Lubricants
Lubricants decrease friction between the hands and the patient's skin. The result is increased patient comfort and smoother movements. Skin can develop sensitivities over time to lotions, oils and creams, so some providers may need to be selective or discontinue use of lubricants due to allergic reactions
Types of Lubricants
|
Type |
Example |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Powder |
Unscented baby powder, talc |
Allows for deep tissue manipulation with minimal hand slipping Facilitates movement over skin, but allows hand and skin to move together to reach deeper tissues |
Messy If it gets on the floor of treatment area, the floor may be slippery May become a lung irritant to therapist/patient if inhaled |
|
Creams |
Moisturizing cream (i.e., Lubriderm, Lanolin) |
Allows hands to glide comfortably over skin |
Can be absorbed by the skin, changing the amount of lubrication during the session |
|
Oils |
High quality natural (plant-based), such as almond, olive, sesame |
Small amounts can be distributed evenly Preferred for dry and low nutrition areas (e.g., scar) |
Messy, can stain patient's clothing and items used for draping Does not allow for enough friction for targeting deeper structures; difficult to grip soft tissue |