Friction

FRICTION Is perfomed in small circular movements with the tips of the fingers, the thumb or the heel of the hand. These movements are performed by moving the tissue under the skin - not the tissues on the skin. When using this stroke it is important to increase and decrease the depth of the stroke gradually.
Description: Place pad of finger or thumb on the point to be worked. Apply pressure slowly and hold for 10 seconds prior to rotating on the spot. The skin and finger rotate to friction the tissues underneath. Decrease pressure slowly, wait and repeat.

Friction is useful
(a) for massaging deeply into the joints or around bony prominences
(b) around a well healed scar to break down adhesion between the skin and the tissues beneath (muscle layers)
(c) in achieving absorption of the local effusion and breaking down of some inflammatory conditions.
(d) It is beneficial to the spine to increase nerve activity and stimulate the nervous system.
(e) It is beneficial to the abdomen to aid in the total expulsion of faecal matter.