Massage Techniques: Kneading

Introduction

• Kneading is used as an introductory warm-up technique or after pushing and suppressing.

Contact Surfaces for Kneading

• Palm of the Hand:
  • Make small circles using the palm.
  • Push into the muscle, moving the skin over the muscle, not across it.
  • Can adjust the rhythm from slow to moderate speed.
  • Pressure is applied across the entire palm.
• Shifting Contact Surfaces:
  • Can use different parts of the hand such as:
    • Minor thinner muscle under the pisiform
    • Thenar muscle flexor of the thumb
  • Fingers:
    • Reinforce fingers to avoid using excessive strength.

Pressure and Technique

• Pressure Levels:
  • Mild to medium pressure.
  • Gentle and soft technique.
• Movement:
  • Movement comes from the shoulder and elbow.
  • Can be either slow or fast based on the goal:
    • Stimulating or relaxing.

Using Elbow and Forearm

• Elbow Use:
  • Shift position towards the front of the table.
  • Outside leg forward, inside leg back in a lunge position.
  • Lean in with the entire forearm, not just the elbow.
• Avoid Direct Pressure:
  • Avoid applying direct pressure into the olecranon to prevent pain.

Conclusion

• Kneading is relatively simple compared to other techniques.