Massage & Bodywork

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2018

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SUPINE POSITION 4. Wrist Bolsters Wrist bolsters might seem like they wouldn't make as big a difference as they do. But how often have you observed clients awkwardly trying to find a comfortable position for their arms when they are lying supine? Especially when they are deeply relaxed, their arms splay out to the sides and off the table. With wrist bolsters, your client's arms, wrists, and hands are supported alongside their body while slightly elevated off the table. It is not only more comfortable, but it also softens the pectorals and even the upper trapezius as a result of the arm being directed and held in place. All you have to do is roll up two hand towels and place one under each wrist. Voila! Instant comfort and support. 5. Neck Bolster Returning to the point of how much time we spend with our heads down looking at cell phones, there's commonly a loss of healthy cervical curve, or hyperflexion of the cervical spine, which can cause nerve compression that radiates down into the arms and hands. Adding a neck bolster before and/or after applying neck work is an excellent way to encourage healthy curvature; soften the muscles of the anterior, posterior, and lateral neck; and unload compression on the vital nerve roots that exit the cervical spine. Even though the bolster only makes contact with the posterior neck, all neck muscles are affected by the supported positioning. Use one rolled towel, and place it between the posterior neck and table. Some therapists use the face cradle pillow turned upside down; however, the cushion of the pillow is typically too lofty, causing the back of the head to not make contact with the table. This doesn't support the cervical curvature as well as a rolled towel. 6. Vertical Spine Bolster This final bolstering technique is a bit trickier than the others, but it is so effective, it's worth it. I even recommend it to my clients as an easy but powerful at-home self- care practice. Because the towel will span the entire length of the spine, the gentle contact with all the nerve roots, especially the parasympathetic nerve roots, creates a natural relaxation response to the entire body. It also softens overtaxed back muscles that work hard to keep the body upright against gravity and poor postural habits, and supports opening and lengthening of shortened muscles of the front body. Roll up a large towel lengthwise. Assist your client in sitting upright momentarily by asking them to hold the sheet against their chest while you place your upper hand behind their head/neck and your lower hand gently grasps their forearm. On a count of three, assist the client upright. Place the towel lengthwise so that one end sits against the sacrum and the upper end at the top of the table. Assist the client as they roll down onto their back with the bolster along the spine. You can also lift the towel slightly in the region below the neck to support the cervical curvature. Direct the client to allow the scapula to wrap around the towel, softening the upper and mid-back muscles and opening the anterior chest and abdominals. Be sure you include a bolster under the knees as you would commonly do in a massage session to take any pressure off the low back. Use only a soft towel, never a standard bolster. ALL BODIES ARE DIFFERENT While this probably goes without saying, bodies come in all shapes, sizes, lengths, and proportions. It is wise to keep extra towels and pillows on hand, because if you are using the above suggestions and clients still report discomfort or you can visually observe misalignment, adding a little cushion here or there is easy. Don't be afraid to take the time to get it right. Some therapists report not wanting to "fidget" with their clients, but I assure you, a client will get far more therapeutic benefit from your work when you confidently put forth this effort. Plus, they will feel your care and concern, and keep coming back! Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com. Yo u r M & B i s w o r t h 2 C E s ! G o t o w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e t o l e a r n m o r e . 43

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