Download ANTERIOR LEG MASSAGE 1 Session 11

Irene’s Myomassology Institute
ANTERIOR LEG MASSAGE 1 Session 11
A. Definition/Description
Systematic and scientific use of pressure, movement and reflex points to
affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, nervous and lymphatic system
B. Effects of techniques
a. Movement to stretch soft tissue to maintain and/or increase ROM and
mobility
b. Reflex of spine to tibia depressions, knee reflexes to neck/head
c. Light pressure to change pressure in vessels and move fluid/waste
from interstitial space into vessels
d. Pressure over tendons activates golgi tendon organs (GTO) to release
muscle hypertonicity (tension, tightness, spasm)
e. Pressure over muscle bellies to activate faster nerve fibers (gate
theory)
f. Resistance to relax muscle (stimulate relaxation response by isometric
contraction)
g. Vibration to help mobilize talocrural joint
C. Clinical considerations
a. Muscle tension
b. Sciatic pain
c. Edema
d. Joint stiffness or tightness
D. Contraindications
a. Deep vein thrombosis – use caution with any pressure moves, note
edema(pitted)
b. Do not vibrate ankle area during pregnancy
c. Do not massage during cases of acute muscle injury
d. Use caution when stretching leg (session14, step5) on hip replacement
E. Protocol
a. Stretch, do not bounce
b. Gracilis Release
i. Cross body technique
ii. Support flexed leg with bolster
iii. Passive movement only ( will not work if client helps)
iv. Gently move client’s thigh into your loose fist (do not push fist
into the muscle)
v. Complete when gracilis tension is released
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Irene’s Myomassology Institute
ANTERIOR LEG MASSAGE 1 Session 11
c. Lymphatic drain
i. Begin work proximal and move to distal
Begin at medial aspect of limb
Stroke toward the body (centripetal direction)
ii. Stroking to increase lymph flow
iii. Complete : Lessening of edema
More Information about the Lymphatic system will be given in Physiology
and Pathology
d. Posterior Leg Stretch
i. Work within client’s ROM, knee should stay soft, but not bent
(indication of tight hamstrings)
ii. Press down on client’s foot when moving into end ROM, and
when giving resistance
iii. Allow client to relax before repeating movement
iv. Breathe
v. Complete: when no further ROM is achieved
e. Pressure points
i. Apply pressure gradually
ii. Hold for 6-10 seconds
iii. Release pressure gradually
iv. Complete: when tension releases
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