relaxed
elevate if possible
use massage lotion or oil to ensure smooth movement

Question 17

common techniques used in swedish massage

Answer 17

effleurage
petrissage
friction
tapotment

Question 18

effleurage

Answer 18

hands glide over the skin without attempting to move deeper muscle masses (initially)
movement should occur towards the heart
allows the patient to get accustomed to the physical contact and allows the clinician to determine areas of concern
stroke should begin with light pressure
contact should be maintained with the patient at all times
transition into deeper effleurage after areas of concern are identified

Question 19

petrissage

Answer 19

kneading manipulations
press and roll the muscles under the fingers or hands
no gliding over the skin except for transition between areas
muscles are gently squeezed, lifted and relaxed
purpose: increase venous and lymphatic return and breaking up adhesions
move distally to proximally

Question 20

tapotment

Answer 20

used to stimulate subcutaneous structures (increased blood flow and increased sensitivity in peripheral nerves)
techniques
-ulnar hacking :striking of the patient with the ulnar border of the hand
-alternate slapping with fingers
-beating with a half-closed fist
-tapping with fingertips (like typing)
cupping

Question 21

example routine

Answer 21

superficial effleurage
deep effleurage
petrissage
optional friction or tapotment
deep effleurage
superficial effleurage

Question 22

friction massage

Answer 22

generally used over tendons, ligaments or muscles
used to break down fibrous (scar) tissue
performed by the thumb, fingers or heel of the hand
circular movements over the area
firm contact is maintained to ensure movement of superficial structures over deep structures

Question 23

transverse friction massage

Answer 23

used for treating chronic tendon inflammations
purpose - increase inflammation to kick-start the healing process
process
-place tendon in a slight stretch
-using the thumb or index finger, exert intense pressure perpendicular to the fibers being massaged
-movement should occur in one direction, not back and forth
-treatment should last 7-10 minutes and be performed every other day