I have a few questions about giving massages.

Question

I give massages every once and awhile to friends and family, and I have issues with my right shoulder tensing up a lot, so I've always been curious about massage. What direction are you supposed to rub while giving a massage? Does it work like the grain in wood? And are you supposed to focus on one muscle at a time, or just take the whole arm/leg/back in one go? Also (and I swear this is the last question), what makes a "knot"? Is it just a lot of blood in one area of the muscle, or is it really the muscle just tensed in one spot?

Thanks so much in advance!

Answer 1

When I was in massage school I learned that the direction of the massage depended on the effect that one was trying to achieve.  In most cases it doesn't really matter.  Massage does however affect the circulatory system and the lymphatic flow.  In your limbs it is a good idea to cause them to 'drain' towards the heart at least at the end of your moves on them.

There are many types of massage as well as protocols to doing them.  From light touch to very deep tissue work.  Spa relaxation to therapy and recovery.  Many books and tapes exist to teach the casual massage enthusiast.  Massage therapists are taught among other things the contraindications to massage as there are conditions or illnesses that can be harmed or aggravated by massage .  Always err on the side of caution.

Most massage schools teach relaxing whole body massage as well as protocols for working with specific muscles or conditions.  

Micro fibers of muscle can form 'trigger points' made famous by Dr. Janet Travell and David Simons may be the knots you are referring to and do respond to therapy often in quite dramatic ways.  Search trigger point therapy for more info than you want!

None of this is meant as a prescription or recommendation for massage and a physician should be consulted before performing any therapy.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A knot in the muscle it just the tightness in the muscle.  It basically folds up due to chronic contraction of the muscle.  It isn't blood.

In general work towards the heart.  Since you aren't doing massage professionally, just focus on what feels best to your recipient or yourself.

You can focus on whatever you want at whatever time you want.  

Answer 3

Hi Kelly,  Here are some tips for performing a massage, according to my preferences and what I've been taught.

Cut your fingernails short.  Nails are not an option.  :(

Rest one hand on lower back and one hand at base of head, hold a positive affirmation for the client.  Begin and end massage in this manner.  Bodywork is an honor, so gratefulness is appropriate.  :)

Be sure to use bolster pillows under ankles (when prone) and under knees. (when supine)

Warm the area to be worked on by beginning with lighter strokes, building to deeper strokes.  End with a light touch.

'Close' or say 'goodbye' to a completed area by performing nerve strokes.  These are very soft strokes with fingertips.

Find and follow a 'flow'.  This is a plan for covering the body.  One hand should be in contact with the client's body at at times during a massage.  Sometimes a few little dishes of oil around the room is convenient....just dip when you need some.

Cover larger areas, like the back first, then work individual muscles as needed.  Work muscles by group, a good anatomy book is vital.  Finish entire area with broad strokes, nerve strokes.

End the limbs with  strokes towards the heart.  

Knots are muscles that have 'seized up'.  Try pressing with a knuckle, deeply, ask client to take deep breath and release, have them tell you when pain lets up.  At this point, I often go just a little bit deeper or use friction.  This brings the blood BACK to the muscle, loosens the fibers.

If your shoulder is tensing when doing massage, your body isn't in proper place. Read up on body mechanics, it's important.  And use your body weight rather than the strength of your hands.

Put a small ball in a long sock for self use.  Place over your shoulder and lean against a wall to press into the tight muscles.  Relax into the ball.  

Keep in mind, you can do damage to someone if you haven't been trained.  Ex:  You can stretch back muscles by working in a typical direction, but this can cause bad posture for someone who should have cross fiber on back muscles and the stretch on the pecs.  Do be careful.  :)

Hope this helps a bit.  :))