Massage Therapy - Terms and Definitions (Exam)

5 Principles of Massage ( not official 5 but may be on exam

● General - Specific- General
● Superficial- Deep- Superficial
● Proximal - Distal- Proximal
● Intent to cover the length of the muscle
● Pressure moves towards the heart

Safe Massage

Safe
• Direct force towards the heart
• Use caution on vulnerable areas (nerves, veins,
arteries)
• Stay within scope of practice
• Use manipulations to suit clients condition and
needs
• Exercise caution with any form of mobility and
stretch applied to tissue
• Use proper body mechanics, surface contacts

Integumentary - Ticklish Skin

What do you do?

Sensitive or ticklish skin can often denote
underlying soft tissue tension
- use broad, firm contact over area
- encourage client to practice controlled
exhalation upon application of pressure (Diaphragmatic breathing & Directed Breathing)
- start elsewhere in the body to allow client
to relax

Types of Stress

List 5

● Emotional- grief, anxiety, depression, anger,
fear
● Violence/abuse- physical, emotional
● Physical pain- injury, disease
● Excessive stimulant use- caffeine, medication
side effect
● Environmental/physical-physically, mentally
demanding job