Friction Massage Chiropractor Chicago
Friction Massage
In this lesson you will learn how to apply a friction massage and the effects it has. Friction massage is a massage technique that is normally applied around the joints. This technique is often used to treat tendonitis (the inflammation of a tendon), to increase circulation around injured scars or ligaments, and also as a treatment for adhesions. Learn more about the different massage techniques on the massage & relaxation main page.
Description: Friction Massage
This is a very basic description of how to apply friction massage.
Put one or more fingers on the affected area. Slightly flex your hand depending on the area you are going to massage. You can use the other fingers to reinforce the position of your hand.
There is always an active phase and a passive phase. You normally move your hands (synchronously) in slow, circular motions. (at least the ends of the movement should be circular) Don’t just move your fingers or hands. Keep your elbows, wrists, and fingers fairly stiff and move your entire arms. Apply more pressure in the active phase and reduce pressure in the passive phase. Don’t move your hands back and forth too fast. Slow down the passive movement phase, pause for a moment, and then come back.
If you are massaging large muscles, such as your hamstrings or abs, use all your fingers. This is to prevent adhesions. Don’t apply too much pressure.
Effects: Friction Massage
The affected structure moves and is supplied with blood. The tissue is supplied with the necessary nutrients and the quality of the scar tissue improves.
Friction massage can reduce pain.
Mechanoreceptor stimulation. Mechanoreceptors => Effect that temporarily relieves you of pain, which is used to do rehabilitation exercises.
Tips: Friction Massage
- If you want to apply this massage to treat an injury, please consult a sports injury specialist first.
- Use massage oil.
- If you hurt a joint, wait 72 hours before applying massage. If you don’t wait long enough, you will slow down the wound healing process.
- Friction massages are usually given by a physical therapist or a training partner. However you can try to do it yourself – in a similar way.
- For example: Massage the area around your knee with the three middle fingers.
- Cross your thumbs on your thigh and massage the sides of your knee with your fingers.
- Use both hands at the same time. You must relax your leg.
- Or cross your fingers in front of the knee and massage the sides with your thumbs.
- We recommend that you ask a physical therapist to teach you how to do this massage.
If you have questions or would like to meet with one of our doctors, please contact our chiropractors for cross friction massage treatment in Chicago to get the appropriate treatment for you. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
