A hand massage adapts the stokes that are utilized during a full body massage to a small area. Though the movements are the same as those employed to massage the back, the therapist will use less pressure and shorten the movements on the hand. These movements relax the underlying tissue, bring blood to the area and help heal any injuries in the muscles of the hand.
Range of Motion
Range-of-motion techniques are employed during massage sessions to increase the flexibility of the joints and ensure proper lubrication between the bones. During a hand massage, the therapist will move each of your fingers through its range of motion. He will also move your wrist up, down and in circular movements to promote the health of those joints.
Effleurage
Effleurage is the light stroke that is generally used at the beginning of a massage to loosen the tissue and warm up the skin. According to Massage Therapy 101, this stroke is a gliding motion that moves toward the heart. On the hand, effleurage is performed on the palm and the back surface, with the stroke moving from the tips of the fingers to the wrist.
Petrissage
According to Bodybuilding.com, petrissage is a type of kneading or squeezing stroke that is employed to go deeper into the tissue. To perform petrissage on the hand, the therapist will squeeze each finger or apply downward pressure to the palm area. The therapist may also squeeze the hand and knead the muscles located between the fingers and the wrist.
Friction
Friction is a massage stroke that is used to access deep areas of the body. The therapist will dig her fingers into a point, and move her hands back and forth like she is plucking the strings on the guitar. Although most hand massage is performed using superficial strokes, friction can be used to address problems in tense areas like the muscle between your thumb and index finger.
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