Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1471270
WHEN AND HOW TO USE IT Since friction is primarily designed to break up adhesions (areas that are unhealthfully intertwined or stuck together), its most common use is in areas of previous injury where scar tissue has built up. However, superficial friction is also very useful for clients who have that "brick wall" type of feeling when you broadly stroke the area. In other words, this technique is of great service when your palpation skills determine it is difficult to differentiate the edges of muscles and it would be beneficial to warm the area, separate skin and superficial fascia from underlying tissue layers, and begin to release target muscle tissue from surrounding tissues so they can slide across each other more freely. Anytime there is limited range of motion, friction can be useful to free up the restriction. Of course, the practitioner must first assess where the restriction originates. This is one reason why having a solid knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology is so important. Without adequate recognition of where muscles run and what they do, it is difficult (if not impossible) to adequately address restrictions and apply techniques that renew range of motion. It is beneficial to apply range-of-motion techniques before and after applying friction, especially around joints. This informs the therapist of its effectiveness and whether more friction might be indicated. Be sure to always warm the tissue before applying deep friction techniques. VARIATIONS IN THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION As often happens with basic strokes learned in school, practitioners gravitate toward only one or two primary methods or approaches rather than the vast array of variations available. Friction is no exception. Its variations include: 52 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k j u l y/a u g u s t 2 0 2 2 Rolling friction (superficial). This variation is used on extremities only. Place the target tissue(s) firmly between your outstretched, parallel hands, palms facing each other. Then, move hands back and forth briskly in opposing directions. Wringing friction (superficial). This variation is similar to rolling friction except the practitioner's hands are wrapped around the extremity. Move your hands around the extremity briskly in opposing directions, like wringing water from a towel or sponge. Parallel friction (deep). Using thumbs, fingertips, knuckles, the heel of the hand, or the ulnar side of the hand, compress superficial tissue and move it back and forth along the fibers of the target tissue. Pace can be slow or brisk.