Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72098
5 Ask your client to inhale deeply again, hold for a few seconds, and then forcibly exhale. Repeat 3 times (1 minute). 6 Turn the client prone. Apply a moist hot pack to the thoracic region (1 minute). 7 Using your whole hand, apply compression strokes (light pressure) to the entire posterior surface of the body, including the head and neck. Move the hot pack to the lumbar region (2 minutes). TENDER-POINT TECHNIQUE Consider using the following technique when working on a tender point: • Lay the tips of your fingers on a tender point; wait a moment, as you rest there. 8 • Slowly and carefully stretch the superficial skin out and away from the central point of pain, stretching the skin and tissues just below the skin, not engaging superficial muscle on this first move. Using the tender-point technique (see tender-point technique protocol, right), place your fingers on the tender point above the spine of the left scapula. Using your fingertips, apply compression strokes (light-to-medium pressure) to the skin and superficial tissue without any muscle involvement (as shown in left image). Stretch the superficial skin and some subcutaneous tissue away from the central area of the tender point. Next, apply compression strokes (medium pressure) to the superficial tissue and first layer of muscle (as shown in right image). Using a cross-hand stretch, stretch the superficial tissue and first layer of muscle, using your flat hand, away from the central area of the tender point. Using your fingertips and hand, apply compression strokes (as deep as the client can tolerate) to the muscle. Stretch the deep tissue, using your hand, away from the central area of the tender point. Apply the slow, even, rhythmic strokes of effleurage toward the axillary region. Repeat on the other side (5 minutes each side, 10 minutes total). • Stop and rest. If the client tolerated the first step, repeat the move, now engaging not only the skin but also the superficial muscle layer below the skin. • Repeat this process, progressively moving deeper to the client's tolerance. • Stop and rest. Repeat this technique until your hands engage the muscle belly below the tender point. • Finish the work with thorough, localized effleurage. tune in to your practice at ABMPtv 39