SWEDISH MASSAGE MOVEMENTS

Effleurage

This is the soothing gliding movement. A Swedish massage begins and ends with this stroke, and is used in between other strokes. It enables the client to become accustomed to the therapists touch. The therapist also uses this gliding stroke to feel for restrictions in the muscle fibres and to distribute oil or other forms of lubricant.

Effleurage is not only soothing, but plays an important roll in the movement and blood flow; this is why the stroke is used before between and after more aggressive movements.

Friction

Friction is any form of stroke that moves soft tissue over harder underlying tissue or adhesions and muscle over bone, for example the Knee joint or over the Scapular bone.

Friction can be performed using digital pressure from the fingers tips to the knuckles or the whole hand or elbow. It is usually done in small circular motions, but more aggressive cross fibre strokes can sometimes be employed.

Petrissage

Petrissage is the term given to the kneading squeezing, grasping, compressing and rolling movements.

The skin can be simultaneously compressed by the hands and fingers and lifted from the underlying muscle and or bone, allowing the emptying and refilling of blood vessels and lymph spaces and vessels.

Tapotement

This describes the movement involving sudden blows made by the therapist cupping their hands or pummelling with loose closed fists. This technique is a deeply penetrating blow, by using the wrist in a loose wrist action for the blow and allowing the hand to spring back, it does not cause bruising or slapping on the client.

The cupping and pummelling is done in rapid succession with hands alternating the blows. The blows are short, sharp, and light in application, producing spasms of the superficial vessels and stimulating vasomotor centres. It heightens muscle tone and improves resilience to impact.

Other forms of Tapotement are:

• Hacking – This is done with the Ulna side of the hand, much like the old Karate chop.
• Plucking – Skin is grasped between the thumb and first two fingers in a pinching action and lifting, it is done very quickly.
• Flicking – Similar to hacking, but done with fingers spread open and contact is only with the third fourth and fifth fingers.
• Rolling – Done to the arms and legs and as the name suggests, the bigger muscles of the limbs are rolled by both hands.
• Shaking – The hand is loosely placed over a muscle group and shaken in small movements.
• Vibration – This is an inward trembling pressure, produced by the rapid vibration of the therapists shoulder arm and hand. It is usually performed over areas corresponding to internal organs and lymph nodes.

Contact One of our massage professionals for more information on Swedish Massage.

Cooloola Massage
58 Channon Street
PO Box 731, Gympie Qld 4570

Mobile: 0402 915 080

Email: matt@cooloolamassage.com.au

Internet: www.cooloolamassage.com.au