Swedish Massage Techniques and Clinical Considerations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Swedish massage techniques and important clinical considerations.

Centripetal Direction

Massage technique oriented towards the heart, used for relaxation and to address edema.

Effleurage

A Swedish massage technique involving long, sweeping strokes towards the heart using the palm or forearm.

Petrissage

Kneading technique in massage involving rhythmic compression and manipulation of tissue, effective for loosening adhesions.

Tapotement

Percussion technique in massage characterized by rhythmic tapping or striking to stimulate the nervous system.

Relaxation Technique

Massage style that is slow, predictable, and uses broad contact to decrease sympathetic nervous system firing.

Stimulation Technique

Massage style that is brisk, erratic, and uses specific contact to increase sympathetic nervous system firing.

Contraindications

Conditions under which massage techniques should not be applied, such as open sores or severe infections.

Lubricants in Massage

Substances used to facilitate movement over the skin; oils are traditional while lotions/gels may be less staining.

Palpation Skills

The ability of a therapist to feel and assess tissue health through touch, developed by proficiency in massage techniques.

Vibrations

A technique in massage that produces oscillations to soothe tissues; can be static or running.