Massage

Effleurage

This technique is used to start and finish a massage technique. It uses long strokes that can cover a particular muscle or across a more general area.

How it Works
It works by introducing touch to the animal, by touching the animal this stimulates the nerves so that the animal can feel the stroke. This technique is applied slowly and will temporarily slow down the speed that a nerve is able to send messages to the brain. After a length of time, natural opioids are released that are responsible for relaxation. As well as relaxation it can help with reducing pain.

Compression

Is a technique that compresses the tissues underneath the hand.

How it Works
When a hand is placed on the animal this pushes out blood, lymphatic fluid and waste products. Taking the hand off the area allows for new blood to come into the area bringing in nutrients and healing cells (inflammatory mediators) to help heal the area. Pain can also be reduced from this technique by removing the waste products from the area that can irritate the nerves as well as the release of natural opioids.

Petrissage

This form of massage applies a deeper pressure. Types of tapotement are:
Cross fibre friction
Cross fibre massage
Myofascial release
Skin rolling
Squeezing
Trigger point massage
Wringing

How it Works
Petrissage is about stretching out the tissue to break cross-links in the structure that are causing restrictions stopping the tissue from being able to work effectively. Enough stretch is applied to break the cross-links without breaking the healthy tissue.

Tapotement

This form of massage is the rapidly repeated striking of a muscle. Types of tapotement are:
Clapping
Cupping
Hacking
Tactile stimulation

How it Works
Tapotement is a stimulatory technique which is why it is faster than the other techniques in order to turn on the nerves to cause a muscle contraction.