Explain any 4 Strokes of Massage
Answers
answer:
1. Effleurage
This type of massage stroke is a long gliding stroke.
This stroke can be done using the practitioner's one hand, both hands, palms of hands, knuckles, and/or forearms. This would depend on the specific body part that is being worked on.
This stroke is used to apply and deliver the massage lotion/oil and also to evaluate the soft tissue that is being work on. You can determine if there is tightness or trigger points that will need to have additional work done.
This is usually the first stroke when starting a new body part, it can be used in between other more specific strokes, and is usually the last stroke on a body part before moving on to the next area to be worked on.
As the practitioner works on an area, the pressure of the strokes increased, it provides a stretch to the muscles which will result in increased relaxation.
This picture shows the practitioner uses both hands to deliver a long gliding stroke from the base of the lumbar region towards the shoulders and neck.
effleurage
2. Petrissage
This type of massage stroke is often described as one that the practitioner is kneading, rolling, wringing, and lifting the soft tissue being worked on.
This stroke usually occurs after effleurage, and once the practitioner determines what type of massage stroke should come next.
Petrissage is used to help free up knotted and tight muscles and soft tissues. It also helps increase blood and lymphatic flow to the area which assists in the healing process.
This picture shows petrissage being done to the upper trapezius muscle. The practitioner is lifting and squeezing the muscle.
petrissage
3. Friction
Friction is a warming stroke that is used on specific areas of the body that the practitioner determines needs deeper work. This stroke will generate heat in order to warm up the area that is to be worked on.
This stroke can be done by applying pressure to the client's tolerance and either: going in the direction of the muscle fibers, going against the direction of the muscle fibers (cross-fiber friction), or going in small circular movements.
4. Tapotement
This type of massage stroke is a percussive stroke in which the hand action rhythmically applied to an area being worked on in order to stimulates nerves, muscles, and circulation
This can be achieved by such hand positions as: cupping your hands, with flat palms, using soft fists, and/or with the practitioner's fingers interlaced.