Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77400
PLEASE VISIT THE DIGITAL EDITION OF THIS ISSUE AT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM FOR VIDEO INSTRUCTION OF THE TECHNIQUES MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE. put the pectoralis muscle on a mild stretch. While continuing your stroke, take the client's arm back to its original position, releasing the stretch. When moving the client's arm back and forth, the pectoralis muscle oscillates between a relaxed and stretched state, assisting in the release of tension in this area. Positioning a muscle "off the stretch" softens the muscle and allows the practitioner to work deeper. Positioning a muscle "on the stretch" makes the muscle more taut and intensifi es bodywork on the stretched area. Play with this movement a couple of times to get the hang of this tool. Be sensitive with your pressure when stretching. To create a deeper stretch in BENEFITS TO USING FOREARMS IN YOUR WORK Durability. Forearms are more durable than hands, fi ngers, and thumbs and can help you avoid the physical side of burnout. Sensitivity. With practice, the forearms are just as sensitive and agile as the hands. Leverage. You can work deeper into the tissue with the leverage that forearm work provides. Contact. Because the surface area of contact is larger when using your forearm, you can work more of your client in less time. the chest tissue, move your client's hand forward toward the table and then begin to straighten the arm, bringing the pectoralis into an even deeper stretch (Image 4). In addition to massaging the pectoralis major, massaging the anterior deltoids, diaphragm, and pectoralis minor will also assist in bringing the shoulders back and opening the chest. Encourage your clients to take a deep breath into the chest after this work. They are likely to comment how much easier it is to breathe deeply. With their chest more open, it will be easier for them to bring their shoulders back, releasing tension in the back of the shoulders. and acupuncturist, and is certifi ed in the Rolf method of structural integration. She is the creator of the Auth Method and has a full-time practice in New York City. Auth teaches continuing education workshops and has a DVD, Auth Method of Therapeutic Massage: A Guide to Using the Forearms. For DVD and workshop information, visit www. authmethod.com. To contact or learn more about her practice, visit www.shariauth.com. Shari Auth is a licensed massage therapist earn CE hours at your convenience: abmp's online education center, www.abmp.com 67