Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 13 Swedish Massage Techniques

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Think about individual strokes, how they tie together, r effects on the body, how you palpate and adapt techniques during massage. –See Table 13-3: Overview of Swedish Massage Techniques. –See Table 13-4: Overview of Swedish Massage Considerations.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Sequencing –Sequence of strokes (order in which strokes are applied to given body area). –Overall sequence of massage (order in which body areas massaged). –In Swedish massage, strokes follow defined progression: effleurage to petrissage; friction; vibration; tapotement; joint movement added as appropriate.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Sequencing –Each stroke addresses tissue in different way. –Takes into account physiological changes that have occurred in soft tissue during preceding stroke. –Order of strokes changed to meet client’s needs. –See Table 13-5: Examples of Different Massage Sequencing.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Sequencing –Personal rhythm and movements will instinctively change so that they harmonize better with client. –Skill level leads to which body areas to address first; which body areas to address for longer time. –Be flexible; use communication skills. –Specific treatment goals may determine sequencing. –Information from client intake interview.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Routines –Series of strokes planned in advance; delivered to body areas in preset order; practiced until they flow smoothly together. –Some spas and massage clinics develop set routines. –Routines for specific body areas useful in relaxation settings.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Routines –Some therapists develop foot routines that helps to build loyal clientele who especially like foot massage. See Technique 28: Foot Massage. –In many spas, face massaged while body cocooned in body wrap. See Technique 29: Face Massage.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Routines –Use of routines not advised for healthcare massage or massage sessions in which client and therapist have agreed on specific treatment goals. –Adapt massage to client’s specific needs. –Term “routine” should not be confused with “treatment protocol” in which series of techniques used in particular order.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Subtle Factors That Influence the Massage –Therapist’s intention –Contact –Use of lubricant –Pacing and leading

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–7: Putting It All Together Subtle Factors That Influence the Massage –Depth –Rhythm –Flow and continuity –Stroke length