Massage & Bodywork

March/April 2013

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Q & ART Restriction will vary from person to person; just have your client assume the position and ask what areas are hampering the posture. As you free up the most obvious one, you will often fi nd that another link in the chain is crying out for some caring attention. 1 DoWNWarD-FaciNg Dog 1. If tight calves or Achilles tendons are limiting factors, simply focus on those areas by either stretching a muscle or fascia away from an anchor, or by facilitating release by working in the direction of muscle lengthening. Notice if the restriction is superficial or deeper (Image 1). 2. Hamstrings, gastrocnemius, plantaris, popliteus, or tight superficial fascia can all restrict full extension of the knees. In addition to releasing short tissue, consider working with rotational patterns by rolling muscles or fascia to stretch in a straight line and improve tracking of the joint (Image 2). 3. Of course the proximal hamstrings are often restricted, but some restriction is almost always located at the transition between the pelvis and the low back. Have your client rock her pelvis back and forth, freeing external fascia near the sacrum, the lumbar fascia, and deeper muscles near the spine, including gently mobilizing the lumbars to facilitate extension (Image 3). 4. To free the shoulder girdle and arms, work to mobilize the scapulae to slide over the ribs, focus on the transition to the arms for abduction and rotation, 2 3 4 5 the lotus Pose Either the full or half Lotus requires flexibility in many areas not demonstrated here (such as the ankle or rotation of the tibia on the femur), but let's look at external rotation of the femur and freeing the low back and upper pelvis. 1. On a deep level, this is an excellent way to work with freeing the joint capsule by placing your intention on sinking through superficial tissue and rotating the actual femur in the acetabulum. Experiment with both compression or traction of the joint as you work the thigh through various ranges of motion. Move superficially, working with muscles and superficial fascia to freely rotate around the bone by grabbing large sections of the quads and iliotibial band. Remember to bring the tissue to its restrictions and then slowly wait for the tissue to melt (Image 5). 2. Pelvic mobility is very important. Work on the lumbar fascia, quadratus lumborum, and the upper attachments of the gluteals, asking your client to tilt her pelvis both anteriorly and posteriorly (Image 6). You can work on the table, seated, or on the floor. Working this way necessitates a rewarding communication with your clients and a few minor changes, such as explaining what you have in mind and why, and having them wear proper clothing to enable the different postures. Working on flexibility, not only of our clients, but with our defi nitions of bodywork, will keep your work fresh, fun, and effective. Art Riggs teaches at the San Francisco School of Massage and is the author of the textbook Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques (North Atlantic Books, 2007), which has been translated into seven languages, and the seven-volume dVd series Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release: A Video Guide to Techniques. Visit his website at www.deeptissuemassagemanual.com. 6 32 and gently mobilize the thoracic kyphosis to improve its ability to extend (Image 4). massage & bodywork march/april 2013

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