MM Chapter 13: Swedish Massage Techniques

B. Application of Friction

https://vimeo.com/481738757 Superficial friction is most often applied with the palms in a quick, light, back-and-forth motion with little or no lubricant. The fingertips, thumbs, knuckles, forearm, elbow, or edge of the hand are used to apply a deep friction stroke.  During the application of friction, pay attention to the quality of the client’s tissue and […]

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A. Effects of Friction

The effects of friction vary depending on the stroke’s depth, direction, and speed. Superficial friction is brisk and stimulating. It produces heat in the skin from the resistance between the client’s body and the therapist’s hands. The heat produced through friction increases circulation and lymph flow to the local tissue.  Deep friction is applied parallel

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B. Application of Petrissage

https://vimeo.com/481738770 To apply a petrissage stroke, wrap one hand around the tissue, keeping your fingers together as a unit. Lift the muscle away from the bone until you feel it stretch. Roll the muscle through your fingers and out of your hand as your other hand lifts up another section of tissue. Too much lubricant

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A. Effects of Petrissage

Petrissage provides many of the same effects as effleurage. Petrissage stimulates sebaceous secretion, thereby conditioning the skin. It stimulates local circulation to warm soft tissue and improves nutrient and waste exchange.  It is particularly suited for decreasing muscle tension. When soft tissue is lifted off the bone and other muscles in a petrissage stroke, the

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B. Application of Effleurage

https://vimeo.com/481736235 The palm of the hand, fingertips, edge of the hand, forearms, knuckles, and thumbs can be used to apply effleurage strokes. The choice often depends on the desired depth and the body area. For example, the forearm would obviously not be used to apply an effleurage stroke to the face; the fingertips are clearly more appropriate.

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A. Effects of Effleurage

The effects of effleurage on the body vary depending on the stroke’s depth, speed, and direction. For example, slow strokes delivered in the same direction as the muscle fibers at a light or moderate depth soothe the body and trigger the parasympathetic nervous system response. Quick strokes delivered in the same direction as the muscle

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Lesson 13-6: Joint Movements

Joint movements involve a complicated process that includes the brain, nerves, muscles, and bones. The simple act of picking up a pencil, for example, requires a complex series of actions and reactions. The brain decides what movement to make and sends signals through the nervous system to the muscles. The muscles then contract or lengthen

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Lesson 13-4: Vibration

Vibration is a pulsating, tremor-like or oscillating stroke that stimulates or relaxes the body area or the whole body, depending on how it is applied. The term “vibration” comes from the Latin word for “to shake.” Vibration is often used only in short bursts to a particular area because it can be tiring for the

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