Common medication names: Soma, Lorzone, Robaxin, Flexeril
the massage, and therefore have a better idea of how to proceed with proximal sessions. Be sure to check in more frequently about pressure throughout the massage.
HOW MASSAGE AFFECTS THE BODY
More specifically, massage produces two types of physiological effects: mechanical and reflex. Mechanical effects are direct, often localized effects that are the result of physical pressure, movement, and manipulation of the soft tissue. These actions normalize connective tissue and move body fluids and digestive content. Reflex effects are characterized by changes in the nervous system that release chemicals in the body. Simple categorization is complicated by the fact that the mechanism by which massage produces its effects is not always clearly identified. Many effects of massage are a product of interrelationships among the peripheral and central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and neuroendocrine secretions. Rather than a one-to-one correspondence, the effects of massage are a combination of mechanical, neural, chemical, and psychological factors (Crawford et al., 2016). Self-Assessment Quiz Question #1 Massage has been used to alleviate painful afflictions and discomfort associated with a wide range of common symptoms and physical disorders, including _________. a. Acute fractures. b. Metastatic cancer pain. c. Muscle tears. d. Joint stiffness & pain. ● Petrissage (kneading) : This technique manipulates fleshy areas with actions including rolling (using both hands to compress the muscle against the bone, then rolling it), compressing, and chucking (using one hand to hold a limb while the other hand moves along the bone). Petrissage is primarily used to assist metabolic function and the removal of wastes, promote the movement of blood in deeper tissue, break up adhesions, stretch muscle fascia, increase blood and lymph circulation, and support weakened muscle. ● Friction : This technique includes a number of different types of vigorous, rhythmic actions that largely benefit the bony areas of the body. This stroke includes circular friction, which promotes circulation and stimulates muscle tissue and nerves; transverse friction, which is applied perpendicularly to muscle fibers to break up adhesion; parallel strokes, which stimulate deep tissue and reduce adhesion; and compression, or pumping. In each case, friction increases circulation, promotes flexibility of the joints, increases circulation, and breaks down sediment in the fascia. ● Tapotement (percussion) : This stroke uses pounding, tapping, and other movements in rapid and alternating succession over primarily fleshy areas, avoiding any sensitive or injured area. The stroke is used to stimulate tissue, increase circulation, improve muscle tonus, and loosen lung congestion. ● Vibration (shaking) : Rhythmic shaking and manipulation of surface tissues used to soothe and calm or to stimulate, depending on the pressure and rate of the application.
Massage improves blood circulation, increases metabolic rate, nourishes cells, and facilitates the removal of wastes; it encourages relaxation, relieves stress, and can reduce cramping, soreness, and pain resulting from trauma, fatigue, and/or illness. Massage has been used to alleviate painful afflictions and discomfort associated with a wide range of common symptoms and physical disorders, including: ● Arthritis. ● Occupational injuries. ● Bursitis. ● Circulatory disorders. ● Dislocations or fractures. ● Fibromyalgia. ● Headaches (migraine, tension, and sinus). ● Joint stiffness and pain.
● Metabolic disorders. ● Neuralgia/neuritis. ● Pain due to trauma or stress. ● Physical rehabilitation. ● Repetitive strain injury. ● Respiratory conditions. ● Sciatica. ● Strains, sprains, and muscle spasms. ● Temporal mandibular joint disorder. ● Tendonitis.
Massage strokes As a manual therapist, you are most likely already familiar with massage techniques, as well as their benefits for the body. To give an overview of specific strokes and techniques may be helpful when you are determining which strokes may be available to you use when a client is taking certain medications that require special considerations or adjustments. Each massage stroke is associated with specific qualities of application that greatly influence its effects. In general, movements that are more rapid than the heart rate stimulate, while movements that are slower than the heart rate relax. Movements may be centrifugal, away from the heart and corresponding to arterial flow; centripetal, toward the heart and corresponding to venous flow; or cross-fiber, perpendicular to the direction of tissue fibers. Application also varies according to duration and frequency of treatment and the physical positioning of the body. Pressure can vary from light to deep, with varied rate of application (speed) and intervals of application (rhythm). Massage uses a variety of specific strokes (described subsequently), including as many as five to eight categories. (Some massage therapists distinguish the following actions: rocking from petrissage; shaking from vibration; and compression from friction.) ● Effleurage (gliding) : This technique is carried out with long, gliding strokes toward the heart. It may include nerve strokes or feathering (a very light stroke) and is typically performed to relax, stimulate, stretch, and broaden tissue to increase circulation (lymph and blood movement) and reduce edema.
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Book Code: MTX1325
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