Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure (tension. motion. or nitration) either stationary. or moving done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles. tendons, ligament,skin, joints or other connective tissue as well as lymphatic vessels etc.Massage can be applied with the hands,fingers, elbows, knees,forearm and feet. The most cited reason for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand,preventive measure and perceived clinical effectiveness. It includes both body massage and head massage. Massage helps to relieving tension. promoting blood flow calming nerves,loosening muscle etc.
There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities.
Some of the important message modes are:
Stroking ~ this is performed with the whole hand or fingers. it comprises the usage of relaxed hand over patient’s skin with a rhythm and pressure that produce a relaxing effect.
Effleurage- this is performed by spreading and moving the hands with pressure and speed, to gain ,relaxation and lymph drainage.
Kneading-this involves alternate compression and release of the part to be manipulated.
Picking up- this involves lilting up oftissue from underlying bone,releasing it after squeezing it.
Wringing ~this technique lifts up the tissue and applies a twist to enhance stretching effect.
Friction- this is a small movement applied with thumb or finger where pressure is applied item superficial to depth of the tissue.
Friction- this is a small movement applied with thumb or finger where pressure is applied item superficial to depth of the tissue.
Hacking ~ this is performed with extended forearm and striking the skin using the side of the hand.
Clapping -this is done by striking the skin with cupped hands.
Shaking and Vibrating- shaking and vibration involves gentle strokes ofshakes and Vibrations respectively
