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INSIGHT FOR BODYWORKERS 1 Motor point of trapezius Spine Scapula CONDITIONS Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill, by Mary Kathleen Rose. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Used with permission. OF THE EYE Cataracts. A clouding of the lens of the eye typically caused by age or injury to the eye's tissues. Glaucoma. Caused by progressive damage to the optic nerve (usually due to high pressure of intraocular fluid), glaucoma typically leads to a loss of peripheral vision. Macular degeneration. A deterioration of the macula at the center of the retina, resulting in loss of central vision. Myopia. Nearsightedness, often first noticed in children and teenagers. Presbyopia. Age-related farsightedness that is common in the elderly. It is caused by a loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye and results in difficulty in focusing on near objects. Retinopathy. Often a complication of diabetes, retinopathy occurs due to damage to the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, causing blurred or obstructed visual field. 2 point melts tension in this muscle and can also alleviate general body tension (Image 1). 2. Lift and squeeze. Using the flat surfaces of the fingertips of the index and middle fingers and the thumbs, take a firm hold of the bellies of the trapezius muscle. Lift and squeeze. Hold for a few seconds as the client releases tension in this muscle. Pressure and length of time held will depend on the client's preferences. Release. Repeat 2 –3 times (Image 2). 3. Specific contact pressure. For this technique, the therapist stands to the side and back of the client. To work on the right side, let the palm of the left hand rest over the left side of the trapezius muscle. The fingertips of the right hand (leading with the middle finger) sink into the motor point of the trapezius muscle. The angle of pressure is perpendicular to the skin. Visualize the motor point, about 1 inch deep into the muscle, as you let your touch gently in. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat to the client's preference, then repeat on the other side (Image 3). 4. Broad contact pressure on erector muscles. For this technique, stand to the side of the client. The left hand rests gently on the client's left shoulder. The heel of the right hand presses directly into the erector muscles of the upper back between the spine and the scapula. As with all of these techniques, the direction of pressure is perpendicular to the surface of the skin, thereby avoiding any friction to the skin. This also allows a firm pressure to penetrate the muscle, allowing it to relax. Repeat on the other side (Image 4). 68 massage & bodywork september/october 2012