Massage & Bodywork

July/August 2012

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4 fine edge to work with (Image 3), and the anterior surface gives you a much softer and broader surface (Image 4). Reminder: Holding the hands in a stiff and effortful manner is a common habit when using the forearms. This position, however, causes the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearms to fatigue quickly. In order to reap the full benefits of using your forearms, stay relaxed and take pleasure in using such dynamic and versatile power tools. A bonus when using your forearms is the inclusion of the ulnar side of your hand. It is relatively strong and stable, and can manipulate tissue in the same way as your forearms, just on a smaller scale. Furthermore, you can use it anywhere you use your forearms, so they work well together (Image 5). Be careful not to deviate the wrist joint and adduct the thumb when using the ulnar side of the hand. This misalignment can be avoided by combining its use with the forearms. ELBOWS No tool is superior to your elbows (olecranon process) for applying specific static and moving pressure on thick, broad, and strong muscles, 5 or even more delicate tissues. If you're new to using the elbows, begin by using them on larger areas of the body (e.g., the back and legs). As you become more confident, use them more specifically (e.g., the bottom of the foot). Even though they are powerful tools, the elbows have little receptive ability. Therefore, begin each time by palpating the area of focus with your fingers and keep your other hand free to guide it. Also, avoid delicate areas such as the cervical vertebrae, face, and throat. Remember to check in with your client regarding comfort level. This protocol will increase your confidence and ensure your client's safety. Reminder: Keep your shoulders and elbows in proper alignment and allow your hands and wrists to relax. Holding the fingers in extension or in a tight fist is a sign of too much effort. Relaxed hands will decrease fatigue in your hands, forearms, and shoulders, and will help you direct the point of the elbow with much more ease and efficiency (Image 6). Be careful to use only the point of the olecranon process when applying pressure with the elbows. The ulnar nerve lies just lateral to it and can be compressed if the humerus is externally rotated. Barb Frye has been a massage educator and therapist since 1990. She coordinated IBM's body mechanics program and authored Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists: A Functional Approach to Self-Care (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010), now in its third edition. She has a massage and Feldenkrais practice at the Pluspunkt Center for Therapy and Advanced Studies near Zurich, Switzerland. Contact her at barbfrye@hotmail.com. 6 Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 47

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