Swedish Massage Flashcards
What hand leads when applying effleurage to the limbs?
Outside hand “leads” & inside hand “follows” on the upstroke
What area of the body is considered the “compass” in terms of body mechanics & what is its main function?
Belly button/navel. To “guide” direction of the stroke.
ie: should be facing in the same direction as the tool the therapist is using for that particular technique
T/F: Spine should remain in alignment and not fluctuating between flexion and extension while massaging.
True! “Broomstick spine” principle of body mechanics
What should be used to apply deeper pressure during massage? How should this be accomplished?
Your body weight being leaned into the tissue, through the strength of the lower body more than the upper body.
What are the 4 basic considerations of palpation? (4 T’s)
Temperature,
Tone,
Texture,
Tenderness
Which of the 4 considerations of palpation is considered subjective?
Tenderness
Describe the VSOHA pressure/comfort scale
1 = little to no pressure (want more) 2 = light pressure, almost there but not quite 3 = perfect depth; goldilock's "just right" 4 = deep, comfortable for short periods but not for an entire treatment 5 = Too deep, immediately uncomfortable, pause treatment & reassessment
What are the 4 principles of Swedish massage?
General > Specific > General,
Superficial > Deep > Superficial,
Proximal > Distal > Proximal,
Periphery > Centre > Periphery
T/F: The principle of general > specific > general applies to the Area being worked on, Techniques applied & the Tool used by the therapist.
True; all 3 should be considered when following the rhythm of general to specific back to general.
What does the term “tool” refer to in the context of massage?
The shape/part of the therapists hand/forearm that is being applied to the tissue
(ie: palmar, knuckles, finger tip, thumb, fist, ulnar border)
Why is the superficial > deep > superficial principle so critical to Swedish massage?
- allows client to become accustomed to your touch
- tissues can relax gradually and circulation increases that allows therapist to deliver deeper strokes
- transitioning gradually up from deep strokes allows the tissues a slow recovery from more intensive work
Which principle of Swedish massage applies mostly to the limbs?
Proximal > Distal > Proximal;
Begin work at the part of a limb that is closest to the trunk/heart (proximal) moving down (distal).
Final strokes should always aim to return blood flow to the heart & include the entire limb.
What are the 4 applications of Swedish massage?
Pressure: deeper upstroke towards heart (venous return), lighter on the return.
Rate: refers to the application of individual strokes; faster = stimulating, slower = sedating
Rhythm: refers to the overall choreography of the massage; smooth, flowing, continuous & maintaining constant contact are key factors.
Duration: length of treatment; adjust based on client needs & reactions to treatment.
Benefits of Massage
Mechanical,
Reflex,
Metabolic
What are 5 endangerment sites on the body?
- anterior triangle of the neck
- medial elbow
- over the kidneys (deep tapotement non-no)
- back of the knees (popliteal fossa)
- armpit (axillary region)
How should you start a client intake?
Open-ended questions
What does ABC stand for in relation to client intake?
A = aches & areas of interest B = being C = choreography
What are 3 opening/closing techniques we learned?
Compressions,
Rocking,
Sweep
T/F: compressions shouldn’t be used over the sheet as part of a mimi-closure after finishing an area of the body.
False; compressions over the sheet as a mini-closure is great as it has a dual purpose, closure & soaking up some of the excess oil on the client’s body & your hands.
What is a consideration regarding compressions on the lower limbs/glutes?
Adjusting your hand position so your fingers aren’t pointing/falling medially towards sensitive areas on your client’s body.
What hand should be “reinforcing” during reinforced gliding strokes & petrissage?
Outside hand
Define: Petrissage
Rhythmic lifting/squeezing, pressing/rolling & releasing tissue to locally stimulate circulation.
Hand contact is maintained throughout.
Define: Wringing
Lift/squeeze tissue up from underlying structures & towards the midline on the upstroke, smooth release of pressure as hands move laterally.
Technique is done while facing the body (perpendicular).
Define: Effleurage
Long, broad, continuous gliding stroke using the entire hand that follows the contours of client’s body.
More pressure on upstroke, lighter on the return.
Can be applied bilaterally & unilaterally.
Define: Gliding stoke
Long, broad sliding movement where hands alternate & break contact with the body.
Can be applied w/ many tools (palmar, fingertip, thumb, knuckles, forearm), rhythm & rate are very important for this technique.
When in doubt…
Effleurage!!
Define: Kneading
Rhythmic, circular motion with pressure on the upstroke and release on the return. Circle is drawn moving away from midline.
Size of the circle correlates to the size of the tool being used.
T/F: Tapotement techniques can never be applied in a way that is relaxing to a client.
False; if it is applied for more than 2mins in the same location it can have a sedative effect.
What technique can be described as “duck kisses”?
Pincement
