Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1471270
GLIDING MASSAGE TOOL REPLACES THUMBS AND FOREARMS Gliding with a round-tip massage tool, like a round- tip L-bar or a TheraPress, is not hard to do with some practice. To simulate a thumb or elbow glide, place a finger, thumb, or knuckle next to the stem of the massage tool or hold the massage tool with two hands (Image 5). If you're new to massage tools and don't feel comfortable sensing the tissue with your guide finger, do one or two exploratory glide strokes with your thumbs, knuckles, fists, or forearms before you do your massage tool gliding stroke. That way you'll have a mental road map of the soft-tissue terrain so you can anticipate what's coming up when you glide with your massage tool. If you're coming up to an area you think may be sensitive as you glide with your massage tool, lighten the pressure, glide over the area, and then come back to it to apply the appropriate therapeutic pressure with the massage tool. GLIDING KNUCKLES AND FISTS REPLACE PALMS AND FOREARMS I'm sure you're used to gliding with your palms and forearms, but have you ever tried fists or knuckles? Fists and knuckles have an advantage over palms because your wrists can remain neutral in a fist or knuckles glide. A fist or knuckle glide is easy to do on iliotibial (IT) bands while you're sitting, and if you rest your forearms on your thighs as you glide, you can minimize the work your shoulders and arms are doing (Image 6). PRESSING REPLACES SQUEEZING A two-hand press can simulate a squeeze without making your hands work so hard. The upper trapezius is my favorite place to do the two-hand press. First, picture a typical one-hand, upper trapezius squeeze: The client is prone while you sit on a stool. You wrap your fingers around the top edge of the anterior aspect of the upper trapezius while your thumb of the same hand presses into the posterior side of the upper trapezius, and you squeeze. To try a two-hand press, move your stool to the front of the massage table so that you're facing the head of the client. Slip a hand underneath the front edge of the 48 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k j u l y/a u g u s t 2 0 2 2 Lean in with your torso to generate force rather than using your upper body to press. 5 6 Lean into your fist or knuckles next to the massage tool to make the stroke feel broad.