Glossary of Massage Terms (D,E)
Deep Tendon Reflex – knee jerk reflex that occurs as a result of a strike by a rubber mallet to a tendon
Desquamation – The shedding of epithehial elements mainly the skin, in scales or small sheets: exfoliation
Direct Compression – Sustained pressure on a muscle cramp or tight muscle often using the hand, fist, forearm or knee
Dislocation – Displacement of a bony part within a joint leading to soft tissue damage, inflammation, pain and muscle spasm
Distraction – A pulling apart or separation of joint surfaces
Dysfunction – Adapative shortening of soft tissues resulting in loss of mobility
Eccentric Muscle Contraction – Lengthening of the muscle while it is contracting or resisting a work load
Efficiency – the Ratio of work output to work input. Output divided by input and multiplied by 100 equals 100% efficiency
Electrolytes – Ionized salts in the blood, tissue fluids and cells
Empty Calories – calories obtained from food such as sugar, which are devoid of any dietary essentials like amino acids, vitamins and minerals
End-feel – the quality of feel the massage therapist experiences when passively applying pressure at the end point of the available range of motion
Endurance – The ability of a muscle to perform repeated contractions over a prolonged period of time before fatigue failure begins
Energy- The capacity for doing work
Engaging Tissue – When a sufficient amount of pressure is applied during palpation or treatment in order to move or compress the structure, then the tissue is engaged and assessment or treatment will be efficacious.
Enzymes- Complex proteins that are capable of speeding up chemical changes in other substances without being changed themselves. Enzymes are found in digestive juices where they break down food into simpler compounds
Ergogenic Aids – Stimulants and other substance that when taken orally or by injection, increase the potential for exercise performance. Most are illegal substances
Ergometer- A stationary bicycle used for training or for lab tests to measure work performed
Excursion- In friction, it refers to the distance of movement or glide available from the starting point in a pattern of oscillation or alternating movements with a return to the starting point.
Leave a Reply