Friction: The name friction, like many others used in massage, comes from a Latin Word, fricare, which means to rub or rub down. Friction techniques are all variations of rubbing and they work by compressing tissue against bone.

It is often used for close work on a small area or on specific areas of tightness. Friction movements heat up the local area, improve circulation, promote lymph drainage, stimulate the nerves and loosen tightness in the muscles.

Cross-fibre friction helps stretch the muscle fibres and release any tension held in the muscle; it also allows the therapist, particularly in sports massage, to work close to a damaged or inflamed area without touching it because working on one section of muscle helps stretch the rest of the muscle.