Principles of Massage

Question 1

Define massage

Answer 1

• most often associated with rubbing and kneading muscles to relieve tension, stress and promote overall relaxation

Question 2

Define soft tissue mobilization (STM)

Answer 2

• a form of manual physical therapy using different hands-on techniques to mobilize muscles, ligaments, and fascia with the goal of breaking adhesions

Question 3

Contraindications for massage

Answer 3

• cardiac decompensation
• edema
• hematoma
• impaired mental state
• nonunion fracture
• DVT/phlebitis
• immediate post operation
• laceration
• skin lesions or wounds/cellulitis
• fever/infection
• acute condition/inflammation
• worsens pt’s condition

Question 4

Purpose of effleurage

Answer 4

• relaxation
• increase venous and lymphatic drainage
• introduction and conclusion to other techniques

Question 5

Purpose of petrissage

Answer 5

• stimulate circulation
• free adhesion
• relaxation
• milk the muscle of waste products
• wring out the towel

Question 6

Types of sift tissue mobilization

Answer 6

• myofascial release
• instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
• myofascial manipulation
• active release technique
• cross friction massage
• transverse friction massage
• graston technique
• myofascial stretching

Question 7

Define trigger points

Answer 7

• hyperirritable foci lying within taut bands of muscle, which are painful upon compression and which consistently refer pain to a distal site or a site away from the point of origin

Question 8

Characteristics of active trigger points

Answer 8

• tender spot, may refer pain
• local twitch response with strumming
• ROM painful and restricted
• active muscle contraction may increase pain

Question 9

Characteristics of latent trigger points

Answer 9

• characteristics of active point, but pain only with palpation
• person may be unaware otherwise

Question 10

A palpable taut band is identified when a

Answer 10

• taut cord-like band could be observed or found during the palpation

Question 11

Spot tenderness is identified with the

Answer 11

• patient’s complaint of pain during palpation

Question 12

Define oscillation technique

Answer 12

• direct pressure into the point

Question 13

Define friction technique

Answer 13

• deep circular motions with the tips of fingers, thumbs, elbow, or heel or hand

Question 14

Define push & hold technique

Answer 14

• push deep into the trigger point, hold & don’t release, look for the patient’s tissue to release

Question 15

Define strain-counterstrain technique

Answer 15

• put muscle on slack & hold for 90 seconds, then with the patient still relaxed passively move them back into neutral position

Question 16

Define active contractions/muscle energy technique

Answer 16

• essentially PNF like, low intensity contractions to the antagonist muscle

Question 17

Other treatments for trigger points

Answer 17

• dry needling
• massage/relaxation
• heat application
• Estim
• spray-n-stretch
• active exercise
• NSAIDS/muscle relaxants

Question 18

Describe scar tissue massage

Answer 18

• prevents adhesions & motion.mobility deficits, increases tissue strength along lines of stress
• fingers move the superficial layers over the deep layers of tissue

Question 19

What stages can scar tissue massage be applied

Answer 19

Acute inflammatory phase: no scar tissue massage
Fibroblast proliferative phase: begin gentle massage
Collagen remodeling phase: massage can be more vigorous in force

Question 20

Describe percussion

Answer 20

-repeated rhythmical light striking of the skin
- stimulation of muscle activity
- used for respiratory ailments to promote mobilization of secretions

Question 21

Describe vibration

Answer 21

• shaking of muscles for relaxation or stimulation