Massage Application and Techniques Flashcards

Which stroke is most appropriate to use at the BEGINNING of a massage session to warm up tissue?

Answer: Effleurage

Effleurage is a gliding stroke used at the start of massage to warm superficial tissue and prepare the client for deeper work.

When performing pétrissage, the therapist primarily targets which tissue layer?

Answer: Muscle belly and deeper fascia

Pétrissage (kneading) compresses and lifts the muscle belly and deeper fascia to improve circulation and reduce muscular tension.

A client presents with acute muscle spasm in the upper trapezius. Which technique is CONTRAINDICATED in this scenario?

Answer: Vigorous tapotement

Tapotement is a percussive, stimulating technique that can aggravate an acute muscle spasm and is therefore contraindicated.

Which direction should effleurage strokes primarily be directed to best support venous return?

Answer: Distal to proximal (toward the heart)

Effleurage strokes directed from distal to proximal (toward the heart) support venous return and lymphatic flow.

What is the primary physiological effect of friction techniques?

Answer: Generating local heat and breaking down adhesions

Friction generates localized heat through mechanical action and helps break down scar tissue and fascial adhesions.

During a sports massage, a therapist uses skin rolling. This technique primarily affects which structure?

Answer: Superficial fascia and skin

Skin rolling lifts and rolls the skin away from underlying fascia, primarily addressing the superficial fascia and skin mobility.

Which of the following best describes the technique of vibration in massage?

Answer: Rapid alternating compression and release applied with oscillating movement

Vibration involves rapid, oscillating movements that alternately compress and release tissue to produce a trembling effect.