Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/790815
OK, so I know this looks a little over the top. But here's the thing: it feels good to reach up with my nonworking arm. It's a reminder to stand tall, and it also puts me in a slight back extension stretch. 4. SEATED POSTURE Sitting during a massage provides you with the opportunity to reset your back to neutral and take some strain out of your back muscles. When performing foot, head, and neck work, it's a great time to take a seat. The key to establishing a neutral back when sitting is to bend at your waist without flattening out the lumbar curve. Resting your forearms on the table or on your legs provides extra support for your upper torso and will make it easy to maintain a neutral back. LEANING TO IMPROVE POSTURE Leaning is an important skill not only for delivering deep pressure, but also for establishing and maintaining good posture (a neutral back). The key to leaning for good posture involves leaning into the client and/or the table. In general, for lighter pressure, you'll direct your weight into the table more so than the client. For deeper pressure, you'll direct your weight into the client more so than the table. To set a neutral back when doing deep pressure, I picture myself doing a plank while keeping my back neutral (Image A). For lighter pressure, I picture myself riding a horse (Image B). I shift my weight to the front of my feet (the stirrups). The more I can let the table support my weight, the easier it will be for me to maintain a neutral back. C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 81 A B