Massage and Bodywork

Definition

Swedish massage consists of five basic hand strokes, effleurage, petrissage, friction, percussion, and vibration.

Effleurage: Slow, rhythmic, gliding strokes, usually in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, for example, from wrist to shoulder. Usually the massage therapist uses the whole hand (palm and fingers), gradually applying an increasing amount of pressure. Variations of effleurage involve strokes applied with the fingertips, heel of the hand, or knuckles.

Petrissage: Kneading, pressing, and rolling muscle groups. The massage therapist will take hold of the tissue and alternately tighten and loosen his grasp.

Friction: Steady pressure or tight circular movements across muscle fibers without moving across the skin, often used in areas around joints.

Percussion (Tapotement): Drumming hand movements on broad areas of the body, particularly the back. Techniques include beating with the side of loosely clenched fists; cupping or striking with the fingertips and heel of the hand; hacking, rapid chopping motions with the edge of the hand; and clapping, using the flattened hand to clap rapidly over fleshy areas.

General Benefits of Massage

• Gives a sense of well-being

• Decreases stress

• Decreases edema

• Decreases aches and pains

• Speeds up healing time after injury or surgery

• Helps prevent sports or movement injuries

• Increases relaxation

• Increases circulation

• Increases cellular detoxification

• Increases range-of-motion

• Relieves tension headaches