What Does Friction Do in Massage?

Frictions can increase the movement of tissues over one another and will break down adhesions and mobilise fibrous tissue. Friction massage will improve the extensibility of old scar tissue and help to free scars from underlying tissues. Frictions can also be used to increase acute pain.

What is the purpose of friction in massage?

Friction massage is supposed to induce: Traumatic hyperemia, which helps to evacuate pain triggering metabolites. Movement of the affected structure which prevents or destroys adhesions and helps optimize the quality of scar tissue and mechanoreceptor stimulation.

What is friction in Swedish massage?

Friction. Friction massage is typically done using the ball of the thumb or a pointed object. It is a deep pressure massage done in small circular, or cross-fiber movements to penetrate deep tissues. The technique involves pressing on the tissue and rubbing it back and forth over the underlying muscle.