STROKE RATIONALE BENEFITS
1.EFFLEURAGE Used to introduce touch and Warm bodily tissues, making
for applying lubricant them more extensible
Other term –Gliding
Used for assessing and Relaxes the client and
Unbroken gliding movements exploring surface and prepares the area for deeper
repeated following the underlying tissues strokes
contour of the body using
a. Palm Used to begin and end a Soothes an area after deep
b. Knuckles massage to move blood and work
c. Fingertips lymph
d. forearms Addresses places too for
Used to prepare tissue for deep, specific work
deeper massage and flush out
tissues after using other Calm the nervous system
strokes when done slowly
Used on almost every type of Stimulate the nervous system
body surface hence a when done quickly
preferred transition stroke to
use between other strokes Relieve insomnia
Delivered using a lean-and-
drag technique
When working on extremities,
first work area most proximal,
then to distal, stroking in the
heart direction
2. PETRISSAGE stroke of choice to milk the Working out metabolic waste
tissue of metabolic waste and
draw new blood and oxygen Reducing local swelling
Other term-Kneading into the tissues
Improving cellular nutrition
the hands is in C formation]
Mechanically lengthen the
Cycle to rhythmic lifting, it lifts up the skin and the muscle
squeezing and releasing underlying muscle tissue and
tissue firmly knead, wring or squeeze Addressing the tension under
the surface
a. knuckling Lifting, compressing and
releasing of muscle tissue can Reducing muscle soreness
be done in one or both hands and stiffness
intermittently
Softening superficial fascia
The focus is on lifting the
tissue and moving it vertically
or horizontally rather than just
pinching it.
The pressure should be
applied in a rhythmic pattern
to achieve alternate
compression and relaxation of
the muscle
3. FRICTION Often used for areas that have Generating heat
little or no blood supply, such
Other term: Rubbing as ligaments and tendons Loosening stiffness in joints
Deep friction is well suited for Improving the glandular
areas that lack muscle bulk action of the skin
Compressing tissues in such as the ankle, the sides of
several directions;-sliding the head, or the sub-occipital Promoting proper scar
hands, palm, finger, knuckles regions formation
back and forth over skin or
deeper tissue layers. Applied either by pressing Breaking down and freeing
down or around an area or adhesions
Usually dry, with little or with circular or linear
without oil reciprocating movements Softening hyperplasia
Reducing trigger and tender
point formation
4. TAPOTEMENT Has a pleasant stimulating Stimulate nerve endings
effect initially becoming more
Other term: Percussion sedative if continued
Used by respiratory therapist
and nurses to loosen phlegm Aid in decongesting the lungs
congestion in the lungs
Repetitive staccato striking Tone atrophied muscles
movements of hands, The style of percussion
simultaneously or alternately depends on the location Increase local blood flows
using: where it is employed and the
a. Ulnar surface of hands desired effect Access deeper structure such
b. Fingertips as hip rotators
c. Open palm Muscular areas such as the leg
d. Cupped palm and hips may absorb more Create an ultrasound effect
e. Loosely closed fist force in the delivery and thin manually
tissues or delicate areas such
as the face require a smaller Desensitize a hypersensitive
lighter tap area
-
Avoid application immediately
after exercise because this
stroke can activate muscle
spindles and stimulate
cramping
Heavy strokes over the
kidneys in the low-back area is
not advised
May be applied directly to the
skin or through the drape
Begin with light pressure and
moderate strike speed
gradually increase speed and
finally diminish speed and
depth
Delivered rhythmically
allowing hands to spring back
after contact
Percussion delivered with too
much force can bruise a client
5. VIBRATION Done properly you will be able Stimulates muscle spindles
to observe the tissue moving
Other term: shaking near the area on contact Relieves upper respiratory
tract congestion
The client should feel the
onset and removal of pressure Stimulate peristalsis of the
Rapid shaking, quivering, large intestine
trembling or rocking Performing vibration correctly
movements applied with requires coordination and Moves gas in the lower GIT
fingertips of full hand. practice
Stimulate synovial fluid
Is the most physically production in joints
demanding massage stroke
Accesses deeper structure as
Avoid imposing unnatural hip rotators
rhythm
Reduces trigger and tender
point activity
