How to Do Cross-Fiber Massage

Cross-fiber massage, also known as Canadian deep muscle massage, was first written about in the 1800s. It is a form of deep massage therapy that is used to break up adhesion in muscle groups. Therapist trained in this modality of massage are usual trained to address specific problems of muscle dysfunction. Cross-fiber massage works to loosen and stretch muscle groups increasing blood flow to the area and increasing muscle health. It is known to have quick affective results. Cross-fiber massage is usually done without oil or lotion. During the massage the therapist uses thumbs, knuckles, fingertips and elbows to achieve deep pressure.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Partner
• Firm, but comfortable surface for your partner to lie on, such as a massage table, bed or mat on the floor
• knowledge of anatomy, specifically the direction that various muscle fibers run

1. With feedback from your partner, choose the area that you will work on.

2. Once you've chosen that, picture the muscle in your mind. Which way do the fibers of that muscle run?

3. Find the belly of the muscle.

4. Chose a tool that you feel comfortable using. You can use your fingertips, thumb, elbow, knuckles or a massage tool such as a knobble.

5. Place your tool on the belly of the muscle and begin to move it back and forth at a ninety degree angle to the muscle fibers. You want to move across the muscle fibers not with them. Make sure that your tool isn't gliding across the skin. It should just be moving across the muscle fibers.

6. Start out working lightly. As the tissue loosens and warms up you can work more deeply.

Tips & Warnings

• Always pay attention to your partner's response to the massage.
• Make sure you aren't straining while giving the massage.
• If you want to do cross-fiber massage, you should attend a course that will teach you the proper way to do it. Any deep tissue massage can cause harm if not done correctly.

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