The Strokes

Question 1

List the 8 strokes (including palpation) that are used in the Equissage system of sports massage

Answer 1

Palpation
Compression
Percussion
Direct pressure
Cross fiber fiction
Zigzag
Cat paw
Jostling

Question 2

What is the name of the stroke that differentiates sports massage from all other classifications of massage therapy?

Answer 2

Compression

Question 3

What are the four objectives of the strokes that are used, and which particular strokes are used to achieve each objective?

Answer 3

1. To open with compression, percussion or jostling.
2. To locate with palpation
3. To treat with direct pressure and cross fiber friction
4. To close with compression or percussion

Question 4

Compression is used to ______ and ______

Answer 4

Open and close

Question 5

When a muscle is ______ against a bone, the ______ of that muscle spread apart, freeing restrictions and adhesions

Answer 5

Compressed, fibers

Question 6

When doing a compression and using your right hand, your thumb should rotate from a ______ position to a ______ position

Answer 6

10:00 to 1:00

Question 7

During compression, and after having completed one twist and turn, move on; that is, ______ the stroke in the same spot

Answer 7

Do not repeat

Question 8

Direct pressure softens and helps to prevent a muscle spasm for the next stroke, which is ______

Answer 8

Cross fibre friction

Question 9

Direct pressure can be applied by using your ______, ______ or ______

Answer 9

Thumb, tips of your fingers, knuckle, or elbow

Question 10

In applying direct pressure, before moving up to the next level of pressure be sure that you reduce the pressure or force you are presently applying to ______. This action helps your client to ______ and anticipate ______.

Answer 10

Zero, relax, the next level of pressure.

Question 11

______ is the stroke best used to break up muscle adhesions

Answer 11

Cross fibre friction

Question 12

Describe how to apply cross fibre friction

Answer 12

Using either your thumb or fingers move back-and-forth across the muscle fibers. This sometimes feels like you’re going back and forth over a speedbump. Continue in a rhythmic motion for approximately 10 seconds

Question 13

Which stroke is called “Nature’s Novocain”?

Answer 13

Percussion

Question 14

Because of it’s force, ______ is never used over the kidney area or directly over bone

Answer 14

Percussion

Question 15

What are the three different levels of pressure used in sports massage?

Answer 15

Light, moderate, heavy

Question 16

The zigzag stroke is applied using the fingertips, with the fingers always ______ or ______. This stroke is primarily used to warm up underlying tissue and to ______ a muscle spasm

Answer 16

Braced, rigid, locate

Question 17

Zigzag is always applied with what level of pressure?

Answer 17

Heavy

Question 18

Describe the application of jostling

Answer 18

Jostling is performed by cupping your hands and placing them on the crest of the dog so that you can apply to rocking motion. Pull the crest toward you and let it flop back allowing it to flop loosely. The action releases tension. This stroke is used on the lower neck area and the back.

Question 19

What is the name of the other stroke which is primarily used to warm up underlying tissue and to locate a muscle spasm?

Answer 19

Cat paw

Question 20

On what three areas of a dog’s anatomy is cat paw applied?

Answer 20

Chest, abdomen, inner thigh

Question 21

When is the technique called “sweating” used? How is it applied?

Answer 21

The technique of sweating is used in those situations where a client may be too sore or too sensitive to withstand the rigors of massage. It is performed simply by laying the palm of your hand on the area that is determined to be extra sensitive. Leave your hand there for 15 or 20 seconds and then move onto the next area.

Question 22

What three caveats are to be observed in applying sports massage therapy?

Answer 22

1. Apply all of the strokes with the fingers and hands relaxed.
2. Always adjust your pressure to the dog’s tolerance, keeping in mind that each did is different.
3. Areas of heat and or swelling are to be avoided in the massage sequence.