Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
YOU CAN SEE THESE TECHNIQUES IN MASSAGE & BODYWORK'S DIGITAL EDITION, WHICH FEATURES A VIDEO CLIP FROM ADVANCED-TRAININGS.COM'S ADVANCED MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES DVD AND SEMINAR SERIES. THE LINK IS AVAILABLE AT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM AND ABMP.COM. The central nuchal ligament (orange) and the suboccipital and greater occipital nerves (green) pass through the suboccipital muscles and play a role in posterior cranium tension headaches. Images courtesy of Primal Pictures. Used with permission. In the Nuchal Window Technique, fingers encourage lateral release on either side of the longitudinal ligament, opening the "window" of the suboccipital space. Musculoskeletal headaches are along either side of the nuchal ligament, with your middle fingers just under the occipital ridge at the superior end of the nuchal ligament (Images 9 and 10). With firm but patient pressure, encourage the musculature and soft tissue on either side of the ligament to release laterally. Our intention is to "open the window" of the suboccipital space in order to give more room to the small muscles there and to the important cervical nerves that pass between them (Image 8), often a source of posterior head pain. Although very effective for tension headaches, working the suboccipital region has sometimes been observed to worsen vascular headaches, perhaps because it may increase cranial circulation. Review the distinctions in the table on page 111, and if you suspect vascular elements, use suboccipital work carefully, watching how your client responds. seldom related to just the cranial fascia or suboccipital muscles: jaw, neck, eye, and shoulder tension will also contribute to many headache patterns, so think broadly. Although headaches have many causes, the two techniques described here are simple but extremely effective hands-on work that will provide relief and help prevent recurrence when there is musculoskeletal involvement. In the next installment, we'll look at ways to address migraines and vascular headaches, adding even more options to your technique toolbox. Advanced-Trainings.com faculty, which offers continuing education seminars throughout the United States and abroad. He is also a Certified Advanced Rolfer and teaches for the Rolf Institute. Contact him at info@advanced-trainings.com and via Advanced-Trainings.com's Facebook page. Til Luchau is a member of the NOTES 1. The importance of referring persistent headaches to a physician for evaluation was driven home to me several years ago when our office manager at the time was diagnosed with a brain tumor that eventually, and tragically, proved fatal. Headaches had been her only symptom. Don't scare your clients, of course, but do insist on screening for recurring, severe, or persistent headaches. 2. Although migraine pain is typically aggravated by activity or movement (climbing stairs, bending over, etc.), some cluster headaches (also a vascular headache) can be relieved by vigorous aerobic activity. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 115