Do not use over acute inflamed tissue (such as an acutely inflamed bursae) due to trauma, infection, or inflammatory arthritis,1 or over hematomas, calcifications, or peripheral nerves.

When should you not use friction massage?

Do not use over acute inflamed tissue (such as an acutely inflamed bursae) due to trauma, infection, or inflammatory arthritis,1 or over hematomas, calcifications, or peripheral nerves.

What does cross friction massage do?

Cross friction massage breaks down scar tissue and remodels the tissue into more flexible, pliable, and functional, healthy soft tissue. Also known as transverse friction massage, this technique is a deep tissue massage technique performed at the site of injury.

How long should I do cross friction massage?

“Cross-fiber friction is typically very short, just 3 to 5 minutes, one or two times a day, preferably after exercise,” says Tatta. To do it, use the pads of your fingers to apply solid pressure and rub the affected tendon perpendicular to the length of its fibers.

Why does cross friction massage treat tendinopathy?

In the case of tendinitis, friction therapy can work by disturbing the scar tissue and can encourage new tissue to form allowing for proper alignment. In cases of tendinopathy, friction therapy works by acting as a stimulant for the production of fibroblast and collagen cells (11).

Can you rub out tendonitis?

But the action of friction massage is simple and well-suited to self-treatment, as long as you can reach the problem (and most tendinitis is reachable). Just rub gently back and forth over the inflamed tendon at the point of greatest tenderness.

Should you massage sore tendons?

No matter the cause of your tendonitis, massage can help prevent this irritating and painful problem. Regular therapy appointments help to loosen tissues and keep them from clogging muscle fibers.

How do you do cross friction massage?

Cross Friction Massage This involves using one or two fingers to massage your scar in a direction that is perpendicular to the line of the scar. This technique helps to remodel the scar and ensures that the collagen fibers of the scar are aligned properly.

Is cross friction massage good for tendonitis?

XFF massage therapy has shown to be beneficial in recovery of tendinitis or tendinosis, deep-friction treatments are beneficial for both conditions, but for very different reasons. In the case of tendinitis, deep friction serves to reduce adhesions and create functional scar tissue once inflammation has subsided.