Massage Parameters

 

Direction, pressure, rate, rhythm, duration and frequency will depend on patient and the anticipated treatment outcome. For example, procedures for relaxation to decrease pain are markedly different than procedures to increase mobility of scar tissue. Specific procedures are described in the 9B.2 Handout, "Positioning and Soft Tissue Mobilization Images

 

Direction

Dependent on the targeted outcome of the treatment

Centripetal: toward the heart - in the direction of venous and lymphatic flow; generally associated with strokes which increase/effect circulation

Centrifugal: away from the heart - in the direction of arterial flow; non-specific in an anatomical region

 

Pressure

Varies from extremely light to heavy; varies from constant to progressive (light to heavy)

Largely dependent on feedback from patient and patient's age, sensory system, and soft tissue status

Rate and Rhythm

Relaxation: slow, gentle and rhythmic; may include overlapping circular motions

Stimulating: rapid, clapping

Duration and Frequency

Varies with treatment plan: body region (10-15 min) compared to whole body (45+ min); deeper cross friction techniques are generally of shorter duration due to tissue effects and increased risk for tissue injury; duration depends on the size of treatment area and extent of injury.

Integrated with other functional PT interventions as part of total treatment plan (e.g., exercises, therapeutic activities, postural awareness training) with documentation to support incremental benefit in progressing to short and long term goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification of Massage Strokes

Manipulation (Stroke Type)

Variations

Stroking - Effleurage

Stroking

 

Pressure - Petrisage

Kneading

Picking up

Wringing

Skin rolling

Percussion - Tapotement

Hacking

Clapping

Beating

Pounding

Vibration and shaking

 

Deep frictions

Transverse

Circular

 

 Massage Procedures

Refer to the 9B.2 Handout for General Guidelines