Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1515580
I developed PowerFace facial massage in 2017 after hearing the needs of a client who wanted more meaningful work on her face during our massage therapy sessions. This client already loved the facial microcupping I provided and my somewhat "mundane" manual face massage routine. Her interests inspired me, and I began asking myself important questions regarding the benefits a revitalized facial massage service might bring to my clients, as well as what tools or supplies would be required, and if I would ultimately enjoy delivering this service. I asked some of my clients if I could take a few extra minutes at the end of their massage sessions to workshop some new facial massage moves at no cost. I needed this tactile exercise to organize my thoughts, test my excitement, and conduct friendly market research on the protocol I was developing. At one point during the journey of experimentation, I remembered my lypossage training, where the instructor made us relearn the anatomy and physiology of all tissue layers—from the epidermis to the bone, how chemicals and tissue compression alter normal muscle and skin tone, and how outside manipulations and interventions could restore natural tissue health. This knowledge also fed my new protocol. THE POWERFACE METHOD The information my clients gave me in their feedback greatly informed the development of my facial protocol, as did the knowledge gained from the many modalities and techniques that have become part of my repertoire and experience over the years. Because fascial creasing, pooling of old interstitial f luids, and reduced elasticity are physiological issues that lead to tired and dull facial tissues, 1 I wanted my facial massage technique to: • Loosen soft-tissue adhesions (creases) that inhibit drainage and form lines • Stretch and tonify fascia and muscle to help lift the expression • Stimulate fibroblast cells for increased collagen and elastin production, letting the skin and fascia smoothly spring back into place instead of staying creased (crow's feet, laugh lines) • Thin and remove sticky interstitial and lymphatic fluids 52 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m a rc h /a p r i l 2 0 24 POWERFACE By Melissa Strautman A 6-Step Protocol for the Face