Final answer:
Following deep friction movements with gliding strokes is important in therapy to restore mobility, enhance circulation, and promote relaxation. Gliding strokes help to ease discomfort, distribute mobilized fluids, and encourage recovery of the tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following deep friction movements with gliding strokes in manual therapy or massage is typically done to enhance the therapeutic effects of the treatment. Deep friction movements are designed to break down adhesions and scar tissue within the muscle or surrounding tissues, helping to restore mobility and reduce pain. However, these movements can also be intense and potentially cause discomfort in the targeted area.
To mitigate any negative side effects and to promote healing, gliding strokes are then applied. Gliding, also known as effleurage, is a smoother, more gentle technique that helps to calm the nervous system, increase circulation, and promote relaxation of the muscles. By incorporating gliding strokes after deep friction, the therapist can help to ease the transition from the deeper, more invasive technique back to a normal state of rest and recovery for the tissues. This is somewhat analogous to how an object slides more easily with less friction on surfaces such as ice, as referenced in the understanding of friction in physics.
Furthermore, the gliding strokes can help to distribute the fluids and cellular by-products that were mobilized by the deep friction movements, thus contributing to better waste removal and nutrient delivery to the treated area. Properly done, the sequence of deep friction followed by gliding strokes can lead to more effective outcomes in therapy and greater comfort for the patient during and after treatment.