Top Heavy Women Client

[sandybars]

Does any one have any special techniques to help with the back pain for women that are top heavy? I have a new client that was asking for some help. Her back is always sore and she has even started to slump over when she stands up. I worked on her back and shoulders, but was looking for some advice on what to tell her. Thanks

 

[A Girl]

It's also very important to work her pecs and to get them to release. Many large breasted women also have issues with serratus ant and post.

I will also talk to them about what type of bra they wear but I know that not everyone is comfortable doing this. It's very important that they wear a bra that supports them with the weight distributed evenly rather then just having the shoulder straps doing all of the work.

Angie

 

[Kiles]

I will also talk to them about what type of bra they wear but I know that not everyone is comfortable doing this. It's very important that they wear a bra that supports them with the weight distributed evenly rather then just having the shoulder straps doing all of the work.

Yep, me too.

 

[Extra U]

also it may be more comfortable and feel less invasive to work pecs from side line.

 

[arman]

Where do us fellers sign up for "bra class" so we can educate our clients? Just another thing not taught at my school. *sigh*

 

[school]

For a basic overview for different types of bras - http://ezinearticles.com/?Proper-Bra-Sizing:--What-Every-Woman-Should-Know&id=147203

Proper measurement technique - http://www2.victoriassecret.com/braguide/how_to_measure.cfm

Common problems with bras - http://www2.victoriassecret.com/braguide/fitting_room.cfm

 

[santobugito]

Where do us fellers sign up for "bra class" so we can educate our clients? Just another thing not taught at my school. *sigh*

Well it wasn't taught at my school either. I had to learn it from the school of life. Perhaps one of the females in your life could instruct you?

Angie

 

[Ghost Child]

She would also benefit from appropriate forms of stretching and/or exercise. It would be appropriate to refer her to a personal trainer, yoga instructor, exercise physiologist, etc. The more she helps herself, the less you'll have to constantly struggle to work on the same areas.

 

[arcusx]

I don't think it's important to know the specifics about the bras. This is outside our scope of practice (in addition to outside your scope of life practice). I think it's sufficient to suggest looking into whether a different bra might be helpful and suggest she check with a professional in a good lingerie shop (NOT Victoria's Secret).

I also agree that strengthening exercises can help. Again, a referral to an exercise specialist would be best.

 

[yp_will_chicago_369]

Top Heavy

I have a few clients that are buxom. They do suffer from back pain. I can suggest a few things. The first is Aunty Margaret's style of Lomi Lomi. The forearm compressions that this teaches does wonders to stretch muscles in the low back, upper back, and pecs. (It is also not as invasive as using your hands in the pec area.)

Another thing to do is to check their alignment. I suspect that these people have alignment issues either caused from the large breasts, or other reasons. If this is the case, you might want to try MFR. If you can get them realigned, the problem could go away as the body woudl be working for itself instead of against itself.

Just a couple thoughts. Take care.

 

[john henric]

Large Breasted Client

Hey Silver Hawk

I agree with Moogie - you should release the pecs and front delts, as well as serratus anterior and even upper abdominals; all the muscles in the front that are contracted from being pulled forward by the extra weight in the front.
First though, it would be good to try and balance out her pelvis with whatever techniques you are comfortable with. Chances are, her posterior neck muscles are tight because they are fighting against the forward-pulling to straighten out her line of sight and the front neck muscles are over stretched. If this is the case, you can balance her neck by working the post. muscles deeper and tighten up the anterior, for instance, by have her contract her neck against your resistance (make sure to support the curve/ no straight neck). The pelvic and neck work will help balance her alignment and give you better, longer-lasting results.

Just like the neck, you want to balance the front and rear of the trunk. Here, it's the posterior muscles that are overstretched so I would just do some MFR, then release any trigger points followed by some toning work to tighten them up and balance the anterior/posterior dysfunction.

What I've laid out here is part of a typical myoskeletal alignment protocol so take want you want from it and - Good Luck!

 

[Theofilaktos]

Does anyone have tables with breast recesses?

Hi there,
Just a little question regarding the top heavy issue. I have found that some of the women clients who are very busty have a very hard time lying prone b/c it hurts. Do any of you MTs have those tables with the breast recesses in them? I know an MT who made his own holes in the table just for that. I have been trying to contact him to find out how he did this, but I cant get a hold of him. I cant imagine sawing holes for that in my nice vinyl table !! Maybe it works if you are careful!

Chloe

 

[Mommy to 2 Nis and Teagan]

I use a comfort bolster for bustier women. Massage Warehouse Comfort Bolster My clients love it! And best of all, no need to saw holes in to your table!

Angie

 

[?????????????????????]

Easy technique for large breasted women in supine.... gets the weight off the breasts and relaxes the neck, opens up the spine.

Roll up hand towels and place them under the shoulders - in the event they are really buxom use bath towels.