Massage Strokes
Dr. James Cyriax is credited with creating this massage stroke.
This is a generic term for any form of massage therapy that is based on a mainstream medical understanding of anatomy and physiology.
What is Western Massage?
The application of anatomical and physiological science to design equipment, objects, work systems, and their respective environment.
What is ergonomics?
The term for when massage cannot be performed under any circumstance. Currently, New York only has two of these. Active infection and fever were downgraded in 2023.
What is an absolute contraindication?
Providing warmth, protecting modesty, and creating a barrier for professional touch are the benefits of this massage requirement.
What is draping?
This massage stroke is beneficial for freeing adhesions, milking metabolic waste from tissue, and reducing hypertonicity.
What is petrissage?
This term refers to an area of the body that contains anatomical structures that may be damaged by too much pressure.
What is an endangerment site?
The idea of the body as a machine and the utilization of this perspective to analyze the motions and muscular forces used to complete tasks.
What is body mechanics?
Contraindications for this stroke include varicose veins, severely atrophied tissue, and acute conditions.
What is petrissage?
This is a relatively gentle massage technique that focuses on the body's superficial layers of tissue.
What is Swedish massage?
Cupping, hacking, and beating are all forms of this massage stroke.
What is tapotement?
This term refers to stretching and range of motion where the movement is performed solely by the client.
What is Active?
This refers to the average position of an object’s weight distribution. In humans, it is around the area of our umbilicus (belly button).
What is Center of Gravity?
Contraindications for this stroke include use of anticoagulant medication, fragile skin conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Friction?
This massage technique uses oscillation to soothe the body.
What is vibration?
This stroke is typically used to spread lubricant and begin to warm up the tissue.
What is effleurage?
This term refers to the position of the body when laying on the back.
What is supine?
This refers to the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity within a base of support. When moved outside the base of support, the center of gravity is supported by another structure (in the case of massage, our client’s body).
What is balance?
This refers to a condition that requires the massage therapist to adapt the treatment so that the client’s safety is maintained. Sometimes referred to as relative contraindications
What is a precaution?
Performing massage strokes in this direction can stimulate blood flow, particularly venous return and lymphatic flow.
What is distal to proximal?
This stroke is beneficial for treating and sedating muscle spasms.
What is compression?
Reduction of blood flow to an area, usually resulting in muscle spasm and fascial restriction, thereby causing an increase in pain
What is ischemia?
This is the point of contact between patient and practitioner in massage therapy.
What is a balance point?
This refers to a condition for which a treatment approach would be beneficial for health enhancement, treatment of a particular disorder, or support of a treatment modality other than massage.
What is an indication?
This needs to be verbally reviewed with the client at each visit and a written acknowledgement must be signed at the initial visit, as well as annually or any time major changes to the treatment plan are made.
What is informed consent?