What Is Friction Massage Technique

Friction is a massage technique used to increase circulation and release areas that are tight; particularly around joints and where there are adhesions within the muscles or tendons. Friction is defined as “an accurately delivered penetrating pressure applied through fingertips” .

What are the friction techniques?

​Friction is a massage technique of applying deep pressure with the balls of the fingers and/or thumb and gently rubbing back and forth or in a circular motion. It is applied transversely or across the muscle fibres rather than along their length like in effleurage.

How long do you do friction massage?

“Cross-fiber friction is typically very short, just 3 to 5 minutes, one or two times a day, preferably after exercise,” says Tatta. To do it, use the pads of your fingers to apply solid pressure and rub the affected tendon perpendicular to the length of its fibers.