Junior High School
WELLNESS
MASSAGE
Week 3 - Day 1
QUARTER 4
I. Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
1. Identify the different friction techniques and their purposes.
2. Demonstrate friction technique individually.
II. Subject Matter
Topic: Friction Techniques
III. Discussion
Friction Techniques
Friction is a massage technique in which the therapist applies firm, controlled pressure using the
fingers, thumbs, knuckles, or other parts of the hand to perform small, deep, repetitive movements on
a localized area of the body. These movements may be circular, transverse, or back-and-forth and are
directed into the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. The primary purpose of friction is to
break down adhesions and scar tissue, release muscle knots, improve circulation, increase tissue
mobility, and restore normal movement and flexibility in affected areas, thereby reducing pain,
stiffness, and muscular tension while promoting healing and relaxation.
The purpose of the friction technique in wellness massage is to apply firm, controlled pressure to
specific areas of the body in order to target deep muscle tissues and connective structures. It is used to
break down adhesions, scar tissue, and muscle knots that restrict movement and cause pain or
stiffness. By stimulating circulation and improving tissue mobility, friction helps restore normal muscle
function, increase flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing. This technique supports pain relief,
improves range of motion, and contributes to overall physical relaxation and muscular health.
Benefits of Friction Techniques in Wellness Massage
1. Breaks down muscle knots and adhesions - Helps release tight, stuck muscle fibers and connective
tissue.
2. Improves blood circulation - Increases oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues, supporting healing.
3. Reduces pain and stiffness - Especially effective for chronic muscle tension and tight areas.
4. Increases flexibility and mobility - Restores normal movement in muscles and joints.
5. Improves tissue elasticity - Makes muscles and fascia more pliable and healthy.
6. Helps with scar tissue management - Can soften and improve mobility around old injuries or scars.
7. Relieves deep muscular tension - Targets deeper layers that surface techniques can’t reach.
8. Supports faster recovery - Useful for muscle fatigue and post-activity soreness.
9. Enhances overall muscle function - Helps muscles work more efficiently and smoothly.
7 Tapotement/Percussion Techniques
Technique we used in Vibration:
1. Superficial Warming: Hands are placed flat
on the skin, moving briskly and
simultaneously in opposite directions to
generate heat.
2. Sawing: Using the ulnar surface (pinky side)
of the hand, knuckles, or fingertips to move
back and forth in a sawing motion.
3. Rolling: Lifting and compressing the skin and
superficial fascia, rolling it over the underlying
muscle/bone.
4. Wringing: Lifting and wringing the tissue in
opposite directions.
5. Cross Fiber Friction: A stroke using the back
and forth movement of the thumb or fingers,
parallel to the muscle tendons or ligaments,
often used on bony areas.
6. Chucking: Firmly grasping and moving the
muscle or tissue over the bone.
7. Circular Friction: Small, circular, and gliding
movements using the fingers or palms,
particularly useful around joints.
ACTIVITY: Guided individual practice
Instructions:
[Link] one technique out of the seven.
[Link] the technique using your phone.
[Link] the video to Google Drive, clearly indicating which technique you demonstrated.
Google Drive Link:
V. Evaluation
Direction: Identify the correct vibration technique being described. Write your answer on the space
provided.
1. A technique where the muscle is firmly grasped and moved against the underlying bone.
Answer: ___________________________
2. Small, circular, gliding movements performed with the fingers or palms, especially around joints.
Answer: ___________________________
3. Lifting the tissue and twisting it in opposite directions, similar to wringing out a cloth.
Answer: ___________________________
4. Using the ulnar surface (pinky side) of the hand, knuckles, or fingertips in a back-and-forth
sawing motion.
Answer: ___________________________
5. A stroke that uses a back-and-forth movement of the thumb or fingers along tendon or ligament
areas, often applied on bony parts.
Answer: ___________________________
6. Lifting and compressing the skin and superficial fascia, then rolling it over the underlying muscle
or bone.
Answer: ___________________________
7. Hands are placed flat on the skin and moved briskly and simultaneously in opposite directions to
generate heat.
Answer: ___________________________
8. A technique that mobilizes soft tissue by grasping and shifting it over deeper structures.
Answer: ___________________________
9. A method that creates warmth through rapid surface movements of both hands in opposite
directions.
Answer: ___________________________
10. A friction stroke applied parallel to muscle fibers to target tight connective tissue.
Answer: ___________________________