Swedish Remedial Massage Flashcards
where does the word massage derived from
mass arabic for press
history of massage
Ancient civilisations (BC) developed massage - China, India, Arabia, Greece, Italy & Egypt
Homer’s Odyssey – massaging soldiers back to health
French missionaries brought teaching from China in early 1800’s
origin of swedish massage
Per Henrik Ling founded system of medical gymnastics incorporating massage – Swedish Massage in 1813
therapeutic massage
The use of a variety of manual techniques designed to promote stress relief and relaxation, mobilise various structures, relieve pain and swelling, prevent deformity and promote functional independence in a person who has a specific health problem.
recreational massage
The use of a variety of manual techniques designed to relieve stress, promote relaxation and general wellness in a person who has no definable health problem.
features of massage
General or local strokes Recognition of tissue END- FEEL is key: feeling at end of available tissue movement. Lubricant use environment prep patient positioning movement of therapist
purpose of lubricant use
on fragile skin
hairy skin
scaly skin
stroking
performed with the entire palmar surface of one or both hands moving in any direction on the surface of the body
rhythmic, even, superficial
slow – relaxing, fast – stimulating
effleurage
slow, stroking movement performed with increasing pressure in the direction of flow in veins and lymph vessels i.e. towards heart / centripetal
distal to proximal
definite pause end-cycle
kneading
alternate compression & release in circular movement
Hand & skin move together
1 circle = 3 or 4 seconds
Types = compression, finger pad, thumb pad, reinforced or box
petrissage
covers several different massage strokes that are characterised by firm pressure applied to the tissues, in majority of cases aiming to MOBILISE deeper tissues
wringing
twisting motion along axis of muscle, in direction of fibres
describe action of wringing
Tissues are lifted and compressed alternately
Like wringing out wet cloth
↑ muscle mobility
Even rhythm
picking up
one or more muscles are grasped, lifted away from underlying tissues, squeezed & released
describe action of picking up
Circular – in direction of muscle fibres single or double handed Avoid pinching ↑ muscle mobility Not as deep as kneading
skin rolling
skin & subcutaneous tissues are rolled over deeper tissues
describe action (speeds and type of grip) of skin rolling and purpose
Use lumbrical grip
Slow
Improves mobility and circulation in superficial tissue
Skin / dermis are naturally more adherent in certain areas e.g. over sacrum
other name for tapotement
percussion
types of tapotement
clapping
hacking
pounding
beating
tapotement definition
manipulations; characterised by various parts of the hand striking the tissues at a fairly rapid rate
description action and purpose of tapotement
Light wrist action Fast, springy For mobilising lung secretions or Stimulating muscles via direct mechanical action not over bony areas
clapping
cupped hand(s) strike skin surface rapidly, compressing the air & causing a vibration wave to penetrate the tissues. Particularly useful to mobilise lung secretions
beating
cupped hand(s) strike skin surface rapidly, compressing the air & causing a vibration wave to penetrate the tissues. Particularly useful to mobilise lung secretions
hacking
rapid supination / pronation in prayer position in which ulnar borders & dorsal surfaces of fingers strike the pt
Single or double (hands almost touching)
Strong stimulating effect
Relaxed fingers ++
pounding
movement in which ulnar borders of loosely clenched fists alternately and in rapid succession strike the pt
deeper / heavier than hacking
Treats larger muscle masses
Loosely clenched fists
vibration
Single or double handed technique in which a fine shaking movement or tremor is conveyed to tissues by hand or finger tips
Loosens lung secretions – performed only during exhalation
Stimulates stretch reflex in muscle
shaking
Single or double handed technique in which a significant rhythmic shaking movement or tremor is conveyed to the tissues by hand or finger tips
Loosens lung secretions – performed only during exhalation
Stimulates stretch reflex in muscle
Useful to aid muscle relaxation at beginning of massage sequence
