Relaxation Techniques Flashcards
Intention of massage
mental process of consciously holding a desired goal or outcome in mind
influenced by the wishes and needs of the client
direction of massage
determines influence on underlying tissues
strokes towards the heart encourage venous blood and lymph circulation and reduce edema
strokes across the fiber tend to stretch tissue and soften adhesions
speed of massage
quicker strokes are more invigorating and stimulating
slower, more rhythmic strokes are more relaxing
length of strokes
how far the stroke travels over the body
strokes can glide over entire regions of the body you are focused on
duration of stokes
how long or # of strokes done in an area
amount of time using a variety of strokes in an area
too much time in one area may be very fatiguing or result in soreness
monitor time spent in each area to allow enough time to address the entire body
depth
how deep into the tissues the stroke reaches
determined by type of movement and condition/quality of tissues
pressure
pressure applied with a broad surface is more defused (smooth, relaxing)
pressure applied with specific parts of hand (thumb., fingertips, elbow) is more concentrated, deep and intense
What are the six types of relaxation techniques?
effleurage (gliding)
petrissage (kneading)
compression
vibration
tapotement (percussion)
friction
Effleurage (gliding)
slow, elongated strokes
sliding across surface of the skin
used to transition into different areas of the body
spreads lubricant and prepares tissue for more specific work
effleurage contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
away from heart - deeper effleurage should be applied towards the heart and not away from the heart
Petrissage (kneading)
rhythmic kneading PULLS tissue away from the bone
softens superficial fascia
hyperemia - increases blood flow to the tissue
prepares the tissue for more specific work
Petrissage contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
Compression
applies pressure at 90 degrees to tissue without gliding
tissue is PRESSED against underlying tissue and bone
apply with thumbs, fingers, palms, soft fists or forearms
increases circulation, decreases muscle tension, introduces touch to the client
Compression contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
Vibration
high-frequency shaking or rocking hand movements
STIMULATING - wakes up the area and re-sensitizes it
SETTLES tissues, melts tissues
TYPES: rocking and jostling
vibration contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
compromised joints - avoid if joint is injured
tapotement (percussion)
fast rhythmic strokes using both hands, like rapid drumming
TYPES:
hacking (chopping)
beating
cupping
tapping
pincement (entire back)
raindrops (entire back)
stimulates the sympathetic nervous system
tapotement contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
AVOID: spine, bony areas, and kidneys
friction
with or across fiber
SUPERFICIAL: briskly rubbing client’s skin to create heat
DEEP: localize application of pressure without gliding on skin, moving one surface or another
BREAKS UP fascial adhesions, scar tissue, and trigger points
friction contraindications
Inflammation- on or near infection or acute injury
lesions - an open wound, contagious skin condition, or bruises
Varicose veins - apply proximal to area
fragile skin - elderly or clients on anti-inflammatories
