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Physical Agents
Massage Techniques (PTA)
Name of Technique | Purpose | How to do it | Key Word(s) to Associate w/ |
---|---|---|---|
Effleurage | produce mechanical & reflexive response | light or deep stroke @ beginning & end of massage; should be directed toward heart | toward heart |
Friction | reduce edema, loosen adhesions, relieve muscle spasm | small circular motions over a trigger point or muscle spasm; commonly used with overuse injuries & chronic inflammation | trigger point, m. spasm |
Petrissage | loosen adhesions, improve lymphatic return, facilitate removal of metabolic waste from treatment area | kneading (muscle is squeezed & rolled under hands)...distal to proximal | kneading, distal to proximal |
Tapotement | enhance circulation & stimulate peripheral nerve endings | stimulation through rapid & alternating movements (tapping, hacking, cupping, slapping) | rapid alternating movements |
Vibration | relaxation | hands/fingers firmly over an area & using rapid shaking motion that causes vibration | shaking |