n. a form of *massage in which the hands are passed continuously and rhythmically over a patient’s skin in one direction only, with the aim of increasing blood flow in that direction and aiding the dispersal of any swelling due to *oedema.
n. manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the hands. Massage is used to improve circulation, reduce oedema where present, prevent *adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm, and improve the tone of muscles. See also effleurage; petrissage; tapotement.... massage