The Friction Stroke

Our instinct tells us that rubbing feels good and people will often rub sore or injured parts of their bodies to feel better.  Friction strokes are great for sore spots and loosening small knots in the muscles. It is a deep stroke and done with pressure, using the thumbs and fingertips moving in tiny circles along the area being massaged. Since it is a penetrating stroke it should only be used after the muscles are warmed and relaxed to be effective. You may also need to use an anchor hand to steady the body or part being worked on. Some people love this stroke, but others find it too painful. Communication is key when you perform this stroke to determine the amount of pressure you can use or if you should avoid this stroke completely. 

There are three different varieties of the friction stroke – circular stripping, and cross-fiber.

 Circular friction – This is the most common friction stroke and can really get things moving. Using your fingertips, thumbs, knuckles or even your elbow, Place your hand on the spot that you will be working on and slowly make small circles. Start with a medium pressure and then increase it. Move from the outside and work in to the sore spot or knot. Make these small circles in the whole area you are working.

Stripping – This stroke follows the muscle fibers.  Think of the area you will work and imagine the direction that the muscle fibers are running. Use medium pressure with the heel of the hand on larger areas, or with the thumbs on smaller areas. Slowly move it from end to end of that muscle in a line. Work on the same spot a few times then move on to the next one. Continue doing this until you’ve covered the entire muscle. this stoke is done with the purpose of stretching the muscle and increasing blood circulation. 

Cross-fiber stroke - This stroke is used when you are working deep muscles and tendons. To do the cross-fiber stoke you will be using your thumb or fingers to work across the muscle fibers in short and deep strokes.