This guide has been produced to assist you in understanding what is
required within each task. This is a Level 3 (‘A’ level equivalent) course
and the detail contained within your answers should reflect this.
TASK 1.1
The massage techniques described in this unit are used within holistic
human massage.
For each technique describe the methods of application in both human
and canine massage and state the effects of each technique both
physiologically and psychologically.
You should also include the following in your answer:

Effleurage- Describe how this is used for both calming and
stimulating applications.

Petrissage- Describe a minimum of three petrissage techniques, to
include skin rolling*

Skin rolling- Describe how this can positively affect skin adhesions
and coat condition.

Friction

Tapotement

Passive movement- Explain how this affects muscle and joint
function both mechanically and neurologically.
*skin rolling can in some situations be called a ‘distraction’ technique as
you are distracting the skin from the underlying tissue which is different
to the definition of petrissage. Likewise it can also be included in a
technique for myofascial release.
We suggest to include the level of detail required you write approximately
300 words (around a page) on each of the above techniques.
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Assessment Criteria:
1.1
Explain the five different techniques commonly applied in human
Swedish massage as follows:
1.2

Effleurage

Petrissage, including skin rolling

Friction

Tapotement

Passive Movement
Differentiate the application of the techniques above on both
humans and canines.
1.3
Explain the effects of the techniques above on the body, both
physiologically and psychologically.
Note: Please answer the specific question set for the task, the
assessment criteria is for you to check that you have included all
learning outcomes within your answer.
What we are looking for from this Task?
A detailed explanation of the rationale and application of the
techniques (AC 1.1)
This is because each technique has a different effect, designed to produce
a specific outcome for a particular problem, in having this knowledge and
with experience you will develop your own skills as a therapist, as to
which techniques are most appropriate for each individual dog.
What are the differences in applying the techniques on both
humans and canines (AC 1.2)
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While the application of the techniques is similar in both species there are
some differences, look at human massage books and canine massage
books and compare them so that you have an understanding of both. This
is important to know not only for the welfare of your client, but also for
your own personal safety.
The physiological and psychological effects of each technique and
how they affect the different body systems (AC 1.3)
The influence of massage on the body systems is the key to how massage
can produce positive change; that is why the physiological and
psychological effects of each technique must be understood by the
therapist before any treatment can be given.
Key subjects to cover:

Method of application for each of the techniques listed in the
question – stroke rate, direction, pressure etc.

Is the technique stimulating / soothing or both – Why?

Is the direction of stroke applied the same on canines as humans, if
not – Why?

What would you need to be more aware of when applying a
technique on a canine as opposed to a human?

Physiological effects - Mechanical / Reflexive effects of each
technique

Golgi tendon organs, Muscle spindle cells, synovial fluid

Psychological effects of each technique – how it influences the state
of mind and then how the mind can affect the body.
Example of a good paragraph
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This is a good paragraph because it shows understanding of what the
question is asking for in relation to being a therapist, and assessment
criteria is contained within the answer.
“Effleurage
**This is a stroking type of movement applied using relaxed hands, moulded to the
treatment area. Used at the beginning of any massage routine to make initial contact
with either a human or canine client, it has a direct effect on the central nervous
system generating a soothing and calming effect on the body, serving to develop
trust, communicate positively and relax the client; it is effective for linking other
massage techniques between body areas within a routine as well as finishing any
treatment. Variations in stroke speed and pressure can adapt the technique, the
slower the stroke the more relaxing the effect, while faster strokes are more
stimulatory**. Effleurage prepares the skin, mechanically warming tissues and
spreading lubricants (human) before more targeted bodywork and it enables the
therapist to evaluate tissue differences, hard or soft tissue, hot or cold areas and is
an effective method of facilitating circulation. **The effects of effleurage on the body
involve both reflexive and mechanical mechanisms, for example in pain reduction
effleurage blocks generated pain impulses before they are interpreted by the brain
via the spinal cord by stimulating the release of endorphins, nature’s painkillers”**.
** This part of the paragraph begins to explain application, when you
would use effleurage and psychological effects (ac 1.1, ac 1.3) **
_
why you begin with effleurage and how it can be used as an
evaluation tool (ac 1.1) __
** Now looks to include the physiological effects on the body (ac 1.3)**
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Example of an incomplete answer
This paragraph was submitted as the complete answer to the skin rolling technique in
task 1.1.
‘’Skin Rolling
Skin rolling is also known as Myofascial Release. Superficial Fascia is a thin layer of
tissue which wraps around each muscle and organ throughout our bodies. When
this gets stuck or wrinkles, the muscles are unable to work efficiently with other
deeper muscles. By skin rolling the fascia, these wrinkles are being ‘ironed’ out.’’

There is no description of how the technique is applied. There is a big difference
in how easy it is to skin roll humans and dogs.

There is no explanation why the fascia might adhere

There are no physiological effects included regarding the skin, which is full of
blood vessels, nerve endings, glands, hair follicles etc.

There is no explanation on how this technique affects the dog psychologically. Is
it soothing or stimulating - and why.

‘Ironing out wrinkles’ is not good terminology or scientific.

The answer lacks detail and is far too short.
Books:
The Healing Touch for Dogs, The Proven Massage Program, Dr Michael W
Fox,
Canine Massage: A Complete Reference Manual - Jean-Pierre
Hourdebaight
The Complete Dog Massage Manual – Julia Robertson
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Physical Therapy & Massage for the Dog -Julia Robertson & Andrew Mead
Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment Clay, JH & Pounds, DM.
Websites:
www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2010/05/massage_stroke.html (use the
search box top right to find other techniques)
www.ivyroses.com/Define/Effleurage
http://www.sharongayter.com/mm/techniques.htm
http://www.inspirationaltherapies.co.uk/media/Movement%20Chart.pdf
http://www.massagemag.com/canine-pet-massage-benefits-and-differences-fromhuman-massage-8714/
www.naturaltherapypages.co.uk/article/massage_benefits
www.stpaulsmassagetherapy.co.uk/2.html
http://massagetherapy.co.uk/therapies-information/treatmentdescriptions/benefits-effects-of-massage/
www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1829/Animal-Massage
Anything else:
The task question asks you to describe the methods of application in
both human and canine massage( AC 1.1) this question is about
application, if you do not understand how to apply the techniques
correctly, when to apply them and to what purpose it will be impossible to
effectively treat a canine for its condition(s), and state the effects of
each technique both physiologically and psychologically (AC1.3) if
you do not know what these effects are, how will you know which
technique(s) will be most effective and appropriate for use. Consider the
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application of different techniques and how a human might respond and
how a dog might respond.
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