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.
Instructions
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.
Tags: Cross-fiber massage, muscle fibers, across muscle, across muscle fibers, belly muscle, muscle groups, your tool