week 9 Flashcards
What is massage therapy
mechanical stimulation of the tissues by means of rhythmically applied pressure and stretching
Administered for the purpose of producing effects on the nervous, muscular, and respiratory systems and the local and general circulation of the blood and lymph.
Stroking aim rate and depth
Stroking is a movement performed with the entire palmar surface of one or both hands moving in any direction on the surface of the body used to spread the lubricant (cream or oil) and start and finish the massage treatment.
aim:Allow the patient to become accustomed to the massage, aid initial relaxation, maintain continuity of massage techniques and bookend (at start and end) of the treatment. Also allows the therapist to “feel” the tissues for areas of spasm, tightness or patient reactions
rate: slow for relaxation and faster to stimulate tissues
depth and pressure: Gentle initially then deeper for relaxation as tolerated by each patient.
Effleurage aim rate and depth
Effleurage is a slow, stroking movement performed with increasing pressure in the direction of flow in the veins and lymph vessels and finishing at a group of superficial lymph glands. Moves and mobilises tissue fluids.
aim: To promote absorption of inflammatory exudate (‘swelling’), relieve pain and promote relaxation.
rate: slow
depth and pressure: Gradually increasing as tolerated by the patient.
Petrissage aim rate and depth
Pressure mobilisations”: massage strokes that are characterised by firm pressure applied to the tissues
aim: Mobilise contractures in deep muscle tissue, skin and subcutaneous tissue and chronic/organised swelling. Relieves pain and muscle spasm and promotes circulation and relaxation.
rate: slow in circular motions
depth and pressure: as deep as tolerated by patient- use VAS scale for pressure and comfort rating with patient (1-10). Mostly 6-7 rating appropriate. Not pain inducing.
Tapotement aim, rate, depth, techs
percussive mobilisations” characterised by various parts of the hand striking the tissues at a fairly rapid rate creating a vibration effect at the tissues.
Aim: stimulate skin, subcutaneous tissue and both superficial and deep musculature; increase blood and lymphatic flow and muscle tone.
Rate: fast.
Depth and pressure: light pressure with relaxed fingers and wrist.
Techniques: include cupping and hacking.
effect of massage on Blood and lymph flow
increased movement from tissues to blood –> reduced oedema
Improved circulation (venous blood flow back to heart)
Associated effects: nutrition, removal of waste
effect of massage on Skin and subcutaneous tissues
Vasodilation (‘redness’) histamine-mast cells
Heat – friction
Mobilisation/stretching
Reduces superficial keloid formation
effect of massage on Metabolism and healing
Related to circulatory effects
Increase flow of nutrients
Improved removal of waste products
effect of massage on Muscle
Relieves muscle tension and spasm
Reduces negative effects of exercise
Prevention of adhesions
Maintain state of nutrition, flexibility
effect of massage Nervous system
Inhibitory effect on H-reflex amplitude (reduced excitability of spinal motor neuron)
Promotion of parasympathetic activity
effect of massage Hormones
Altered level of biochemical indicators of stress i.e. cortisol, serotonin, dopamine
Endorphin release into blood stream
effect of massage Pain relief
Pain Gate mechanism: stimulates skin receptors (large diameter) which block transmission of pain signals (small diameter)
Via circulatory effect (removal of pain metabolites)
Via reduction of muscle spasm
Endorphin release
effect of massage
effect of massage
