Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/992435
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 77 ADD IN STRETCH FROM THE EXTREMITIES The effectiveness of this stretch can be increased if we add in a tension stretch force from the extremities (Images 7A and 7B). Image 7A shows the client's thigh dropped down off the backside of the table into adduction and the pelvis brought down into depression. This would increase the stretch to the lumbar scoliotic curve. In fact, the effectiveness of the bolster plus dropping the lower extremity off the table, is such that the client's lumbar scoliotic curve is actually a bit overcorrected, or curved in the opposite direction in the frontal plane. This provides an even stronger stretch so that when the corrections are removed, the improvement to the scoliotic curve should be even greater. Image 7B shows the client's upper extremity and shoulder girdle stretched down to increase the stretch to the thoracic scoliotic curve. LATERAL FLEXION-BREAK TABLE If you have a table with what is known as a "flexion-break" feature, it can be used as a "lateral flexion-break" to stretch the scoliotic curves in a similar fashion to using bolsters. The break in the table would be placed at the apex of the scoliotic curve and the table would be brought into lateral flexion to the desired degree (Image 8). This is easier logistically for the therapist than working with bolsters because the therapist can change the degree of stretch with the touch of the foot pedal, whereas changing the stretch force with bolsters would require the client to get up and down on the table each time the stretch force is changed by changing the size of the bolster. Gently increasing the force of the stretch over time to allow the client's tissues to accommodate and accept the stretch is advised. Begin the client with a gentle degree of lateral flexion, maintaining them in this position for perhaps 10–30 seconds. Once the client is comfortable in this position, incrementally increase the degree of lateral flexion of the table, each time maintaining the client in that position for enough time to allow their tissues to accept the stretch force. Of course, a bolster could be added to this technique and stretching the lower or upper extremity could also be added to increase the assertiveness of the stretch. The stretch technique demonstrated in Images 6A–6C with the use of a bolster can be augmented by adding a stretch force from the extremities. 7A: The lower extremity is used to increase the stretch to the lumbar scoliosis. 7B: The upper extremity is used to increase the stretch to the thoracic scoliosis. A "lateral flexion-break" table can be used instead of bolsters to stretch the scoliotic curves. 8A: Client side-lying on right side with the break of the table at the apex of the lumbar scoliotic curve. 8B: Client side-lying on left side with the break of the table at the apex of the thoracic scoliotic curve. 8B 8A 7A 7B