It’s called Arthro-Kinetics and it came from the technique called Rolfing. I use it for arthritic joints and the initial results are quickly seen, then you build on the increased range of motion. People complain of joint pain and stiffness at an arthritic joint. There is still one direction available for motion that doesn’t cause pain. I could pause here for you to wonder what direction that could be. If you have an arthritic joint, you’ve probably tried without success.
Inward. You can compress the joint inward. Rhythmic or Arrhythmic, compress and allow the joint to expand, don’t pull on it, for about a minute. This has two results. Any adhesions around the joint start to break up. The synovial fluid within the joint is put under pressure, warming it up, and signaling to the tissues that produce synovial fluid to produce more, but that takes a while. A warmer joint with fewer adhesions. Ask the client to bend that joint and they will be pleased at how easier it is to move.
Gently move the joint in different directions to see which is most limited. Then use circular friction to the opposite side over the bones to further reduce adhesions. Continue with each limited direction, and then use other massage techniques such as stripping to further reduce tightness on the muscles and tendons around the arthritic joint. The client will be delighted with any gain in movement; there will be a better blood supply to the affected joint, allowing increased healing.
Coach the client to not demand too much of the joint, as overuse is one of the leading causes of arthritis, perhaps make suggestions on how to get the same actions using different joints.