Chapter 10: Classification of Massage Movements

Tissue Deformation

• Traction forces deform tissue by pulling the layer of tissue structures apart from one another
• Shear forces deform tissue by shifting different structures against each other

Types of Strokes

• Non-contact strokes do not touch the skin
• Kneading is a method that helps release emotional holding, reduces tension in muscles, creates movements, and opens joints
• Filling is a type of method that involves compressing the tissue
• Vibration is a type of method that involves oscillating movements

Percussion Movements

• Examples of percussion movements include tapotement, hacking, and cupping

Engaging Tissues

• A practitioner can "engage" the tissues by making gentle, gradual contact with the client's body

Stimulating Strokes

• Tapotement strokes are known to be stimulating and energizing

Excursion

• Excursion in the context of massage refers to the movement of the practitioner's hand or finger into the tissue

Modifying Pressure

• The type of movement, size, thickness, density, condition, and quality of the tissue to which the movement is directed are determining factors for adjusting pressure
• A practitioner can stay in contact but back off during the massage if the client has a reaction such as pain or deep emotion

Kneading Benefits

• When skillfully applied, kneading helps with releasing emotional holding, reducing tension in muscles, and creating movements

Back and Forth Movement

• The back and forth movement in which both of the practitioner's hands are placed a short distance apart on either side of the limb is called rolling

Effects of Kneading

• Softened amorphous (massed) ground substance in the fascia is a direct effect of kneading

Rapid Back and Forth Movement

• A rapid back and forth movement with the hands in which the flesh is shaken and rolled around the axis is called vibration

Palmar Pumping

• Palmar pumping uses a rhythmic pumping action directed into the muscle perpendicular to the underlying bone using the palms

Trager Bodywork

• The bodywork known as Trager uses a rhythmic, gentle, and non-invasive approach

Oscillating Method

• An oscillating method that is a continuous shaking or trembling movement transmitted from the practitioner's hand and arm (or electric apparatus) to a fixed point or along a selected area of the body is called vibration

Most Soothing Movement

• Long strokes are the most soothing and relaxing of all the massage movements

Delicate Areas

• Gentle, light strokes should be used over delicate and sensitive areas, such as the face

Grasping Flesh

• Grasping the flesh firmly in one or both hands and moving it up and down along the bone is called lifting

Push-Pull and Release Movement

• The push-pull and release movement applied to the client's body in either side to side or up and down directions is called wringing

Pathological Barriers

• A sense of resistance or "bind" is not an example of a pathological barrier

End Feel

• An end feel that results in bone on bone contact, such as the extension of the elbow, is called "bone-on-bone" end feel