MM Chapter 20: Myofascial and Deep Tissue

Technique 71: Deep Tissue Lengthening Strokes This image shows a lengthening stroke applied to the back with the therapist’s forearm. The stroke begins on the gluteals superior to the greater trochanter and progresses up the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae group. The therapist uses the entire forearm to apply this broad pressure. As she reaches […]

Good body mechanics factor prominently in the ability to deliver deep work and remain responsive to tissue. Review Chapter 11 on body mechanics, especially if you feel stress in any joints or muscles while you work. Remember to use your body weight to achieve deeper pressure, and don’t rely on strength from your back or

Follow these guidelines to reach your primary goal with deep tissue massage: seek muscular balance. In addition, these guidelines remind therapists to remain attentive at all times to the current status of the tissue, how it is changing, and the comfort level and safety of the client. If pain, no gain: It is a common

The health intake interview is an important component of client assessment for deep tissue work. Ask clients to describe previous injuries, surgeries, and medical conditions. By exploring how clients felt and moved in the past and how they feel and move now, you can learn a lot about how their body has compensated for their

In Chapter 13, you learned about friction. Because deep tissue massage uses deep friction strokes, the effects of deep friction apply to deep tissue massage. Earlier, we discussed the effects of myofascial techniques and explained that they help to stir ground substance and improve its quality, increase piezoelectricity to improve the health of connective tissue

Often, therapists integrate myofascial techniques with Swedish massage or other massage systems like deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, and trigger point therapy. Myofascial techniques call for the absence of lubricant and are therefore applied first. Following that, Swedish techniques are used, and finally, the area is passively stretched.  For example, on the posterior legs, you

With the client in the supine position, grasp under the heel with one hand and on top of the foot with the other. The client’s leg will be fully adducted with the knee and foot pointing up. The leg can be slightly lifted off the massage table. Lean back and traction the leg steadily until

Following are some key techniques for working with myofascia, but these are not all of the recognized myofascial techniques a massage therapist might use. Additional techniques are covered in upcoming chapters, but others are omitted because they are best reserved for continuing education classes once you have mastered your core massage curriculum and practiced professionally

Different authorities on myofascial techniques offer varying perspectives on working with myofascia effectively, but certain common principles emerge for the application of myofascial techniques: Comfort and safety: Myofascial techniques should not feel painful, although the client may feel a burning sensation (described below). If pain is experienced, ensure you are applying the techniques correctly and

With the client supine, grasp the client’s hand with both of your hands and stand at the client’s thigh with the client’s arm adducted (don’t pull the arm up so that it is in slight flexion—keep all movements in clean lines) and the wrist in a neutral position. Place your weight on your back foot