Cross Friction Massage

Purpose: To maintain the mobility within the soft tissue structures of ligament, tendon, and muscle by enhancing the blood supply to the area increasing the healing process, and prevent adherent scars from forming. 

Frequency and duration:  Treatment varies depending on the severity and type of injury, maybe given every other day or when the excess tenderness has worn off then once a month depending on desired results. The duration of the treatment varies; for example, with an acute ligamentous injury, the gentle massage performed may last only 1-2 minutes. However, it may well take several minutes to be able to get PT’s fingers on the structure depending on the severity of pain. With deep friction massage, the treatment will last 10-15 minutes per the surrounding area of injury. 

Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia can be caused by overuse or trauma. In the acute injury, the massage consists of gentle passive movements which move the structure but do not detach the healing fibrils from the proper formation. The transverse movement is an imitation of the structure's normal mobility by broadening but not stretching or tearing the healing fibers. The massage is deep and must be applied across the specific tissue involved unlike the superficial massage given in the longitudinal (running lengthwise) direction parallel to the vessels which enhances circulation and return of fluids. The therapist uses thumbs, knuckles, fingertips, elbows, or a massage tool (gua) to achieve deep pressure. 

TakeAway: Cross Friction massage consists of motions on local areas, applied gradually and deeply, and is known to have an effect of stimulating circulation through the joints and alleviating contractures, pain, scar tissue, and maintain the mobility within the soft tissue structures decreasing further injury to your pet.