General Massage Principles and Techniques

Flashcards covering general massage principles, specific body region techniques, and case study applications based on lecture notes.

What is the definition of effleurage?

Long gliding massage strokes.

What are the main goals of effleurage?

Reduce swelling, improve circulation, and relaxation.

In which direction are effleurage strokes usually performed?

Toward the heart/proximally.

True or False: Effleurage is appropriate for acute injuries.

True (gentle only).

What is petrissage?

Kneading/lifting/squeezing soft tissue.

What are the main goals of petrissage?

Muscle relaxation and mobility.

Name three examples of petrissage techniques.

Picking up, wringing, and kneading.

True or False: Petrissage is usually used for acute swelling.

False.

What is the purpose and pressure style of deep tissue massage?

The purpose is to increase muscle length and reduce chronic tightness using slow and deep pressure.

What is trigger point release?

Sustained pressure on a sensitive muscle point often felt as tender knots/bands.

What is hacking and what is its main purpose?

Hacking is rhythmic tapping/percussive massage used for stimulation.

What hand shape is used during clapping massage?

Cupped hands.

Which muscles are involved in long leg effleurage?

Quadriceps, hamstrings, gastroc, and soleus.

What is the main goal of knee effleurage and where does it focus?

The main goal is to reduce swelling around the knee, focusing on the patellar region and quadriceps tendon.

What should the pressure be like around the popliteal fossa?

Light.

What is the goal of thumb kneading the tibialis anterior?

Reduce tightness and tenderness.

Which muscles are targeted during 'picking up the calf'?

Gastrocnemius and soleus.

What motion is used in 'wringing the calf'?

A motion resembling twisting/wringing a towel.

What is the main goal of deep tissue massage on the ITB and vastus lateralis?

Improve muscle length.

What two things does 'massage with movement' combine when targeting the hamstrings?

Massage and active/passive movement.

What is the stroke direction for anterior long arm effleurage?

Toward the shoulder.

What is the main goal of deep tissue massage on the teres minor?

Increase external rotator muscle length.

What are the main goals of neck kneading?

To reduce neck muscle tension.

Which techniques are recommended for Case C (Global Trunk Soreness)?

Back effleurage, circular palmar, and wringing.

What is the objective and recommended technique for Case E (Acute Ankle Sprain)?

The objective is to reduce swelling using gentle effleurage.

In Case G (significant swelling in right arm after stroke), what is the best massage style and stroke direction?

Gentle effleurage applied proximally toward the trunk.