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Massage Therapy

Commonly Used Massage Strokes

Most massage methods use a combination of the following massage strokes/techniques (all of which are used in Swedish massage). They can either be practiced using gentle, slow movements, or can be brisk and invgorating:

Effleurage (Stroking)
Effleurage is the most common stroke used in massage. Firm pressure is applied in a fluid, gliding stroke over the skin. Often massage oils are creams are used to prevent friction. Effleurage is very often used at the beginning of a massage to warm up the muscles, establish rapport between client/massage therapis, and as an indictor to the therapist in locating areas of tension). It is also used at the end of massage treatments, and to bridge together the different techniques in a flowing manner. Effleurage stimulates the lymphatic system, boosts circulation and can be either relaxing or invigorating.

Petrissage (Kneading)
Petrissage involves using the hands and the fingers rhythmically to squeeze the skin and muscles (similar to kneading bread). Petrissage breaks down tension and stiffness, stretching the muscles and boosting circulation which, in turn, speed up the elimination of lactic acid and other wast products. Often, effleurage and petrissage are combined to perform a complete back massage.

Tapotement (percussion)
Tapotement is any form of rapid tapping that strikes the body lightly, alternating left and right hands, in a percussion manner. The wrists are relaxed, with the fingertips or outer edges of the hands are used. Tapotement can also be performed as "cupping" where the hand is rounded to form cups while rapidly tapping on the skin. Tapotement can be used to stimulate circulation, release mucus from the lungs, or around the sinuses for sinus related pressure and headaches.

Squeezing
Squeezing involves squeezing the muscle between the fingers and thumb, or with the entire hand, to stimulate circulation. Two muscles can be squeezed in opposing directions (e.g. the tricip and bicep) or a single muscle can be squeezed which has tensed.

Friction
Friction is a deep, poking/rubbing stroke that works on the deeper muscle tissues and is often used to break up "knots," loosen up muscle tightness, break down scar tissue, and release areas of tension. As this technique is deeper than others, it may cause discomfort to the client and therefore the massage therapist will often ask how much pressure can be comfortably tolerated. After the friction technique is completed on each area of the body, effleurage strokes are then used to relax the muscle and stimulate the clearning of toxins from the area.

Vibration
The massage therapist uses the hand or fingertips to create a vibrating or shaking motion. It is used on areas of the body experiencing muscle tension.

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