MM Chapter 13: Swedish Massage Techniques

Joint movement methods are classified as “active” (the client does the movement) and “passive” (the therapist moves the client) joint movements. A variety of techniques fall under these two general headings. Active movements include active-assisted and active-resisted movements. Table 13-2 provides an overview of joints commonly moved during a Swedish massage. Joint movement methods make […]

Joint movement techniques encourage the movement of lymph, stimulate the production of synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint, increase local circulation, stretch muscles and fascia, and help reeducate the body about its movement potential. These techniques help maintain or increase the client’s flexibility, maintain normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding and thereby gain

Numerous ailments may affect the client’s joints and make joint movement techniques uncomfortable or contraindicated (Table 13-1). Be sure to take a thorough health history and understand the client’s physical condition before providing massage. If the client has had surgical replacements or has surgical pins or plates to stabilize a joint, the joint is likely

ROM refers to the amount of movement that is possible at a joint depending on its structure and condition. If the joint has normal structure and if no pathology exists, then the joint should have full and normal ROM. If the joint has structural anomalies or if an injury or pathology exists, the joint is

The following brief review of joint structure and function is intended only as a refresher rather than a detailed discussion. However, massage therapists are encouraged to learn all they can about joint structure and function and the muscles that move them. A joint, also called an articulation, is the place where two or more bones

Therapeutic movements intended to improve joint flexibility were originally called “gymnastics,” and some still use this term. Joint flexibility techniques are also known as range-of-motion (ROM) techniques. Some massage therapy texts also use the term “joint mobilization,” but that term will not be used here because some forms of joint mobilization use a high-velocity, low-amplitude

https://vimeo.com/481738678 You hold your hands in different formations for different types of tapotement. For example, hacking uses the ulnar side of the hand, while cupping uses the hands shaped like a cup. The hands are held open in slapping, and in pincement the fingertips are used to pick up small bits of superficial tissue. These

The effects of tapotement vary depending on the application’s speed, force, and length. For example, short bursts of forceful tapotement are stimulating to both the local area and the body as a whole, but longer applications tend to relax the body area and body as a whole.  Very light tapotement with the fingertips causes vasoconstriction

https://vimeo.com/481738739 Variations in the application methods for vibration are described in Technique 21. Pay careful attention to your body mechanics when performing this stroke. It is easy to inadvertently tense your shoulders, elbows, and wrists during fine vibration because this technique is difficult until you have gained coordination and practice. Focus on relaxing your shoulders

The effects of vibration on the body depend on how the stroke is applied. Initially, vibration is stimulating because it startles the body and briefly activates the sympathetic nervous system. As the stroke progresses, the body relaxes. Sustained vibration to a particular area has a numbing, analgesic effect, reducing pain. Fine vibration is often applied