Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68005
PREPARING THE NECK AND SHOULDERS FOR DEEP WORK Welcome to Massage & Bodywork's new Myofascial Techniques column. In the coming issues, I'll describe techniques that work with some of the most common client issues. I'll draw on the work taught in Advanced-Trainings. com's Advanced Myofascial Techniques workshop series. Although the faculty are Certified Advanced Rolfers and many teach at the Rolf Institute, my emphasis in these articles will be on specific, practical techniques useful to any hands-on practitioner. We'll start by looking at the superficial layers of the neck. (For video examples of techniques and tests mentioned here, visit Massage & Bodywork's digital edition, which features a video clip from the 2009 DVD Advanced Myofascial Techniques for the Neck, Jaw, and Head from Advanced- Trainings.com. A link is available on ABMP.com and Massageandbodywork.com) What are the most common complaints you see in your practice? Chances are neck pain and discomfort are high on the list. Although cervical issues can have many causes, you'll often see better results if you begin by addressing restrictions in the superficial layers of the neck and shoulders. Whether caused by deep articular fixations, poor posture and misalignment, habits, stress, injury, or other reasons, neck issues respond quicker and stay away longer when the outer wrappings are released first. As with other parts of the body, many seemingly deeper neck issues resolve when the external layers have been freed. In this article, I'll describe how to work with these superficial but important layers in order to prepare the neck for working with its deeper structures. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUPERFICIAL LAYERS The neck's superficial tissue layers have a great deal of influence on its alignment, mobility, and health. These "outer wrappings" encircle the neck and shoulders like an overlarge turtleneck sweater, or a surgical collar (Image 1). Anatomically, these layers include the superficial and deep cervical fasciae, as well as the muscles within those fascial layers, such as the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (Image 2), and the platysma. Together, these cowl- like outer layers extend from their upper attachments on the occipital ridge and lower face, to their lower connections with the outer layers of the shoulders, chest, and upper back. Like a sleeve, they encircle the deeper musculoskeletal and visceral structures of the neck's core. The superficial layers of the neck have a surprising thickness and resilience. When they have lost pliability or are adhered to other layers and structures—because of injury, postural strain, or other reasons—the outside layers have the ability to restrict The superficial layers of the neck, in cross section. Illustration courtesy estate of John Lodge. visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 121