Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/230373
5 MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES the femur on the tibia, or when controlling tibial rotation at the bent knee, such as when changing direction while running, skiing, or skating. When there is a lack of differentiation between the hamstrings' muscles—that is, when they are mechanically or functionally stuck together as a result of injury, overuse, habit, or unrefined body awareness— these fine-tuning functions are lost in all-or-nothing activation of the hamstrings' undifferentiated mass. Without this functional and structural distinction, there is reduced efficiency, as well as a loss of the fine control needed for adaptability, balance, and responsiveness. Next, I'll describe one method for increasing hamstring resilience, differentiation, and refined proprioception: the three qualities that lend spring, flow, and control to our stride. HAMSTRING TECHNIQUE We'll use a prone position for this protocol, but some considerations are in order. We want the client's neck to be comfortable, so using a face cradle is logical; however, most face cradles require the use of a bolster under the ankles to avoid external hip rotation. This bolstered leg position does not allow full knee extension, and we want the full range of knee motion available. Rather than a built-in face cradle and bolstered legs, I prefer a full-torso bolster system with a tabletop headrest; this allows the client's feet to be off the table. This allows us to work the hamstrings through the full range of knee flexion and extension. Using the flat of your forearm, begin by anchoring the outer layers of the posterior thigh's fascia (Images 5 and 6) in a superior or proximal direction. These surface layers include the skin and superficial fascias; they are thick, strong, and resilient. These layers 116 massage & bodywork can become adhered to one another and to the underlying fascia around the muscles themselves. Avoid oil or other lubricants at this point, as you'll want to be able to anchor the layers in order to help them slide over one another, rather than simply sliding over the surface with your forearm. Once you have anchored the outermost of these layers, ask your client to bend his or her knee. This will allow you to move the outer layer farther in a proximal direction, effectively taking up the slack in the tissues as the knee is actively bent. No sliding on the surface has occurred yet. Because the hamstrings are so strong and resilient, we'll use the client's active movement, rather than trying to do all the work ourselves. Once the knee is fully bent (Image 5), ask your client to slowly lower the leg (straightening the knee, Image 6), as you allow the tissues to gradually slide out from under your forearm as they release. Even clients with hair on their legs will be comfortable, if you coach them to go slowly enough. You can modulate the intensity of the release by varying your pressure and angle, and by slowing your client's motions down even further. Your client may report a slight burning or stretching; this is the sensation of the highly innervated fascial layers releasing. The sensation should never be so painful or intense that your client cannot relax. Repeat this release of the superficial layers on several areas of the posterior thigh—first medially, then centrally and laterally, from ischium to the back of the knee. Your goal is a smooth, fluid sliding of the layers, one upon another. After you've worked through the outer layers, you can begin to anchor deeper structures, still working gradually and january/february 2014 6 7 The Hamstring Technique uses the client's active lowering of the leg (knee extension) to glide and eccentrically release the tissues beneath the practitioner's static forearm. Work layer by layer, beginning with superficial fascia, and continue pass by pass all the way to the intramuscular septa and hamstrings. Images 5 and 6 courtesy of Advanced-Trainings.com. Image 7 courtesy Primal Pictures, used by permission.