As the name suggests, deep tissue massage (also called deep pressure massage) is directed at the deeper myofascial structures of the body. Deep tissue massage is not really an independent system or even a separate technique. It is better described as a way to approach soft-tissue structures. At any time, and during any massage, a […]
Lesson 20-3: Deep Tissue Approaches Read More »
This section explores massage techniques, often called myofascial release, which work directly with fascia to promote pain-free movement and postural balance. The effects of myofascial techniques on the body are described along with general assessment techniques for identifying myofascial restrictions, guidelines for applying myofascial techniques, specific techniques for reducing myofascial restrictions, and integrating myofascial work
Lesson 20-2: Myofascial Techniques Read More »
Muscle and fascia are intimately associated. Understanding fascia broadens our perspective on how balanced or unbalanced movement occurs and how patterns of tension emerge and influence both the local and distal regions of the body. It is impossible to contract muscle tissue without involving connective tissue. It is impossible to massage a muscle without massaging
Lesson 20-1: Myofascia Read More »
The term myofascia comes from myo (from the Greek mys), meaning muscle, and the Latin word fascia, meaning a bandage. This chapter investigates the inseparable nature of muscle and fascia and explores ways to manipulate myofascia for greater freedom of movement, increased muscular balance, reduced pain, and better overall health. Myofascial techniques and deep tissue
Lesson 20-0: Introduction Read More »
Treatment planning for healthcare sessions is more complex than for wellness sessions. The client is likely to have a diagnosed condition or injury that affects your treatment choices. This section provides a foundation for treatment planning by exploring the continuum of health, the rehabilitation process, methods for assessing the data you have gathered, ideas for
Lesson 19-5: Treatment Planning for Health Care Massage Read More »
Chapter 13 introduced the topics of range of motion, limits to movement, and end feel. By this point in your massage training, you are likely well versed in these concepts. If you need a refresher, review that section of Chapter 13. This topic builds on that information and adds to an understanding of active, passive,
Lesson 19-4: Range of Motion Assessment Read More »
The term posture refers to the arrangement of the body’s parts in space, in other words, the body’s position. Gait is the client’s walking pattern. Posture and gait assessments are regularly used in healthcare massage to gather information that guides treatment choices. This section explores the basic biomechanics of posture and gait, postural dysfunctions, and
Lesson 19-3: Posture and Gait Assessment Read More »
Clients seeking healthcare massage are often in pain. Pain can be caused by a soft-tissue injury or as a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, among many others. Pain is an unpleasant feeling that signals actual or potential injury to the body and that has both physical and emotional components.
Lesson 19-2: Pain Assessment Read More »
This topic considers the sequence of events that often occur in a healthcare massage, in advance of later chapter sections presenting specific assessment techniques. It also covers documentation related to intake interviews, functional goal setting, and client self-care.
Lesson 19-1: Health Care Sessions and the Intake Process Read More »
Throughout many chapters, this textbook has differentiated between wellness massage and healthcare massage. Wellness massage is discussed in detail in Chapters 10 and 12. Healthcare massage (also referred to as treatment massage, rehabilitative massage, therapeutic massage, or similar terms) is massage that addresses chronic soft-tissue holding patterns that lead to dysfunction, soft-tissue injury, or chronic
Lesson 19-0: Introduction Read More »
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