Do you mean the pec major grasp shown here? The brachial plexus is well tucked away, and you'd need to really dig toward the clavicle or shoulder joint with your thumbs to compress it. You'd feel like you were pressing on gristle, and the client would likely report nerve sensation or other discomfort. The solution there is to focus on sandwiching muscle, which doesn't require the thumbs to create any compressive force toward the bony/joint surfaces.

@@MassageSloth Haha, i guess my question is tangential. I do mean the Pec Minor (coracoid process ribs 3,4 &5) Why do you target pec minor through pec major rather than directly through the axilla

@@deathsoulger1 Ah I see! I work through pec major because I *like* that it spreads my pressure out slightly. I've never found a way to work with pec minor via the axilla that doesn't feel sharp and even invasive, though that might be a skill issue on my part. When working through pec major, even on someone with bulky muscle like my client here, it's still just a slight bit of extra tissue in the way, and it lets me angle my pressure directly away from the coracoid process in a way that I think feels nice (and where I can still find some really good spots)

@@MassageSloth Thank you for answering me so thoroughly. I'm new to working on this muscle so I'll head your caution and go through pec major like you in most cases. 🙏

I'm so sorry that happened, and if this was in a supervised clinic, I really wish they had stepped in to stop you from getting injured. You'll eventually find that you have all sorts of tools that are great for deep pressure, but the heel of the hand is just a "sometimes" tool for that application. You can see more on giving very deep pressure here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qKigdqmm2J7VfGw.html And as I say in that video, you can always say, "this is as much pressure as I can provide. Will that work for you?" Either they can enjoy what you offer, or they can always cut the massage short and find deeper work elsewhere! Everybody wins and nobody gets hurt. And this is an injury - not necessarily meaning structural damage, but certainly some sensitivity, and perhaps some inflammation that needs to go down. Try the icing and wrapping, and definitely give your carpals a vacation. If your pain persists, please do see a doctor for evaluation and possible physical therapy. You will get through this, and you'll be stronger and more capable on the other side!

@@MassageSloth thank you so much for responding back!! I will definitely try the icing and my wrist will definitely go on a vacation. The only thing that worries me is that I was about to start doing my externship next week. I need those hrs done by a certain day. I wish I would have seen your videos before I started massaging. Good thing I found your videos now. Last night I couldn’t sleep because of the pain on my wrist. It’s definitely not normal what I’m feeling. You think it’s possible I heal completely? I know you might now be able to answer that but from your experience do MT that get hurt do they heal?

A lot of massage therapists (perhaps even most!) have dealt with wrist pain and fully recovered. As for your specific injury, let me say this in the way I'd counsel a client: If the pain is gradually lessening and you have full function, then you might choose to treat it with reasonable self-care measures like in this video. If your pain persists or is interfering with your life, see a doctor for further evaluation. This might be something that could benefit from a splint, physical therapy, or other interventions. As for that impending date for your externship, please talk to your externship director, or your school director. You have an injured wrist, one that is painful to use and that keeps you up at night. You likely need an accommodation. Feel free to get back to me, and if you'd like to discuss this with a bunch of kind people, search the "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook.

The type of work I show in this video can be done very gently while still getting results - the main factor is how much time you spend. If light pressure feels good to your client, use light pressure. If more pressure would feel more satisfying, you'll also get results that way. Follow your client's lead and you'll do great!

Btw, I’m telling my patients this vid is better than ambien! Ty!