Massage Therapy and Body Mechanics Lecture

Vocabulary terms covering types of tissue, massage strokes, and essential body mechanics for therapists.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue that covers.

Connective tissue

A type of tissue that connects, surrounds muscles and structures, and can adapt to posture patterns.

Muscle tissue

A type of tissue that contracts.

Nervous tissue

A type of tissue that communicates.

Aponeurosis

A flat sheet of connective tissue that connects muscle to muscle.

Fascia

A type of connective tissue that wraps muscles, surrounds organs and other structures, connects the entire body, and adapts to movement and posture patterns.

Effleurage

Long gliding strokes toward the heart used to start and end a massage, promote circulation, and relaxation.

Petrissage

Massage technique involving kneading, lifting, and squeezing tissue to increase circulation and release tension.

Superficial friction

A friction technique where the skin glides.

Deep friction

A friction technique where the deeper tissues move.

Cross-fiber friction

A friction technique applied across tendon or muscle fibers.

Tapotement

Percussion techniques including tapping, hacking, cupping, and drumming that stimulate tissue.

Body Mechanics

Proper positioning including head over shoulders, shoulders over hips, neutral spine, and engaging the core to protect the low back.

Purpose of Body Mechanics

To prevent therapist injury and deliver effective pressure.