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Side-lying massage should be comfortable for both you and your client. By effectively using your body mechanics, and keeping a few strategies in mind, this can be an easy way for you to offer massage to clients who can't lay prone or supine. While this isn't a comprehensive lesson on draping, prenatal massage considerations, etc., it should offer a good technique refresher.
0:00 Introduction
0:47 Table set-up
1:31 Communicating about side-lying massage
2:30 Repositioning the client for easier work
3:49 Undraping the back
5:04 Applying pressure at a "myofascial angle"
6:49 Mobilizing the hips
7:04 Unilateral work, preventing rolling
7:36 Preventing shoulder discomfort
8:22 More on unilateral work
8:59 Spreading the QL, applying myofascial holds
9:41 Working with the rotator cuff muscles
11:55 Working with the neck
12:23 Using open fists and elbows/forearms
13:00 Working with the legs and arms
When communicating with clients about side-lying massage, I like to err on the side of over-explaining. Show them where their head goes, which pillow to hug, and what to do with their legs. Remind them of which side you'd like them to start on before you leave the room.
When working on the back and shoulders, keep the angle of your techniques in mind. Pressure angled up toward the head or down toward the sacrum can be most comfortable, creating plenty of tissue deformation without shoving them toward the abyss on the opposite side of the table. It can also prevent you from rolling your pregnant clients further onto their abdomen, which can be uncomfortable. As you work toward the shoulder, be aware of pressing the shoulder girdle into elevation. While this is fine for the short term, it can be uncomfortable if left that way. Draw it back to a neutral position while smoothing the trapezius out.
When working unilaterally, consider using finer tools in the upper back and shoulder regions in order to minimize pressure forward. You can still sink in, just keep their positioning in mind as you do so.
Finally, be mindful of your angle of approach when working with the limbs. It can be tempting to mostly work with the uppermost areas of the limb, which can end with too much emphasis on the adductors, abductors, and sensitive parts of the leg and upper arm. Change your angle so that you can distribute your work as you normally would. That said, definitely use the side-lying perspective to give you access to the adductors, IT band, and lateral pelvis.
Thanks, and let me know if you have any tips of your own in the comments!
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