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Definition: Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and
alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness

Benefits of Massage

1. Pain Relief- Relief from pain due to musculoskeletal injuries and other causes is cited as a major benefit of
massage. Pressure point massage may be more beneficial massage in relieving back pain

2. State Anxiety- Massage has been shown to reduce state anxiety, a transient measure of anxiety in a given
situation.

3. Blood Pressure and Heart rate- Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate as
temporary effects.

4. Attention- After massage, EEG patterns indicate enhanced performance and alertness on mathematical
computations, with the effects perhaps being mediated by decreased stress hormones.

5. Diseases- Massage- involving stretching, has been shown to help with spastic Cerebral palsy Massage has
been used in an effort to improve symptoms, disease progression, and quality of life in HIV patients,
however, this treatment is not scientifically supported.

6. Other- Massage also stimulates the immune system by increasing peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).
However, this immune system effect is only observed in aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet
almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil, and sweet marjoram oil. It is unclear whether this effect persists over
the long term.

Contraindication of massage:

1. Skin disease (acute infection)

2. In the presence of malignant tumors
3. Early bruising
4. Open wound
5. Tuberculosis (TB)
6. Inflammation due to bacterial action
7. Traumatic arthritis – osteoarthritis, joint injury
8. Ossification of soft structures (mineralization/hardening)
9. Infective arthritis- inflamed , acute phase
10. Perineuritis- inflammation of the perineum (space between anus and vulva/scrotum)

A. Contraindications: Total/Absolute

 Seizure/epileptic disorder
 Tuberculosis
 Fever
 Intoxication (usually prolong intake of alcohol or narcotics)
 Chickenpox
 Measles
 Cancer patients immediately after chemotherapy/radiation therapy
 Phlebitis (or clots in the deep veins)
 Blood clots/Thrombosis

B. Contraindications – Local  Fractures

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 Sprains  Burns
 Strains  Open wounds
 Acne

 Scar Tissue
 Varicose veins
 Hematoma
 Infections
 Inflammation

C. With Physician’s Clearance

There are also Contraindications that needs Physician's Clearance. It means that massage can be performed only if
advised by the physician/doctor. These conditions are:

 After recent surgery

 Cancer
 Coronary heart disease
 Heart attack
 Hypertension (or High Blood Pressure)
 Hematoma
 Diabetes with complications

Don’ts of Abdominal Massage

 If the client/customer had his/her meal 2-3 hours prior to the massage. Abdominal massage should be
performed on clients/customers with empty stomachs;
 To client/customer with a full bladder. Advice the client/customer to urinate first before conducting the
massage;
 When the patient has problems in the stomach, brain, or lungs;
 On pregnant or those with menstruation;
 If the client/customer has inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries, or fallopian tubes;
 If the client/customer has a case of a hernia;
 To client/customer with ulcer/s of the stomach or intestines; and
 To client/customers with high blood pressure.

SWEDISH MASSAGE
5 BASIC STROKES, VARIATIONS AND SUB-VARIATIONS

1. EFFLEURAGE OR GLIDING is a type of manipulation that uses gliding movements of the palms, fingers, and
forearms over a portion of the client’s body, with varying amounts of pressure.

a. One-Handed Raking – a technique that uses the index and middle fingers, held together or apart, thus forming a
letter “V”, to glide toward one direction. Raking is used to check the proper alignment of muscles.
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b. One Handed Ironing- a technique that uses the gliding movements of the palms, forearms, and knuckles. It
calms the nervous system when done slowly. Slow gliding movements are done to deepen the pressure
applied on the muscles.

c. One-handed Circular- a technique that uses one hand to glide in a circular motion around the shoulder, hip,
knee and abdomen. This technique relaxes the client and prepares the area for deeper strokes.

d. Two-handed Heart - a technique that uses both hands to glide in a continuous movement on the back, neck and
shoulders, while forming a heart shape. This technique increases blood and lymph circulation and relaxes the
client.
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e. Two-handed Circular - this technique uses both hands that are either placed side-by-side each other or one on
top of the other while gliding over the skin using circular motion. This technique relieves insomnia.
 Overhand
 Parallel

f. Alternate Hand Raking- This technique is the same as one-handed raking, but uses two hands alternately
to glide d from the top of the spine down to the bottom in a continuous movement while maintaining
contact with the skin.

g. Alternate Hand Circular/Sun Moon- a technique done by gliding one hand in an outward manner to form
a circular or crescent shape while the other hand follows the same path.
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h. Nerve Stroke- a technique done by using the weight of the fingers or hands to apply light or feather-like
pressure as they glide down the body. This is used as a finishing stroke in massage therapy.

2. PETRISSAGE is one of the two techniques predominantly used in Swedish Massage. Also known as
kneading, petrissage is a type of manipulation that involves the repetitive compression and releasing of the
muscles. Petrissage variations may include one-handed, two-handed, or alternate hand application, but
using the same stroke mechanics.
a. One handed- a technique that uses the entire hand or palm to lift the tissue and roll it away from the bone, then
back towards the bone using a squeezing, compressive action.

b. Two handed praying hands- a technique that uses the heels of both hands, while the fingers are
interlaced, to squeeze and release the tissues. This is usually applied on the length of the upper and lower
extremities or on the back.
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c. Two handed ocean waves- a technique done using both hands to compress and lift the tissues while
simultaneously moving in opposite directions. One hand pulls the tissues up and squeezes them as they roll
out of one’s hand; while the other hand prepares to repeat the process. It is typically applied across a larger
muscular area like on the back. It is performed perpendicular to the spine.

d. Alternate hand- a technique that uses the alternating movement of the hands to grasp, lift and compress
the superficial layer of tissues. It is done to stimulate the nervous system and improve cellular nutrition.

e. Fulfilling- a technique done by using both hands along a muscle to compress and spread out the tissue
laterally away from the therapist's body and lift the muscle as they return. It is effective for broadening
muscles and stimulating muscle contraction.
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f. Skin Rolling- a technique that uses the fingers and thumbs to grasp, lift and compress the skin and
superficial fascia, and involves the rolling of the skin as the fingers and thumbs move across the treatment
area. Skin rolling may be done in several directions such as diagonally or transversely. It is one of the few
massage techniques that may be applied over bony areas.

3. FRICTION/RUBBING is a type of manipulation that involves light, brisk or deep strokes applied by chafing or
rubbing. Use of this stroke produces heat on the skin and superficial layers of the muscles from resistance between
client’s body and therapist’s hands.
a. Superficial Warming- (also known as the Heat Rub) is a technique done by briskly rubbing the palms of
the hands against the area to be massaged in order to warm the tissues.

b. Sawing- a technique done by compressing the muscle firmly using the sides of the hand, while the fingers
are extended, then moving continuously in one direction without losing contact with the skin. . It is best
suited for the shoulder blades or inner scapulae.
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c. Rolling- a technique that uses the rapid back and forth movement of two hands to shake and move the
client’s/customer’s limb while the hands move perpendicularly along the axis of the limb.

d. Wringing- a technique that uses both hands to hold a body part side by side then moving the hands in
opposite directions while compressing the muscle with the use of the palm and fingers. Wringing is
performed vigorously, like wringing a cloth to squeeze the water out. The technique is best suited for arms,
legs and fingers and is usually used to treat tight muscles.

e. Cross Fiber- (also known as Deep Transverse Friction) is a technique done by applying firm and consistent
pressure across the muscle fibers. It is a very precise and penetrating form of friction massage.

f. Chucking- a technique that uses the back and forth movement of the thumb or fingers to rub the
superficial tissue while applying the movement in the direction parallel to the muscle tendons or ligaments
being massaged. It is usually performed by one hand, while the other hand is supporting the area that is
being massaged. Also known as parallel friction, this movement is often applied on bony areas
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g. Circular friction- a technique that uses small, circular, and gliding movements of the fingers or palms on
the superficial tissue. This is particularly useful around the joints and in bony areas.

4. TAPOTEMENT- is a type of stroke that involves quick, rhythmic percussive tapping of the therapist’s hands
and fingers.
a. Tapping Punctuation- a technique done by using the fingertips to lightly strike the body’s surface
with rapid, consistent pressure and speeds. A hard version of this technique is used for the soles of
the feet.

b. Tapping Pulsing - a technique done by using the fingertips to alternately tap a body part with light
to moderate pressure.
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c. Tapping Raindrops- a technique done by using the fingertips to lightly strike the skin at different
times like the falling raindrops. Tapping raindrops is commonly used on the face or scalp. If applied
on the face, avoid too much pressure around the socket of the eyes.

d. Pinching- a technique that uses the fingers and thumb to pull, squeeze, and release the skin
imitating a bird’s beak pecking. This is also known as plucking.

e. Hacking- (also known as Karate Chop) is a technique done by producing a slight vibratory action
on the muscles. Hacking along muscle fibers with fingers parallel, produces relaxation in muscles. It is
applied across large muscles, with the fingers perpendicular. It stimulates muscle spindle activity.
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f. Quacking- technique done by striking the skin using the sides of the small fingers.

g. Cupping- a technique done by curving the surface of the palm into a “C-shape,” and striking onto the client’s skin.

h. Pounding- a technique done by contracting or compressing the skin alternately using the sides of one or both
loose fists. For large muscular area such as posterior legs and hips, perform a loose fist beating.

i. Rapping- a technique done by striking the skin’s surface using a loose fist with the palm facing down.
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j. Rambling- a technique that uses dragging movement of an open hand across the skin while the other hand
pounds over the open hand. This is also known as Diffused and is commonly used over the abdominal region.

k. Clapping- a technique that uses alternate striking movement using the palm of both hands on the surface of the
skin.

l. Slapping- a technique that uses alternate striking movement using the fingers of open hands on the surface of the
skin.

5. VIBRATION - is a type of stroke that uses fine trembling movement.

a. Fine- a technique done by contracting and relaxing the arm while keeping the fingers and wrists steady. Area,
such as the back, legs, or, arms.
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b. Jostling- a technique done by holding the limb and shaking it vigorously and rhythmically, back and forth.

c. Rocking- a technique done by swaying a part of the body back and forth using both hands or fingertips ranging
from slow to rhythmic movement.

ROCKING Coarse Vibration

d. Coarse- a technique done by grabbing a muscle or limb with one or both hands and shaking it vigorously.