On the field, post-event, or in the clinic, Sports Massage is the essential resource for developing and perfecting your sports massage technique!
Sports Massage provides an in-depth discussion of applications of foundational massage techniques within a sports massage approach. Thorough instructions and over 130 full-color photos demonstrate the correct application of each massage stroke for muscle groups of the neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet. You’ll also learn how to use advanced working positions in prone, supine, side-lying, and sitting orientations to address each muscle group, helping you achieve a more comfortable and therapeutic session for your client.
This practical guide explains the foundations of sports massage as a profession, including performance-related benefits of sports massage, common environments for professional practice (practice, event, clinical), range of clientele (recreational or serious athletes, physically active people), and applications (pre-, inter-, and post-event, or as part of a training regimen or rehabilitation program).
Sports Massage emphasizes proper therapist mechanics, including working posture, proper table height, and effective client positioning to help improve the delivery of your technique and reduce strain to your arms, hands, and back. Highlighted in the text are tips on technique adjustments, and special “Client Talk” boxes offer suggestions for ways to communicate technical information to your clients. Throughout the text, self-test questions with answers allow you to check your understanding and reinforce your learning. In addition, a photo gallery index provides quick reference for checking techniques and their application.
Organized for quick reference, Sports Massage explains massage modifications for common injuries and conditions and provides technical information to support your decision-making process. Information regarding contraindications and pathologies will prepare you to adapt your technique to accommodate a wide range of soft tissue conditions. In addition, discussion of equipment, hygiene, and safety considerations will help you be prepared for each therapy session.
A discussion of client assessment and consultation will assist you in learning how to obtain the necessary information to address muscular issues during the therapy session. Sports Massage also discusses considerations in administering the technique to special populations, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, limb deficiencies and visual impairments, and cerebral palsy. In addition, you’ll find information on conducting sports massage before, during, and after sporting events.
Part science and part art, effective sports massage relies on a therapist’s thoughtful application of knowledge and experience. Sport Massage provides a solid knowledge base, helping you learn how to work with your body efficiently and apply each technique with sensitivity. With its emphasis on correct body mechanics and effective client positioning, Sports Massage will help you improve your technique, reduce strain as you work, and provide a better quality of touch.
Part I: Getting Started With Sports Massage
Chapter 1: Introduction to Sports Massage
What Is Sports Massage?
Who Should Be Treated?
How Does Sports Massage Work?
Where Can Sports Massage Take Place?
When Should Sports Massage Take Place?
Benefits of Sports Massage
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 2: Contraindications for Sports Massage
Contraindications
Pathology
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 3: Preparing for Sports Massage
Venue
Equipment
Hygiene
Client Positioning
Safety
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Part II: Sports Massage Techniques
Chapter 4: Body Mechanics
Massage Couch Height
Working Posture
Principles of Application
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 5: Massage Techniques
Components of a Massage Stroke
Effleurage
Petrissage
Compression
Deep Strokes
Vibration
Tapotement
Friction
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Part III: Applying Sports Massage
Chapter 6: Sports Massage for Prone Positions
Neck
Shoulder
Torso
Pelvis
Leg
Foot
Sitting
Quick Questions
Chapter 7: Sports Massage for Supine Positions
Neck
Chest
Shoulder and Arm
Torso and Abdominal Muscles
Pelvis
Thigh
Leg
Foot
Quick Questions
Chapter 8: Sports Massage for Side-Lying Positions
Neck
Shoulder and Arm
Torso
Pelvis
Thigh
Quick Questions
Part IV: Sports Massage Programmes and Management
Chapter 9: Client Assessment
Subjective Assessment
Objective Assessment
Interpretive Stage
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 10: Event Massage
Pre-Event Massage
Inter-Event Massage
Post-Event Massage
Working With an Elite Sport Team
Organising an Event
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Chapter 11: Special Populations
Spinal Cord Injuries
Limb Deficiency
Cerebral Palsy
Visual Impairment
Communication
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions
Susan Findlay, BSc RGN, Dip SRMT, is director of the North London School of Sports Massage, where she is a sport and remedial massage therapist and lecturer.
Findlay’s experiences as a ballet dancer, gymnast, personal trainer, and nurse have allowed her to develop both an applied and a clinical understanding of human movement, physical activity, anatomy, and physiology.
Findlay is the co-founder of the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage. She also serves as chair of communications on the General Council of Massage Therapies and as an educational advisor to the Sport Massage Association.
In her free time, Findlay enjoys motorbiking, cycling, and yoga.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Neck Massage Technique 1
Establishing your posture first is the key to this technique. Place one leg behind in a comfortable long stance; this will allow you to move slightly backwards when performing the stroke. Your shoulders should be away from your ears, your arms should be straight and your palms up. Place one hand under the client's head, while the other starts the stroke at the base of the neck near the shoulders. With palms facing up, smoothly bring the hand farther from you towards the base of the skull. The other hand should support the head until the moving hand has reached the top of the neck. Then switch hands; the active hand now takes the supportive role while the other one starts the process over again on the opposite side.
These next two photos show you what your hands should look like while completing this technique. Note that you would not place your client in this position to do this stroke; these photos are simply to illustrate how your hands are placed.
Tip: Get feedback from your client. If it feels as though she is holding her head up for you, then reevaluate your position and how comfortable you are. You must perform this process smoothly to get the results you want. The three key points are to move from your legs; maintain straight arms; and relax, or drop, your shoulders.
Components of a Massage Stroke
When first learning how to apply massage strokes, you will need to consider the following technical components of massage. These will help you develop effective application methods before you start.
Direction
The choices of direction are longitudinal, transverse and circular. All strokes in all directions can be used on the torso, but longitudinal strokes applied to the peripherals should be deeper and stronger towards the heart and significantly lighter on their return. This is to mirror and work with the venous lymphatic return system. Transverse is also suitable for legs and arms. If you are using a smaller stroke such as friction, small, circular movements will not interfere with this system.
Pressure
Initially, you should apply light, superficial pressure to warm up the tissue and prepare it for deeper work as well as to assess the condition of the tissue and determine which areas need attention. Once the tissue has been sufficiently warmed up, you can apply deeper strokes. During and at the end of a treatment, it is always beneficial to flush the section that you have worked on as well as the surrounding tissue using effleurage.
Regardless of the degree of pressure you are using, you should massage in a thoughtful manner, feeling the various tissues under your hands and reacting to any adverse tension. Areas of tension might require you to slow down and ease off the pressure to get a favourable response. The deeper you go, the slower you should go. Following are areas that require less pressure:
* Bony prominences (e.g., vertebrae)
* Areas of less muscle mass (e.g., shins)
* Areas of greater sensitivity (e.g., chest)
* Areas that have underlying sensitive structures (e.g., the femoral artery behind the knee)
Therapist's Tools
The therapist's tools consist of the heel of the hand, fingers and thumbs (reinforced), assisted hand, fists, forearms and elbows. (Look ahead for basic techniques.) Elbows should be introduced after you have more experience and can use them with sensitivity. The most important consideration is to protect your hands and not to overuse them or hold tension in them. It is well documented that therapists with poor technique have short careers as a result of repetitive strain injuries that affect their hands, arms, shoulders and lower back.
Basic Techniques
The hands are the most important tool in a therapist's kit. They are sensitive, dexterous and versatile and can transmit all kinds of information about the condition of the tissue. When you start to train, from the first time you place your hands on a client, let your hands take over from your eyes. Hands tell you more than eyes do. If you have difficulty not looking at what you are doing, try either closing your eyes or wearing a blindfold initially to practise and get comfortable with the feel. Further information about movement and seeing through your hands can be found in chapter 4.
Avoid using your thumbs as much as possible. Allow them to be passive partners to your hands. It is possible to use the thumbs for specific work without putting excessive force through them or tensing them up during a movement and still be effective. How you accomplish this will be explained in the relevant technique sections.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
Thigh Massage Technique 2
Facing towards your client, place her foot on your shoulder with her knee bent at 90 degrees. To steady the limb, place one hand on the anterior lower portion of the thigh (not on the knee) and pull it towards your shoulder using enough strength to control the movement of the limb. Use the other hand to apply strokes to the posterior portion of the client's thigh, using your fist, the heel of your hand or your forearm.
Tip: It is very important that you maintain an upright posture, keeping your torso in alignment with your legs and using your legs to generate the movement and power.
This is an excerpt from Sports Massage.
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