Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 29 Allow your observations to guide your intake questions. Based on what you observe, you could ask, "How can I tailor the session to you today?" tissue pliability and freedom within the tissue by breaking up areas of adhesion. In most cases, petrissage is applied at a medium pace; it is neither swift nor slow. If you lift tissue too quickly, it can be too intense for the client. Remember, you are separating tissue. Any experience of separation must happen at an even pace, otherwise it can feel too intense (either too much too soon, or too prolonged and uncomfortable). It's always valuable to remember that you and your strokes are in relationship with the body. So, as in any relationship where separation is occurring, it has to happen steadily and evenly in order to provide the most receptivity. Friction Friction strokes are designed to produce heat, break up adhesions, and realign connective tissue fibers. As a general guideline, the pace of friction will depend on the depth at which you are working. Superficial friction is done quickly to produce heat, while deeper friction is done more slowly to intentionally break up and realign tissue fibers. The deeper the work, the slower the pace. Vibration Vibration involves a rapid back-and-forth motion. It is used to stimulate nerve activity by waking up or confusing the nerve, and then subsequently producing a numbing effect. By definition, it is a rapid stroke and must be applied in this manner in order to reach its intended effect. Tapotement Tapotement is the application of tapping, drumming, or patting and is meant to stimulate a sympathetic nervous system response. It can be used to increase muscle tone, to enliven areas with decreased nerve function, and to initially loosen tight muscles that need to be lengthened. It is almost always applied with quick action—otherwise it will not reach its intended effect. CLARITY OF THERAPEUTIC OUTCOME Clarity of therapeutic outcome ties into the previous section on palpation assessment. Every stroke you apply should have a purpose based on what you feel. Being clear about why you are applying a specific stroke will help to determine the pace. Too often a therapist might get caught in a routine, resulting in delivering a similar massage to every client, every time. A therapist who is truly in tune to their client and the effects of their hands-on skills will recognize that every massage will be delivered a little differently, even when working with the same client week after week. Who is the client right in front of you today? What does that client need from you in this moment? How are life's demands affecting this person's body, and how can you support them exactly as they present themselves to you right now? These are the most basic and primary questions to ask yourself continuously in order to know what stroke to use and at what pace. This ongoing questioning also guides you to adapt the massage as it progresses, because each region of the body inevitably has varying needs. Mindlessly applying massage has short-term therapeutic outcomes rather than lasting results. A SIGNIFICANT RULE OF THUMB If you are working in an area of pain, slow is the way to go. It helps you to be extremely mindful of how the nervous system is responding to you and gives opportunity for the body to trust you and your touch. The body will reject you and put up its guard if you enter too fast. On the other hand, tissue will yield beautifully when honored and respected with patience and mindfulness. It can be surprising the depth to which the body will allow you to work in a painful area and the receptivity to healing it offers when you take your time and work slowly in methodical layers. VARIETY IS THE SPICE I recall being taught in massage school: "The best therapists have the ability to vary their pace depending on the needs of the moment," and that stuck with me. There are times when slow is indicated. There are times when fast is indicated. And there are times to work moderately and steadily. The use of a variety of strokes corresponds with a variety of pace. When you use your visual and palpatory skills along with a clarity of therapeutic outcome, choosing the right strokes and varying your pace to the client's needs and preferences will naturally come into focus. Challenge yourself to step outside your zone of personal style and add intentional variety. Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com.