Swedish Massage Techniques Chapter 13 Swedish Massage Techniques

Topic 13–3: Friction Friction: heat-producing, chafing stroke applied either with light, brisk strokes (superficial friction) or with depth (circular, linear, cross-fiber friction). Applied after petrissage, using little or no lubricant. Heat local tissue. Break up adhered tissue. Reorganize collagen fibers into parallel patterns allowing for greater ROM.

Topic 13–3: Friction Deep Linear Friction Strokes Addresses connective tissue. Superficial tissue pushed onto underlying structures; pulled over top of structures, stretching myofascia. Cyrix Cross-Fiber Friction Applied across fibers of muscle instead of following muscle fiber direction. Rapid and deep transverse rubbing creates inflammation in tissue.

Topic 13–3: Friction Cyrix Cross-Fiber Friction Stimulates tissue repair. Connective tissue reorganized; breakdown of scar tissue. Advanced technique; part of orthopedic massage, clinical massage, treatment massage.

Topic 13–3: Friction Effects of Friction Varies depending on stroke’s depth, direction, speed. Superficial friction is brisk and stimulating. Produces heat in skin from resistance between client’s body and therapist’s hands. Increases circulation and lymph flow to local tissue.

Topic 13–3: Friction Effects of Friction Deep friction applied parallel to muscle fibers to separate fibers so that they can more readily slide over each other and move freely. Myofascia stretched and broadened. Better flexibility and muscular balance.

Topic 13–3: Friction Effects of Friction Transverse friction applied across muscle fibers to break up an adhesion or scar tissue. Applied more slowly than Cyrix cross-fiber friction. Do not use friction strokes over open skin legions, skin diseases, bruises, acute injuries, inflammation, moderate to severe varicose veins.

Topic 13–3: Friction Application of Friction Superficial friction applied with palms in quick, light, back-and-forth motion with little or no lubricant. Fingertips, thumbs, knuckles, forearm, elbow, or edge of hand used to apply deep friction stroke.

Topic 13–3: Friction Application of Friction Pay attention to quality of client’s tissue and how it changes during treatment. Adhesions feel like stuck tissue glued together. Tissue may move freely and then suddenly grab. Obvious knots of bound-up tissue; client may report as area of mild numbness.

Topic 13–3: Friction Application of Friction Unhealthy or adhered tissue not easy to describe or identify. With experience, you will be able to quickly assess client’s tissue. See Technique: 20 Friction.