Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/588318
F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 33 CL ASSROOM TO CLIENT 5. CIRCULAR FRICTION Circular friction moves the tissue in a circular motion to break up adhesions and release tension. This image shows circular friction applied up the forearm muscles with the fingers. (Because it is easy to overuse your fingers and thumbs during seated massage, try to use other "tools" whenever possible.) Try performing circular friction strokes to all of the accessible areas of the body over clothing using your knuckles, fists, thumbs, and fingers. 6. VIBRATION Shaking, rocking, and jostling are forms of coarse vibration that are particularly useful during seated massage. This image shows a jostling vibration on the upper extremity. Try lifting a muscle like the trapezius and shaking it, or rolling the arm back and forth between your hands. Rock the client's body back and forth in the massage chair. 7. TAPOTEMENT Tapotement is easy to apply over clothing and feels invigorating in a seated massage. It should not be used directly after athletic activity because it stimulates the muscle spindle cells and may cause the muscles to cramp. Tapotement over the kidneys and floating ribs is contraindicated because these structures do not have sufficient protection when the stroke is applied with the client in a seated position. It is also avoided on boney areas, especially over the spine. In this image, the therapist has asked the client to sit up out of the face cradle while the hands are held in a prayer position to apply tapotement to the shoulders and down the upper extremity. It's a good idea to have clients sit up out of the face cradle at the end of the session so they don't feel lightheaded when they stand up to get out of the massage chair. Try using a variety of hand positions (hacking, cupping, beating, slapping, pincement, and tapping) and apply tapotement at a level comfortable to the client to all accessible body areas except over the kidneys and floating ribs. Anne Williams is the director of education for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and author of Massage Mastery: from Student to Professional (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012), and Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). She can be reached at anne@abmp.com.