whats your best tip and technique for deep pressure?

[Violette]

Just curious what is your best for delivering deep pressure..what body mechanic or what technique? :

 

[Kay]

OK. This isn't a technique exactly, but your question made me think about the big guys who come in and want "DEEP" pressure, but when you give them an elbow, they want you to back off. Somehow, that always strikes me as funny.

So, to answer your question- using a smaller surface (i.e. a knuckle instead of the heel of the hand) and moving slowly seems to feel deeper.

Can't wait to read other replies.

 

[Cats rule.]

I will not hesitate to climb up on the table in order to apply more direct body weight into my 'pressure' moves (specifically for the prone client). I also will do a bit of rocking as I apply pressure. Rocking just seems to settle the pressure into the body so much easier. I use my forearms a bunch on the posterior legs. I also work the upper back/scapula when the client is supine...just slip one hand under there with my other hand on the pec and let their body apply the pressure.

Of course I have never given myself a massage with these techniques, so I don't know for sure how it feels, but no one has ever said "more pressure please" with my pressure moves.

 

[ARok5]

There has been occasions where I've gotten on the table for more pressure, but usually I just use a smaller surface area too, elbow or knuckle.

No complaints so far.

 

[Joan [RMJF]]

Lean into your hand, knuckle, elbow, or whatever you are using and lift a foot off the ground. Instead of distributing your weight and pressure over three points of contact, now you are distributing it over two.

 

[who da man?]

My table is at the lowest possible height... this helps, in addition to really leaning into my work.

 

[BarrieG]

Slooowwwwww Doooowwwnnnnn.....

 

[arenal]

Lean into your hand, knuckle, elbow, or whatever you are using and lift a foot off the ground. Instead of distributing your weight and pressure over three points of contact, now you are distributing it over two.

This is a good tip except for those of us who have a tendency to fall over! :

 

[zendall]

These are all great tips...keep them coming!!! :

 

[Mexxia]

A wise and talented instructor once told us, "it's not how deep you go, it's how you go deep"

Deep massage is NOT "no pain, no gain".

Remember, "deep tissue" means VASTLY different things to different clients--and therapists!

Don't use as much lubricant, as a general rule. Of course, I tend to break this rule, because I combine all techniques (including--and especially--deep tissue) with the use of hot stones. And the stones require a lot of oil. But I also carry a small "working" hand towel with me to dab any excess oil if necessary from the client's skin before attempting a deep techinque.

Use your body weight

Begin with jostling/vibration/heat/gentle myofascial release/etc (AKB is right on, regarding the rocking!) before going deeper. This does wonders--for you AND for them!

Also, I apply static and very subtle multidirectional friction with supported thumbs to muscle attachments. This is particularly useful for loosening up the upper traps (when I do this to the superior aspect of the spine of the scapula), or other areas like the common flexor tendon of the forearm, the distal tendons of the hamstrings, and even the achilles tendon as well.

Well, that's all I could think of for now. I'm off to bed
Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[mamaw2305]

Stiletto heels t043 Just kidding!

Jyoti - great tips! I agree about the different interpretations of deep tissue. I've had a handful of clients request pressure "as deep as you can give" and while that's not really my technique of choice, when I dug in, it was obviously too deep and not what they were wanting.

There is such finesse to good deep tissue work.

Lisa

 

[Shaji K]

lean in with elbow and then use the other hand to pound/strike the hand/fist attached to the elbow to drive it in deeper.

just kidding, but it could be interesting to lightly tap it/kinda pulsate in??

 

[Brad B]

lean in with elbow and then use the other hand to pound/strike the hand/fist attached to the elbow to drive it in deeper.

Can't wait to try this!!!! :

 

[Nami B]

wow Mick, I was going to try that!! lol :

 

[guRl]

Yeah, Jacqueline, come on up and try it on me. My shoulder has been painful lately. Since before the snow, but I don't think shoveling has helped much.