Soft Tissue Mobilization & Swedish Massage Techniques

Flashcards covering definitions, parameters, procedures, and specific techniques of massage, with a focus on Swedish massage.

What is massage defined as?

A manual therapeutic modality that produces physiological effects through different types of stroking, rubbing, and pressure.

What types of physiological effects can massage produce?

Mechanical and reflexive effects.

What are some key massage parameters?

Direction, Duration, Frequency, Pressure, Rhythm, and Speed.

What are the essential steps for patient consent during a massage procedure?

Describe the technique, describe risks/benefits, set patient expectations, and provide the opportunity to consent or refuse.

What initial step must a therapist perform before starting a massage, and what technique should begin the massage?

PALPATION first, and massage should start with effleurage.

Who are considered the founders of Swedish massage?

Ling and Metzger.

Who coined the French terms for Swedish massage techniques?

Metzger coined the terms: effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement.

What is effleurage?

A technique characterized by long, smooth strokes that slide over the skin, meaning 'to flow or glide over the skin'.

When is effleurage typically used during treatment?

At the beginning and end of treatments or as a transition stroke, helping to spread lubricant, warm tissues, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue fluid movement.

What is petrissage, and what does the French verb 'petrir' mean?

Petrissage is a technique that lifts, wrings, or squeezes soft tissues in a kneading motion; 'petrir' means 'to knead'.

What are the main aims/effects of petrissage?

To 'milk' a muscle of accumulated metabolic waste products, increase local circulation, assist venous return, separate muscle fibers, and evoke relaxation.

What is friction massage, and what is its purpose?

Rubbing one surface over another repeatedly to shift, broaden, and separate tissues, often used in small circular motions over a trigger point or muscle spasm.

What crucial step should be taken regarding lubricant before performing deep friction massage?

After warming the area with effleurage/petrissage, the lubricant should be wiped off to prevent sliding.

What is tapotement, and what is its primary physiological effect?

A series of brisk, percussive movements following each other in rapid, alternating fashion, primarily having a stimulating effect that enhances circulation and stimulates peripheral nerve endings.

What is vibration massage?

An oscillating, quivering, or trembling motion performed quickly and repeatedly, which can be fine (fingertips) or coarse (shaking a muscle belly).

What is Direct Pressure (also known as direct static pressure) used for, and how long is it typically applied?

Tissues are compressed with light to heavy pressure for 5-30 seconds, commonly used for trigger point release.