Techniques & Modalities Flashcards

Which Swedish massage stroke involves lifting, squeezing, and rolling the soft tissue away from the underlying bone?

Answer: Petrissage

Petrissage is the kneading stroke that lifts, squeezes, and releases muscle tissue.

Over which area should vigorous tapotement generally be avoided?

Answer: Posterior lower ribs over the kidneys

The kidneys are relatively unprotected organs, so percussive strokes over the lower posterior ribs are avoided.

What is the primary purpose of deep transverse (cross-fiber) friction applied to a tendon?

Answer: To break up adhesions and encourage functional collagen alignment

Cross-fiber friction, popularized by Cyriax, reduces adhesions and helps scar tissue form in a mobile, organized way.

In Swedish massage on the limbs, effleurage is typically directed in which way?

Answer: Toward the heart

Centripetal effleurage supports venous and lymphatic return toward the heart.

A therapist applies a rapid, fine trembling motion with the hand in contact with the client's skin. Which technique is this?

Answer: Vibration

Vibration is a continuous trembling or shaking movement transmitted through the hand into the tissue.

In muscle energy technique using post-isometric relaxation, the client contracts the target muscle against resistance at roughly what effort?

Answer: About 20-25% of maximal effort

MET uses a light isometric contraction, about 20-25% of maximum for several seconds, followed by a gentle stretch.

Contracting the triceps to help the biceps relax during a stretch relies on which physiological principle?

Answer: Reciprocal inhibition

Reciprocal inhibition causes the antagonist to relax when the agonist contracts.