University of Virginia Library

2. FRICTIONS (FRICTION)

Are firm, circular manipulations, always followed by centripetal strokings. As a rule, they are performed over one group of muscles at a time.

Friction is given in three different ways:

• (a) Friction with the thumb.
• (b) Friction with the tips of the fingers.
• (c) Friction with the one hand.

FRICTION WITH THE THUMB (see Fig. 5) is used upon the extremities, but also upon smaller surfaces; as, for instance, around the knee-joints and upon the facial muscles (see Fig. 113).

FRICTION WITH THE TIPS OF THE FINGERS is used around the joints, the thumb often supporting the hand (see Fig. 6). The circles are sometimes made a great deal smaller than demonstrated in Fig. 6.

FRICTION WITH THE ONE HAND is used upon the larger surfaces and fleshier parts, like the thigh, arm proper, and lumbar region of back.

All FRICTIONS should be centripetal, and should always be followed by centripetal strokings, as the aim of this manipulation is to transform pathologically changed parts into a condition that will

FIG. 9.—Kneading (Pétrissage) of Biceps.

[Description: Photograph of an operator's hands kneading a patient's bicep. ]

permit them to be incorporated into the healthy tissues, and thence be absorbed by the veins and lymphatics.