Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/621015
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 109 with Bone," Massage & Bodywork November/ December 2013, page 114). It also applies to a series of sessions, where the efficacy of later sessions depends on the extent of preparation early on, and successful long- term change for the client hinges on the integration occurring in later sessions. HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Although there is much more to be said about the topic, the preparation- differentiation-integration sequence provides a simple but useful conceptual framework for strategizing sessions. The proportion of time, techniques, or sessions you spend in each of these phases can be adjusted, depending on the stability, fragility, responsiveness, or stubbornness of the issues being addressed. In complex, unstable, or less-predictable conditions, such as spinal disc issues, hot whiplash, or symptomatic scoliosis, a cautious approach (Image 3), devoting proportionally more time to preparation and integration than in a typical progression (Image 4), allows time to observe your client's response to the work and, if necessary, course-correct before aggravating the condition. In other cases, where the body or symptoms seem slow to respond, a bolder, more direct approach might be appropriate (Image 5). Even in slow-to-respond conditions, results are usually greater when the preparation-phase functions of assessment, rapport, relaxation, and peripheral mobility have been thoroughly addressed. Whatever sequencing protocols you choose, the adage "less is more" holds true. Whether it is from trying to give clients their money's worth, prioritization and time management challenges, or fear of leaving something out, it is common for therapists to do more than is necessary. Good intentions often result in working the client past the point of maximum benefit, diluting the educational value of having just a few clear concepts to integrate, and practitioner exhaustion and burnout. It is almost always beneficial to slow down and spend more time with fewer techniques, rather than rushing through as many as possible in the allotted time. Try "cooking" your sessions with just one or two spices, instead of every seasoning in the cabinet. Or, let the sessions you compose have the spare beauty and spaciousness of a string quartet, rather than always going for the lushness of the full orchestra. The effectiveness and satisfaction you and your client get from your work depends less on how much you can fit in, and more on the art of leaving things out. Notes 1. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1989). 2. Even though we draw inspiration from Rolf's sequencing principles in our Advanced Myofascial Techniques work (and even though many Rolfers and structural integration practitioners are among our faculty and alumni of our in-person trainings), I should clarify that this work is not Rolfing (which is trademarked by the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration) per se, because we are focusing on techniques to address specific conditions, rather than on integration of the entire body in the field of gravity, which is one aim of Rolfing structural integration. Editor's note: An expanded version of this column will appear in Til Luchau's upcoming book, Advanced Myofascial Techniques, Vol. 2, to be published early 2016 and available at Advanced-Trainings.com. Til Luchau is a member of the Advanced- Trainings.com faculty, which offers distance learning and in-person seminars throughout North America and abroad. He is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and originator of the Advanced Myofascial Techniques approach. Contact him via info@advanced-trainings.com and Advanced-Trainings.com's Facebook page. Watch Til Luchau's technique videos and read his past articles in Massage & Bodywork's digital edition, available at www.massageandbodywork.com, www.abmp.com, and on Advanced-Trainings.com's Facebook page. "Anterior Neck/Shoulder Differentiation Technique" The proportion of time, techniques, or sessions spent in each phase of the preparation-differentiation- integration cycle can be adjusted to the context or condition being addressed. Image 3: a cautious approach, appropriate for complex or less predictable conditions, such as hot whiplash or intervertebral disk issues. In comparison to a typical approach ( Image 4), a bold, direct approach ( Image 5) with minimal preparation may be effective for stubborn conditions, especially when there is good client/practitioner rapport and you are familiar with your client's post-session responses to previous work. Images courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. 3 4 5