Massage Therapy Techniques PDF

**Application --** is a process of applying something such as healing agent or lotion into the body especially the skin for soothing action. **Assessment-** is an evaluation of the health status of an individual by performing a physical appraisal after obtaining a health history. **Documentation-*...

**Application --** is a process of applying something such as healing agent or lotion into the body especially the skin for soothing action. **Assessment-** is an evaluation of the health status of an individual by performing a physical appraisal after obtaining a health history. **Documentation-** refers to a chronological written account of a client's assessment and management that includes the client's medical history and complaints, the therapist's physical findings, the results of assessment and procedures, and therapeutic procedures. **Massage Therapy -** This refers to a system of assessment, evaluation and manual application techniques used in a scientific manner. Muscle locations, stress points and other parts of the human body are accounted for. **Palpation-** is an assessment of the body by touching or pressing with the fingers or the palm of the hand. **Range of Motion-** is the extent of movement of a joint from full extension to full flexion (bending) measured in degress like a circle. **Sensory Assessment-** is the process of appraisal using the senses in a scientific and documented manner example is the simple pain assessment tool consisting of a 10 cm line with 0 on one end, representing no pain, and 10 on the other, representing the worst pain ever experienced, hich a patient indicates so the clinician knows the severity of his or her pain. **Stroke --** This refers to a single uninterrupted and complete movement or process. This is repeated in a back-and-forth motion on the surface or deeper structures of the body. A hand or a tool is used. **Visual Assessment-** is an appraisal tool using image impressions on tissues, skin color, tone and texture in relation to a persons' health condition. **Vital Signs-** refers to the basic indicators of body function, usually meaning heartbeats per minutes, breaths per minutes, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. 1. **Pre-massage --** This consists of two main activities conducted prior to a massage application. a. **Client Assessment.** The therapist shall interview the client in order to understand his/her therapeutic needs and requests. This includes the identification of contraindications, taking the client's vital signs, and formulating a massage plan. This assessment shall be recorded in written S.O.A.P. format. b. **Preparation.** The therapist prepares the venue and paraphernalia for massage while the client prepares him/herself for the massage proper. 2. **Massage Proper** This is the application of massage techniques, in accordance with the previously formulated massage plan. 3. **Post-massage -- --** This consists of two main activities conducted after the massage application: a. **Aftercare** means providing assistance to the client after the massage proper. b. **Documentation** is the final completion of the S.O.A.P. form, to include the evaluation of the massage, client response, and the therapist's recommendations for future sessions. **DRAPING** As Filipinos or Asians, we belong to a more conservative culture compared to the West. That is why privacy remains an important factor especially during any massage session. Thus, the need to have knowledge on and about draping. Simply, the meaning of drape or draping is the process of using linens to keep a client covered while performing a massage. 1. 2. +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **3 TYPES OF DRAPING** | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **1) Diaper draping** | a. Towel is being inserted | | | between two legs just as what | | | is being done on babies | | | | | | b. For this technique you will | | | need a regular bath -- size | | | towel (two towels if the | | | client is female) and a | | | covering for the table. The | | | table covering may be a small | | | flat sheet, a cot size fitted | | | sheet, or a disposable paper | | | sheet. The towel may also | | | serve as the wrap the client | | | uses to get from the dressing | | | area to the table. | | | | | | c. Diaper draping is suitable | | | when environment is very warm | | | (80⁰ F or warmer) so there is | | | no chance of the client | | | becoming chilled. This | | | technique also ensures that | | | the genital area is well | | | concealed. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **2) Top Cover draping -** | a. Sometimes called \"plain | | | draping\", here the towel is | | | carefully placed on top of | | | the client exposing only | | | parts of the body to work on. | | | | | | b. This method uses a table | | | covering as in Method 1 along | | | with a top covering that is | | | large enough to cover the | | | entire body. A large bath | | | sheet towel or one half of a | | | sheet will serve this purpose | | | ell. The minimum size for the | | | top cover is seventy -- two | | | inches along and thirty -- | | | two inches wide. | | | | | | c. The cover sheet may also | | | serve as the wrap the client | | | uses to get from the dressing | | | area the table. | | | | | | d. The use of this type of | | | draping ensures warmth and | | | modesty while allowing easy | | | access to each body part. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | 3**) Full sheet draping**- | a. This involves the use of a | | | large blanket and covers the | | | client like a cocoon exposing | | | parts of the body when | | | necessary. | | | | | | b. This method employs the use | | | of a full -- size double flat | | | sheet (minimum width eighty | | | inches) to cover the table | | | and wrap the client. When | | | working with a large client | | | 9200 pounds plus), it is | | | necessary to use a queen -- | | | size sheet. When using this | | | method it is necessary to | | | supply an additional wrap for | | | the client to get from the | | | dressing area to the table. | | | After the client is on the | | | table the wrap is used to | | | secure the sheet and to cover | | | the client when he or she | | | turns over and gets up after | | | the massage. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+