Massage.
TechniquevibrationDraft

Vibration

A fine, rapid trembling passed into the tissue through a still palm or fingertips, either in one spot or while gliding slowly.

Purpose
  • Add a soothing or stimulating sensation, depending on speed and pressure
  • Help the client notice and let go of tension in an area
  • Give a contrast to gliding and kneading strokes
Pressure
1–4 / 10 · pressure scale
RhythmVery quick, fine trembling in short bursts of about 10–30 seconds.
HandsFlat palm or fingertips, kept in contact while the forearm muscles make the tremor
Cautions
  • The tremor is tiring; use short bursts and rest between them.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed so the tremor does not come from tensing your whole body.
  • Keep light over the abdomen and over bony areas.

Step by step

1 / 5
  1. 01 / 05

    Make contact

    Rest your palm or fingertips on the area and let them mould to it. Do not press hard.

  2. 02 / 05
    The palm rests still while the forearm makes a fine, rapid tremor

    Start the tremor

    Gently tense your forearm muscles to make a fine, rapid tremor that travels through your hand into the tissue. The hand stays on the same spot.

  3. 03 / 05

    Keep it fine

    Aim for a small, quick movement, not a large shake. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed.

  4. 04 / 05
    Running vibration: keep the tremor going as the hand glides slowly along

    Running vibration

    For running vibration, keep the tremor going while you glide slowly along the muscle.

  5. 05 / 05
    Fingertip vibration over a small area, pausing to rest after each burst

    Short bursts

    Work in short bursts, then rest. Fingertip vibration suits smaller areas, such as beside the spine.

Common mistakes

  • Shaking the whole arm and shoulder instead of making a fine tremor from the forearm.
  • Pressing too hard, which damps the vibration.
  • Letting the hand slide during static vibration.
  • Going on too long, so the tremor becomes uneven.

How it should feel

  • Giver: a fine buzz through your hand while your shoulders stay loose.
  • Receiver: a gentle, humming tremor that feels even and soothing.

Self-check

Drills

Vibration is one of the five classic Swedish strokes (see Swedish massage). Its larger, slower cousins are Shaking and Rocking. Slow, light vibration tends to feel calming; faster, firmer vibration feels more stimulating.

It is often used along the Erector spinae or on the Quadriceps.

Muscles

  • Erector spinae — Three long columns of muscle (iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis) running beside the spine from the sacrum to the skull that extend and side-bend the back and hold the trunk upright.
  • Trapezius — Large diamond-shaped muscle of the upper back and neck that moves and stabilises the scapula.
  • Quadriceps — Group of four large muscles on the front of the thigh that join into one tendon over the kneecap and are the only muscles that straighten the knee.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Swedish massage
  2. University of Minnesota, Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Glossary of massage techniques
  3. Massage Therapy Reference: How to massage (basic techniques)