Body Part - Neck - Techniques

[soccerfreak]

Hi.

I envision a sticky for this thread in the future (and the other body part threads I'll start!), if this goes well.

We could utilize this sort of like the "Massage Pearls" thread. Anything you find interesting within the MassagePlanetL forums regarding a specific part body and the work surrounding it, could be parked in this thread. Obviously we may end up with some thoughts duplicated from the Massage Pearls, but who cares!!!! The more, the merrier!

In addition, if you'd just be interested in posting some neat techniques you do for this particular body part, that would be wonderful too!

Consider items like:

• Amount of time you generally spend on this body part.
• Amount of time you can spend on this body part.
• Techniques you may use to stretch out a massage while working this body part (example: you need to pass a few minutes to get back on track -- swedish therapists may really appreciate this info).
• How you incorporate other bodyparts at the same time when you are working this area (example: long strokes in working the hip with one hand and the posterior calf with the other -- in unison).
• Techniques for specific problems or patterns.
• Draping/loose draping/non-draping information - the why & why-nots associated with this area.
• Tell us something that just feels good!
• Types of lotions/oils you would use for the technique and why.
• How to perform deeper work or lighter work in the region.
• Case Study Examples from your practice.
• Bonus thoughts that you may have that would be helpful to new and old therapists alike!

Without further ado .... it's all about the neck!!!!

 

[Baily]

Looks like we already have a fairly extensive thread going for this one...
Sticky: Cervical techniques

 

[canizzy_123]

Do you work the neck prone or supine? I have worked on a few larger individuals and gotten decent access with them supine. It can be a little tricky moving through the excess tissue, but with gentle kneading, eventually you get through and can feel muscle, bone, tension etc.

 

[Lefty]

Try putting a small "heat pack" or something on the neck and shoulder area while you work elsewhere. Let the heat help relax the client... and do some of your work for you.

 

[Ted M P]

This is a nice little move that may help. It doesn't get too deep, but it may give you another "move" if you don't already use it.

Client supine:

Stand facing the client on the contralateral side of the table from the neck surface you will be working on. (Lets say you are standing on the clients left side and going to work the right neck)

Turn the clients head toward you, by pulling from the right shoulder and moving your right hand upward toward the clients occiput with the left hand following your right. The fingers of your right hand will be cupping behind the clients right trap.

The clients head will naturally fall toward their left side, usually with the chin moving toward and sometimes touching the left shoulder.

You can perform this move more agressively by pulling the clients right shoulder up into the air with your hands as well.

Continue as long as you like and modify as necessary.

Move to the other side when ready.

 

[albertoch94]

I find sidelying to be a great position to get to the levator attachment at the scapula with my elbow.

One can also use one's forearm from the shoulder all the way to the occiput... although maybe not on the client in question.

 

[grable]

I agree with the heat - I like to wrap a warm gelpack & put under neck while doing supine work - but if she's just 1/2 hr - maybe she'd come in 15 min early to recline in chair in reception w/ hotpack - eucalyptus & peppermint are good essential oils for relaxing muscles - & working specific areas w/ hot stones is good too -
But sometimes the best neck-work is supine as you have the weight of the head to enhance the depth of the pressure - and you can doo some good neck-stretching supine also

 

[code man]

When I work thru thick layers of adipose tissue, I try to remember that my intent to help coupled with my knowledge of anatomy (origins and insertions) will effect all those layers under that fat...... It keeps me from fretting and lets the session be one where the client can zone, and does get some relief.