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88 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m ay/ j u n e 2 0 24 Good Vibrations! Creating Surrender Through Oscillation Techniques By Cindy Williams Essential Skills | Back to Basics Without even understanding the physiological benefi ts of oscillation as a therapeutic mechanical force (or knowing that's what it's called, for that matter), most people will readily attest to how wonderful it feels to experience it. Oscillation, which takes on the form of vibrating, shaking, swinging, and rocking, involves manipulating the body and soft tissues in a back-and-forth motion. It's a highly used "self-help" massage method for many, especially with the rise in popularity of massage guns and vibrating or rocking furniture (such as chairs and mattresses) to encourage sleep, stress relief, and pain reduction. Given how oscillating forces are favored outside the treatment room, it would behoove us practitioners to include them in our repertoire inside the treatment room. While they can take more time and practice to master than other foundational massage methods, there are far too many benefits and effects to leave them out. Let's explore why and when to use oscillation techniques, how oscillation affects the body, and what forms it can take in a manual therapy session. My aim is to encourage you to remember oscillation as a powerful foundational tool. WHY AND WHEN TO USE OSCILLATION While it might sound cliché, the main reason to use oscillation is because it feels good, naturally inducing a sense of surrender and soothing, evoking the proverbial "ahhhhh." It also assists clients in recognizing where they are "holding on." I use oscillation techniques all the time in my practice. It is especially useful with clients who can't let their guard down and need gentle encouragement. For example, there's the client who automatically stiffens their arm or leg the moment you undrape and touch or reposition them. Applying just about any massage stroke feels futile because the muscles are contracted. Of course, there are many reasons why this might occur: The client may feel timid, could be in pain, might be guarding an injury or emotional experience, or could simply be struggling to relax due to an overstimulated, anxious nervous system. Incorporating some light rocking before undraping, lifting and gentle swinging of the limb before massaging, or swift vibration to the muscle tendons can support the client in letting go. For clients who can't seem to let go and receive, who stiffen limbs when you try to move them, or whose muscles feel especially guarded upon contact, consider oscillation as a great way to safely and smoothly bypass this response. HOW OSCILLATION AFFECTS THE BODY No matter the variation, oscillation is meant to shake up and wake up the nervous system's sensory responses. For example, vibration at muscle tendons stimulates sensory receptors that cause the muscle to contract, then relax. Additionally, vibration can be applied to trigger points in muscle bellies to promote release and local circulation. Some studies indicate the low-intensity mechanical stimulus of vibration can even inhibit pain responses.¹ Ultimately, the idea is to provoke sensory receptors with an unexpected and somewhat confusing stimulus (think of it as healthy, intentional chaos), causing them to let down their guard while they interpret the stimulus. Vibration and shaking are performed vigorously and create a stimulating effect, while rocking and swinging are slower and more soothing. All forms aim to release guarding, allow more stretch, and encourage freedom of movement. Oscillation is a great precursor to joint movement techniques. WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF OSCILLATION? As previously defined, oscillation involves back-and-forth movement that can be swift and local and slow and global. It all depends on the purpose of its use and where it's being applied. The primary forms of oscillation include: Vibration Vibration is applied rapidly and works best in small, local areas, such as muscle tendons and specific areas of guarding within muscle bellies. Simply use fingertips or a knuckle in a swift and short side- to-side motion for about 30 seconds. Shaking Shaking is most effective on muscle groups or an entire limb. Grasp and lift the tissue of the muscle group or grasp KEY POINT • Oscillation can be a perfect beginning to a session with clients who struggle to let their guard down.