Massage Pearls

[Purnendu]

Working With Draping

"I use sheets and a bath sheet-sized towel (call it my 'working towel'). I believe this extra weight gives a sense of security, and I often work over the towel for rocking & lifting the scaps out of their seat, a modified version of skin rolling, some glute work, etc."

Posted by sagetherapist

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"I work through the sheet and blanket when massaging the gluts and abs."

Posted by Patty

 

[J09]

Relaxing the Muscles

"I am currently using far infrared heat lamps. They are far superior to any other kind of heat I have used for their ability to penetrate the tissues and bring fresh blood flow into the tissues and to soften adhesions, scare tissue, and tense muscles. It definitely improves the treatment outcome and speeds the progress along. ... I have been using them for sometime now without any negative results."

Posted by TMT

 

[10242]

Thank you for the pearls. They're beautiful.  Thanks also for the understanding and response on the "hot" thread.

 

[ashcowgirl]

*smiles brightly*Oh, I am so glad someone likes them!  I was beginning to think I was the only one!  Tee hee!*smiles more*

 

[I love Tacos!]

Neck Pearl

"Neck work is basically my specialty, so I can give you some ideas.

First, of course, one has to know the contraindications for your client and have background of the vessel anatomy.

I work the neck without any lubrication when I start.

Now, of course, all of this depends on the size of the neck, which muscles are "rolling", tight, tender taut, spastic, etc.

First, I decide by general touch where the problem areas are and consider the plan of action.

A good place to begin is at the sub-occiput. I use a very slow, firm and concentrated movements, usually with the fingertips or thumbs. Many times the occiput is very tight when you have these rolling muscles. I have seen that it can take a lot of treatment to release a neck, and if the client is continuing to do the same sorts of work habits that may be aggravating the original problem, one may be looking at six months of treatment at once per week minimum. Of course this is also dependent on how the body reacts. Sometimes I get good results in a few weeks.

When I work a neck, I always cup the head with my opposite hand for the majority of the work, and sometimes use this hand for better traction, movement, etc. - not just the "gentle hand of massage well being", like many people do.

I usually plan to spend an hour on the neck and traps. and working from the occiput to the area of concern. I look at the origin and insertion of the muscle. I work the posterior cervical musculature and then consider working the anterior musculature. I also look at the sternum and the clavicular area. All movements slow and methodic, and very very very (I cannot express how very) small, but intense in depth as tolerated. Mid-way through I consider some stretching with gentle and slow but persistent movements, usually blocking with the thumbs on the problem musculature origins or insertions with movement of the head as I do this (for a deeper stretch and compression to the affected areas).

You should definitely know your anatomy and if you don't, get a book and look at it while you work.

Most of the work I do is face up.

I like to finish off with lotion and smoothing movements with some stretching too.

I usually turn the client over and perform about ten mins. work on the traps, rhomboids and back up into the occiput again, unless they need more.

And, there are always the muscles of the head. Look at them close, see what is tight and tender.

All of my work is based on knowledge I have gained from having neck injuries and a lot of anatomy background."

Thanks, Texas-gal!  When I couldn't find what I was looking for here already, it would figure I'd find it in one of your older posts.  
Katykangaroo