Summary of Effect of Massage Movements

June 21, 2011 - 2 minutes read

SUMMARY OF EFFECTS OF MASSAGE MOVEMENTS

EFFLEURAGE – soothing movement

• Increases arterial, venous and lymphatic flow
Arterial – bringing oxygen, nutrients (for cell regeneration)
Venous – removing carbon dioxide and waste material
Lymphatic – removing and filtering waste and excess tissue fluid
• Increase in circulation will warm the tissue and prepare for deeper movements. After deeper movements, it will aid the removal of toxins via veins and lymphatic movements
•Sensory nerves will be soothed and skin is warmed, relaxing the client
•Desquamates, improving skin texture

PETRISSAGE – surface tissues pressed towards bone

•Compression and relaxation causes filling and emptying of blood vessels
•Removes waste products, eg lactic acid
•Loosens adhesions and scar tissue
•Helps disperse fluid around joints
•Nourishes the periosteum
•Decongests local areas

KNEADING (wringing, picking up) – working on deep tissues, picking up away from the bone

•Increases arterial, venous and lymphatic flow in deeper tissues
•Nourishes and decongests
•Breaks down stiffness and tension in large muscles
•Produces warmth in the tissues
•Stretches muscle, improving suppleness and elasticity

FRICTION – Compresses tissue against bone

•Releases tension in muscles and loosens tightness around joints
•Heats up local area
•Improves circulation and promotes lymph and drainage
•Breaks down local knots or lumps

HACKING – Classic ‘chopping’ motion

•Stimulates blood flow to the area, warming and raising metabolism
•Stimulates nerve fibres
•Improves muscle tone

CUPPING – Stimulating and invigorating

•Creates a vacuum, drawing flesh up
•Capillaries dilate, bringing an increase in local circulation and warmth to the area, decongesting and increasing nourishment
•Warmth helps to soften fatty tissue

TAPOTEMENT – Used on delicate areas (face)

•Stimulates vascular network
•Glandular activity increased
•Skin texture is improved

VIBRATION – trembling/shaking movement

•Clears nerve pathways and relieves pain
•Helps loosen tightness in the muscles

PASSIVE MOVEMENTS – used on joints

•Allows the client to relax while the therapist takes a joint (wrist, ankle) through its natural range of movement
•May help improve mobility and release tension

https://www.johnnycassell.com/how-to-talk-to-women-and-leave-her-wanting-more/