Cross Fiber Massage

Cross-Fiber Friction Massage

Cross-fiber friction massage is a technique popularized by James Cyriax, the late British orthopedic physician and specialist who developed a variety of treatments for soft-tissue injuries and pain syndromes.

Damage to soft-tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia), whether from over-use or from trauma involving strains or sprains, results in micro-tears to the tissue. This sets in motion an "inflammation cascade" that initiates chemical mediators followed by tissue repair and remodeling during which connective tissue cells are laid down in a random pattern so as to provide tensile strength to the area.

Under the microscope, normal soft-tissue resembles a kind of matrix, much like woven cloth. However, when tissue remodeling fails to occur properly due to repeated trauma, immobilization or poor circulation to the injured tissue, new tissue fails to assemble in a normal pattern and pain and lack of mobility result.

Cross fiber friction massage penetrates deeper to a particular, targeted structure. No oils or lotions are used, allowing transmittal of the therapist's energy directly to the deep tissue being treated.