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Table 3 Massage procedures in myofascial TMD pain management [26]

From: Reported concepts for the treatment modalities and pain management of temporomandibular disorders

Type of movement in massage procedure

Manner of performing

Result

Effleurage, Kneading

Soothing, stroking, circular movements of skin and underlying tissues (performed at the end or beginning of therapeutic session)

Warming up the muscles, providing blood and lymph flow, increasing blood level in the massaged tissues (improved blood flow in small vessels)

Friction

Pressure of fingertips in trigger points therapy; the pressure is increased in particular, sensitive points until the release

Remodeling tissues locally (reconstruction of muscular microstructure); effective in short-term pain relief (activates pain-gate mechanism)

Stretching (“petrissage”)

Rolling of the muscles

Increasing the range of movement and pain relief, decreasing muscle contraction