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Here's my slow, myofascial-inspired back massage routine. I start by breaking down the techniques, and then I demonstrate the sequence in real time. Click below for a table of contents:
0:00 Introduction
1:06 How to start the back massage (introductory bilateral strokes)
5:43 Moving to unilateral; body mechanics
7:10 How to ask about pressure (with follow-up questions!)
8:25 Including the upper glutes
10:30 Making your back massage feel broad and inclusive
11:00 Myofascial release for the low back
12:30 Scooping up into the mid-back, layering contacts
14:15 Warming up the upper back and neck
15:00 Including the lateral thoracic region and scapula
16:00 Techniques for the rhomboids region (without overworking the area)
17:20 How to change your techniques for clients who prefer lighter pressure
17:50 Myofascial release for the upper back and scapula
19:40 Massage and mobilization for the shoulders and upper traps
20:30 Specific pressure for the rotator cuff and trapezius
22:50 Moving back to bilateral (reintegrating)
23:22 Real-time back massage routine demonstration... with music!
Written routine:
1. Use an open fist along the spinal erectors, starting up at the traps and ending with the upper pelvis. Repeat.
2. Use paired fists to traction the lumbar tissue laterally.
3. Use your open hand or forearm to scoop the QL and apply pressure superiorly, dragging the mid- and upper-back fascia up and out. Repeat.
4. Apply broad palmar pressure to the lateral rib cage, ending by compressing the lateral scapula upward. Repeat.
5. Petrissage and mobilize upper traps.
6. Use paired fists to traction upper back/shoulder tissue laterally.
7. Use fine tools to work specifically with rotator cuff and lower and mid traps, smoothing out with broader tools and petrissage intermittently.
8. Reintegrate unilaterally using broad tools, then do so bilaterally. Move to other side.
As I demonstrate this routine, you'll notice that I move slowly. Sometimes really slowly. I think that there's a place for all sorts of different paces in massage, but slow work can be a relaxing and inviting way of introducing your contact. The back can hold a lot of unconscious tension, and slow "steam-rolling" work can allow the client to stand up with a greater sense of ease and comfort.
As I work with the lumbar region, I usually don't do any fine work (trigger point work, thumb pressure, etc). This can all be good stuff, but I find that the QL and nearby structures tend to respond well to broad contact, and that this can be a safer way of interacting with the region for clients who tend to have low back pain. I can always choose to get more specific in future sessions once we see how they respond.
I include plenty of work with the upper back, but I try not to focus too much of my attention on the rhomboids. I definitely work with the area, but I like to cast a wider net and work with all of the synergists and antagonists that might be involved in creating upper back pain. I spend plenty of time with the scapula, and I make sure to mobilize nearby structures. Check out next week's video for more on scapular mobilization!
Let me know what you think in the comments. Is there something you'd change or add? Do your clients have a favorite back move that you'd recommend? Thanks for watching!
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