Massage & Bodywork

JULY | AUGUST 2019

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PRIMED FOR THE WORK Although preparation for hands-on work needs to include the physical aspects of "making ready," these physical considerations are only part of the picture. As discussed, our aims at the preparation stage for the Advanced Myofascial Techniques approach also include becoming mentally, physically, and emotionally present, available, and primed for the work. To accomplish these goals, practitioners should: • Initiate a therapeutic alliance through listening, giving information, and building rapport. • Assess and understand the issues at hand. 7 • Increase tissue viscoelasticity, hydration, and temperature to literally or metaphorically "warm up" the tissues, such as in the Superfi cial Cervical Fascia (or "Mother Cat") technique. 8 • Reduce motor tonus through autonomic calming (for example, the Vestibular Orienting technique), 9 heightened proprioception (such as in the Vertebral Mobility technique), 10 or postural refl ex stimulation via Golgi tendon organ responses, as in the Posterior Digastrics technique. 11 Taking the time to prepare thoroughly, in all senses of the word, will help make your work more effi cient, effective, and satisfying—to both you and your client. Notes 1. Merriam-Webster, "Preparation," accessed December 2015, www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/preparation. 2. Don Hanlon Johnson, "Presence," in Healers on Healing, eds. Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield (New York: Putnam, 1989), 133. 3. Francesc Borrell-Carrió et al., "The Biopsychosocial Model 25 Years Later: Principles, Practice, and Scientifi c Inquiry," Annals of Family Medicine 2, no. 6 (2004): 576–82, doi:10.1370/afm.245. 4. Steven J. Scrivani et al., "Temporomandibular Disorders," The New England Journal of Medicine 359, no. 25 (2008): 2,693–705, doi:10.1056/NEJMra0802472; for more information, see "Working with the TMJ" in Massage & Bodywork (July/August 2009). 5. Rafael Zambelli Pinto et al., "Patient-Centred Communication is Associated with Positive Therapeutic Alliance: A Systematic Review," Journal of Physiotherapy 58, no. 2 (2012): 77–87, doi:10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70087-5. 6. For more information on this technique, see "Working with the Scalenes" in Massage & Bodywork (January/February 2011, page 108). 7. For more information, see "Working with the Cervical Core" in Massage & Bodywork (March/April 2009, page 123) or "Lateral Pterygoid Assessment" in Advanced Myofascial Techniques (vol. 2, page 158). 8. For more information, see "Working with the Scalenes" in Massage & Bodywork (January/February 2011, page 108). 9. For more information, see "Working with the Vestibular System" in Massage & Bodywork (March/April 2014, page 114). 10. For more information, see "Vertebral Mobility" in Massage & Bodywork September/October 2016, page 106). 11. For more information, see "The TMJ Part II" in Massage & Bodywork (September/ October 2009, page 128). Til Luchau is the author of Advanced Myofascial Techniques (Handspring Publishing, 2016), a Certifi ed Advanced Rolfer, and a member of the Advanced-Trainings.com faculty, which offers online learning and in-person seminars throughout the United States and abroad. He invites questions or comments via info@advanced-trainings.com or @TilLuchau on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Watch "The Many Meanings of Preparation" 9 Ways to Prepare PREPARE YOUR WORKSPACE 1. Make sure it is neat, warm, and welcoming. PREPARE YOURSELF 2. Begin your work rested, fed, and focused. 3. Leave time to preview your notes, plans, techniques, anatomy, etc. 4. Prepare your own mind-set, using practices that foster receptivity, presence, and adaptability. PREPARE YOUR CLIENT 5. Set the tone with your fi rst interactions (scheduling, phone discussions, website, etc.). 6. Communicate a sense of professionalism and safety. 7. Invite and model a mood of receptivity, clarity, and openness. Listen. 8. Find out what your client wants, what motivates them, and how they experience any problems they want to address. 9. Prepare your client when your session or series is drawing to a close. ("We have a few minutes left. Is there anything in particular that would help you feel complete for now?") Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 93

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