Cross fiber friction massage is a technique that massage therapists perform, and it is applied in a very particular way. This is performed often-times with the fingertips or a tool in order to create deep pressure and friction in the area being treated. The therapist creates friction in the area by using deep pressure and going back and forth over the area, as if playing a guitar string quickly.
How Is Cross Fiber Friction Massage Performed?
Cross fiber friction massage is usually performed on the tendon portion of where the muscle attaches to the bone. Clients may have tendonitis or tendonosis in that region, common in the knees, elbows and shoulders. This type of tissue responds well to cross fiber friction and it is thought to help with the healing of the tendon itself. There is also an increase in blood flow to the area that is helpful for healing as well.
This type of massage can feel very deep, possibly even elicit soreness or discomfort in the area while it is being performed. A client may expect to feel a bit sore after the treatment, and will feel better likely in a couple days. There may need to be several treatments performed before the overall improvement occurs; however, this technique leads to less pain and improved quality of the tissue that has been injured.
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