Tools and Techniques

Chapter 4 Tools and Techniques



Outline



Principles of Deep Tissue Massage


Tools for Deep Tissue Massage


Arms and Elbows

Hands

Massage Tools


Objectives




1. Explain and demonstrate the principles of deep tissue massage.


2. Apply deep tissue techniques.


3. Explain the parts of the body commonly used for deep tissue massage.


4. Demonstrate how to use the body to apply appropriate techniques.



Key Terms


body mechanics


depth


functional anatomy


intention


interphalangeal (IP) joint


kinesiology


layer


metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint


muscle belly


neutral position


nonverbal communication


physiology


principles of deep tissue massage


speed


superficial


verbal communication


withdraw


Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper tissues of the body. It does not mean that the therapist needs to apply more pressure to access these tissues. Therapists who consistently use stronger pressure to perform deep tissue massage are putting themselves and their clients at risk for injury. Repetitive and strong forces on the therapist’s joints can lead to long-term trauma and shorten the career of the therapist. The strong pressure being applied to the client can result in bruising, pain, and discomfort for the client and may lead to long-term muscle damage. In this chapter we explore ways to use different parts of the body to provide the “strong pressure” feeling without having to exert more energy. Using the fists, elbows, forearms, or knuckles can meet the needs and goals of the session while protecting the therapist from stress and injuries.


Deep tissue massage is experienced differently by everybody. Hypersensitivity and pain thresholds vary from person to person. One client may prefer that you use your elbow along the medial border of the scapula, whereas another client may feel the palm is strong enough. Smooth application of depth and pressure depends on the therapist’s abilities to recognize verbal and nonverbal communication.


In verbal communication the client provides verbal feedback such as “It is tender there” or “More pressure.” Some clients prefer not to talk during a session, making verbal communication challenging. Prompting your client with questions like “Is that tender?” “How is my pressure?” or “Does that provide relief?” becomes important for the therapist.


Nonverbal communication is observed through body language, posture, and gestures. Although the client may be requesting more pressure, the therapist may feel tension in the muscle or the body might twitch. The ability to recognize nonverbal communication is important in deep tissue massage. The therapist needs to recognize changes in facial expression, slight adjustments on the table, or tightening of the muscle, as these are all signs of discomfort. Changes in breath and changes in texture of the muscle help guide the therapist on the effectiveness of the technique.



Principles of deep tissue massage


It is better to work smarter rather than harder. Understanding the approach to accessing the deeper layers of tissue and how to appropriately use the body provides a longer and safer career for the therapist. Following are some key principles of deep tissue massage to remember when working with the deeper layers of tissues, which will help to facilitate this work.



Be cautious of the use of lubricants when going deep. Lubricants are used to prevent friction on the skin during massage. Too much lubrication can prevent the therapist from hooking or grabbing the tissue, forcing the therapist to work harder. Hooking into the skin for stretching is important and too much oil or cream may interfere with a good stretch. Using excessive amounts of a lubricant may also cause the therapist to slide off the muscle during the technique. This may cause the muscle to snap back into place, which causes pain to the client because of the sudden shift in location of the pressure.


Deep tissue work should be slow. The deeper the stroke, the slower it should become. This allows the therapist to focus on what he or she is doing, the position he or she is working, and the goal of the technique. Pain commonly associated with deeper work is not caused by the pressure being used, but the speed of the stroke. Broad, deep, and fast work stimulates the sympathetic rather than the parasympathetic nervous system. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system is necessary for muscle relaxation. A slower stroke aids in better identification of changes in the muscle texture and locating trigger points.


Focus on the layer you are working and work that layer. The body has multiple layers of muscles and each muscle has its specific role. Superficial

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Jun 4, 2016 | Posted by in MANUAL THERAPIST | Comments Off on Tools and Techniques

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