Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/640605
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 stabilizers). If this proves difficult, get more specific and creative with your verbal cueing: "Let your elbow lead your movement; leave your shoulder relaxed." When your client finds this subtle reaching with the elbow, you will feel her movement stretch the fascial layer you've anchored with your soft fist. Only then, invite your client to slowly lower her arm to her side (adduction), while she simultaneously continues to lengthen through the humerus (Image 3, Arrow 2). Her active adduction will further stretch the layer you're anchoring; allow it to slide now, but only at the pace of her arm movement. Repeat this maneuver, this time anchoring a slightly deeper layer, such as the fascia that wraps the trapezius, then the trapezius itself, followed by the deeper levator scapulae or even the posterior and medial scalenes (which makes this technique indicated for thoracic outlet syndrome-like symptoms). Vary the angle of your client's reaching and adduction, encouraging her to find the angle that best connects with the specific structure you're anchoring. 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. "Shoulder/Neck Differentiation Technique" With a sensitive, soft fist, anchor the superficial fascia superiorly and medially; then, cue your client to "Gently reach for the ceiling with your elbow, leaving your shoulder relaxed" (Arrow 1). Once you feel this movement, pull on the layer you've anchored at the neck, and invite your client to slowly lower her arm to her side (Arrow 2) while simultaneously continuing to reach with the elbow. Images courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. 3 Key Points: Shoulder/Neck Differentiation Technique Indications • Shoulder or neck tension or pain • Restricted, uncoordinated (e.g., jerky), painful, or side-to-side differences in neck or shoulder movements, particularly cervical side-bending, scapular depression, or glenohumeral adduction • Thoracic outlet syndrome Purpose Differentiation (increasing structural and functional independence) of the shoulder from the neck by: • Refining proprioception and coordination • Decreasing resting tone • Increasing tissue elasticity and differentiation Instructions (Described in the text) Movements • Passive glenohumeral adduction/ abduction, flexion/extension, rotation, circumduction • Active "telescoping" of the humerus, with glenohumeral adduction Cues • "Let your arm be heavy." (Image 2) • "Gently reach for the ceiling with your elbow, leaving your shoulder relaxed." (Image 3, Arrow 1) • "Stay long through your arm as you slowly bring your arm to your side." (Image 3, Arrow 2) Homework • Opposite Arm Drop • Arm Movement, Sans Shoulder Learn More • "Arm, Wrist, & Shoulder, Parts I & II" in the Advanced Myofascial Techniques series of workshops and video courses • "Frozen Shoulder, Part 1," Massage & Bodywork, November/December 2009, page 118; "Frozen Shoulder, Part 2," Massage & Bodywork, January/February 2010, page 108 (available online at www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com) The Shoulder/Neck Differentiation Technique is an effective way to free the local structures that can over-connect the shoulder to the neck and to increase the subtle body awareness that can sustain the work afterward. Balance and integrate it by working elsewhere around the shoulder (such as the scapula-rib cage relationship) or into the neck. TAKING IT HOME Your client can continue what you started by practicing these movement awareness exercises after your session: • Opposite Arm Drop: Drop your left arm to your side, and then tip your head to the right. Feel a stretch? After you pause, breathe and let your body register these sensations. Then, return your head to an upright position, and compare the sensations of this side to the other—is it different in any way? Repeat on the other side. • Arm Movement, Sans Shoulder: Practice leaving your shoulders relaxed while reaching for a doorknob, shaking someone's hand, typing a text, holding a steering wheel, etc. Notes 1. Mark D. Miller and Stephen R. Thompson, DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014): 587. 2. A. Stecco et al., "Ultrasonography in Myofascial Neck Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial for Diagnosis and Follow-Up," Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 36, no. 3 (April 2014): 243–53. 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.