Massage Techniques and Effects Flashcards

Which massage technique is primarily characterized by lifting, wringing, and squeezing the soft tissues?

Answer: Petrissage

Petrissage consists of movements that lift, knead, roll, and squeeze tissues. It is intended to increase local circulation and 'milk' metabolic wastes from the area.

A client reports high levels of stress and presents with significant, generalized guarding and hypertonicity in the upper back and neck. To primarily achieve a reflexive reduction in nervous system firing and promote relaxation, which technique is most appropriate to begin the session?

Answer: Slow, rhythmic effleurage

Slow, rhythmic effleurage is deeply calming to the central nervous system. It stimulates the parasympathetic response ('rest and digest'), which helps to reduce overall muscle tension and guarding, making it an ideal opening technique for a stressed client.

Which of the following is considered a primary MECHANICAL effect of massage therapy?

Answer: Increased venous and lymphatic return

The physical pressure and movement of massage strokes mechanically push deoxygenated blood and lymph fluid through their respective vessels, aiding circulation. The other options are primarily reflexive effects, mediated by the nervous system's response to touch.

A massage therapist is treating a client with a chronic, non-acute tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon, characterized by palpable fibrous adhesions. Which technique is most specifically designed to break down these adhesions and promote a functional realignment of collagen fibers?

Answer: Transverse Friction

Transverse friction, developed by Dr. James Cyriax, involves applying deep, localized friction perpendicular to the direction of the fibers. This is intended to create a therapeutic inflammation, break down adhesions, and facilitate the formation of mobile, well-aligned scar tissue.

During a pre-event sports massage, a therapist applies a stimulating percussion technique using cupped hands to create a hollow sound. What is this specific form of tapotement called?

Answer: Cupping

Cupping is the technique that uses cupped hands to strike the skin, creating a vacuum effect that is thought to help loosen congestion and stimulate underlying tissues. Hacking uses the ulnar border of the hand, pounding uses a loose fist, and tapping uses the fingertips.

The invigorating and stimulating sensation a client feels after a session of brisk and rapid tapotement is primarily due to the activation of which division of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer: Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system governs the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing alertness, heart rate, and muscle readiness. Brisk, stimulating massage techniques like tapotement activate this system. In contrast, slow, rhythmic techniques tend to activate the parasympathetic ('rest-and-digest') system.