Body treatments, massage and body analysis
Domain 6 tests massage theory, body treatment selection and objective body analysis. You need to name movements, explain their effects, choose a safe treatment and recognise when massage or heat is inappropriate.
Massage movements
- Effleurage: gliding strokes, usually toward the heart and lymph nodes; superficial or deep.
- Petrissage: kneading, picking up, wringing and rolling to mobilise soft tissue.
- Tapotement: hacking, cupping, beating and pincement; brisk and stimulating.
- Vibration and shaking: fine or coarse oscillation.
- Friction: circular or transverse pressure on deeper tissue.
Effects
- Mechanical effects on tissue; increased circulation and lymphatic flow; muscle relaxation; reduced pain via pain-gate and endorphin mechanisms; parasympathetic dominance; psychological relaxation.
- Pressure, rhythm and direction determine whether the effect is stimulating or sedating.
Body analysis
- Observe posture and symmetry; note kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis, muscle tone, adipose distribution, skin condition and varicosities.
- BMI is a screening ratio, not a diagnosis; measurements must be recorded objectively and without judgement.
- Do not diagnose; refer unexplained swelling, pain or asymmetry.
Contraindications
- DVT or suspected clot, fever, active infection, recent surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, severe varicose veins, recent fracture, cancer under treatment (relative), pregnancy (relative).
Worked example
A client has visible varicose veins on both calves. The therapist avoids deep massage over the veins, uses light effleurage proximally toward the inguinal nodes, and checks for pain, heat or swelling. If any of these are present, she refers rather than treats. The reasoning is that varicosities are relative contraindications and possible thrombosis must be excluded.
Traps that cost marks
- Deep pressure over a suspected DVT.
- Massaging directly over bony prominences.
- Poor draping and exposure of the client.
- Claiming massage removes fat.
- Treating a client with a fever.
- Using stimulating tapotement when relaxation is the goal.