Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1451559
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 25 The Barber Pole Technique (named after the evenly spiraling stripes of a barber pole) helps assess and address left/right rib-ring rotation (as well as other ring movements) at each level of the thoracic spine. Image from Advanced-Training.com's "Scoliosis: AMT" video course. 2 plates. In bending the trunk (forward, backward, or laterally), the rings move like the coils of a slinky toy. These are good analogies—when the rib rings are evenly mobile, that is. When they're not mobile, whether because of stiffness or pain, our work can help, and thinking of the rib cage as a series of rings opens up many new hands-on possibilities. When a client complains of a restricted or painful movement, you can use your hands, your eyes, and your client's reported sensations to find out which big-picture movements are difficult or sensitive, and thus how to proceed. Feel these things on yourself now, and ask yourself these questions: When Breathing • Does the space between each ring expand and contract all the way around? • Does the anterior part of each ring lift and fall with the breath (pump handle motion)? • Do the rings raise at their lateral edges during inhalation (bucket handle motion)? When Bending the Spine • Does each space open and close as expected (for example, does each space open in the back and close in the front when flexing, or open on the right and close on the left when bending left)? • Do the rings slide laterally toward the opening side a bit (e.g., translate right when bending left)?* The Barber Pole Technique Indications • Difficult or painful trunk, spine, neck, shoulder, or breath movements Purpose • Assess rib-ring mobility, sensitivity, and connection to other movement issues Instructions 1. As your seated client looks over one shoulder, assess each rib ring's rotation for range, movement quality, and sensitivity. 2. Optionally, feel for the ring to shift (translate laterally) away from the direction of head rotation or for the small warping movement described in the text. 3. Compare with rotation in the opposite direction. 4. In each place restrictions were found, use the same grip to gently encourage mobility in the more difficult direction. Wait for a breath; release; repeat. 5. And/or, use other techniques to address the mobility restrictions found, then repeat the assessment. For More Learning • "Rib Issues" (https://a-t.tv/ribvideo) or "Scoliosis" (https://a-t.tv/ scoliosisvideo) in the Advanced Myofascial Techniques series of workshops.