Deep Tissue Study Guide 2

1. Name 2 important rules for the use of pressure:

1. The deeper the pressure, the slower 2. Pressure should be deep enough to be effective but not harmful

2. Name 3 mechanical forces which may be applied to a muscle:

1. Compression

2. Shearing

3. Lengthening/ shortening

3. Define fascia

3D web of connective tissue throughout the body that surrounds muscle and organs, protects, connects and aids in movement and stability of the skeletal system

4. List 5 of the 7 Art Riggs Deep Tissue techniques

1. Lengthening 2. Shortening 3. Anchor/ Pin & stretch 4. Cross-fiber strokes 5. Separating muscle compartments 6. Working in the direction of the stretch 7. Freeing muscle entrapment

5. Name 4 techniques for releasing fascial adhesions:

1. Skin rolling 2. 2-finger push-pull 3. S-bend 4. J-stroke

6. Define trigger point

A lesion or nodule found in a taut band of tissue which may refer pain to another area of the body

7. What anatomical landmarks are used during a postural assessment? List 5:

1. ASIS 2. Iliac crest 3. Inferior angles of the scapula 4. Hips/ pelvis 5. Hands/ head-neck tilt

8. Name 2 medications which may contraindicate deep tissue work:

1. Pain killers

2. Blood thinners

9. How would you describe the differences between a Deep Tissue and Swedish session to a client who does not know?

Deep Tissue - More clinical, focuses on releasing fascia, limited usage of lubricants, focuses on disfunction of mobility and hypertonic muscles, intense/ deep pressure Swedish - Focuses on the intent of relaxation, high usage of lubricants, client is completely passive during the massage, moves blood and lymph, light pressure

10. Who is John Barnes; what was his profession and techniques he used?

An American Physical Therapist who popularized the cross-arm technique and believed in helping relieve clients from physical and emotional trauma.

11. Briefly describe the 10 Rolfing (structural integration) sessions:

- 1-3 Sleeve sessions: Focus on arms, rib cage and diaphragm for breathwork. Loosen and balance surface layers of connective tissue

- 4-7 Core sessions: Focus on pelvis, head and legs

- 8-10 Integration: reassess and blend previous sessions 1-7

12. What is the therapist looking for when assessing a client? List at least 3:

1. Asymmetry in posture when standing at normal tonus 2. Distorted posture during gait assessment 3. Pain

13. Explain the difference between a local and general contraindication:

Local - Massage is contraindicated and cannot be touched on specific areas of the body

General - Massage is absolutely contraindicated due to certain circumstances and cannot proceed past the initial screening/ assessment unless medical permission from a doctor is provided.

14. Name 3 elements of professionalism in massage therapy:

1. Hygiene/ Appearance 2. Knowledge 3. Communication