Circular Frictions
Circular frictions are one of the two types of frictions used in massage. (The other type of frictions are transverse frictions.)
Frictions generally are a small variety of techniques by which specific anatomical structures are manipulated using the fingers or thumbs only. They are precise movements focussed on a very small area of the body.
Circular frictions are applied using the tips of fingers or thumbs using some pressure and some circular stationary manipulation. The depth of the pressure may be increased gradually over a short series of 3-4 circles before pressure is released and the movement repeated. Frictions should not be continued for an excessive amount of time.
Frictions should not be performed in the following situations:
- over recently strained muscles
- over recent scar tissue
- over any form of inflammation (of the skin or underlying structures and organs)
- over varicose veins
- in cases of inflammatory conditions
- in cases of skin infections
- when the client is pregnant.
Note: If in doubt about the safety of a massage movement don't perform it - seek advice from a tutor or other appropriately qualified person.
This section consists of short summaries about the classical massage movements. This list of massage techniques is not exhaustive. For more general information about massage see also:
This page is in the section about massage manipulation techniques.
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