Ab and Chest Massage

[FaithM]

We started a chest & ab scequence today and I am curious how many of you use chest/ab massage in your practice. This is such a vulnerable area and I wonder how many clients like this. I have had ab massage before and have to say I don't really enjoy it. The majority of massages I have had haven't included it. It doesn't seem to be that popular with my class either. I don't want to let my likes/dislikes color how I think about what someone else would enjoy. Just wondering what your experience is with this.
Thanks

 

[hockeybeast88]

i always massage the subclavian area on both men and women. how much pec gets massaged on a woman depends on where the drape lies. on some women, it can be a couple of inches, some it's not so much.
on male clients, i frequently massage almost the entire pec, but avoid the nipple/areola complex.
rarely do i include abs in a massage~ usually it's by request.


note: some 'slick' male clients will often ask for ab massage, hoping you will go below the pubic symphysis for a little 'more'. in these cases, be professional, drape firmly, and massage the abs as usual. he'll get the message you're not playing that game, and hopefully he'll have a wonderful result from his ab massage in about an hour! :shock: :

 

[sgoldperson]

When doing a full session I do both on almost every client. I always talk about it before we begin the session and answer any questions at that time.

Part of my week is spent at the local community college and many of the students have pain in the upper back and sholders area. Most of this discomfort is caused by tight chest muscles.

 

[GraceMickaila]

Learn to work the abdomen and learn to locate the psoas muscle! Low back pain, stooped posture, can't put on socks, think psoas. It is located deep and in an area that can be perceived as vulnerable, but learning to locate it and work it with confidence will set you aside as a therapist.

Learn to work p.minor (contraindicated if they have implants). Opening the chest allows overstretched muscles of the back to return to more normal lengths.

I was surprised how much relief clients feel when working intercostals.

I work the chest on everyone! I work the abdomen on anyone who has low back pain or trouble with hip flexion. When working the psoas, knees must be bent, no pillow or bolster, I explain what I will do, how it may feel, I drape securely, I look into their eyes and watch for their reactions, I have them breath with me, as I work my way gently down into the depths until my fingers are resting on the psoas. To be sure I am in the right place, I have them raise their knee and I can feel the muscle jump under my fingers. Depending on how tight it is, I will have them slowly slide their foot down the table until the knee is no longer bent. This can be VERY painful if the muscle is tight, but can also bring immediate relief. I could go on and on...

Your intuition to ask about this is right on! The discomfort, uncertainty, and vulnerability you are feeling as you work these vulnerable aeras is normal and shows your sensitivity.

Learn to receive this work so you know how it feels to your clients and learn to do this work with confidence.

I love hearing about your experiences in school!
LaLoba

 

[Carolina Flyboy]

Learn to work the abdomen and learn to locate the psoas muscle! Low back pain, stooped posture, can't put on socks, think psoas. It is located deep and in an area that can be perceived as vulnerable, but learning to locate it and work it with confidence will set you aside as a therapist.

Learn to work p.minor (contraindicated if they have implants). Opening the chest allows overstretched muscles of the back to return to more normal lengths.

I was surprised how much relief clients feel when working intercostals.

I work the chest on everyone! I work the abdomen on anyone who has low back pain or trouble with hip flexion. When working the psoas, knees must be bent, no pillow or bolster, I explain what I will do, how it may feel, I drape securely, I look into their eyes and watch for their reactions, I have them breath with me, as I work my way gently down into the depths until my fingers are resting on the psoas. To be sure I am in the right place, I have them raise their knee and I can feel the muscle jump under my fingers. Depending on how tight it is, I will have them slowly slide their foot down the table until the knee is no longer bent. This can be VERY painful if the muscle is tight, but can also bring immediate relief. I could go on and on...

Your intuition to ask about this is right on! The discomfort, uncertainty, and vulnerability you are feeling as you work these vulnerable aeras is normal and shows your sensitivity.

Learn to receive this work so you know how it feels to your clients and learn to do this work with confidence.

I love hearing about your experiences in school!
LaLoba

I think this video looks interesting:
http://www.deeptissue.com/learn/hip/psoas.htm

 

[lesley.mullin]

I usually massage the subclavicle area too... the abs.. not so much unless there is a direct need. At least not on the first massage.

As number of massages progress, and the client becomes more comfortable with my work, I try ease into working in the less touched areas of the intercostals and abs, including the psoas.

Many people have issues with trust and touch, and I am sensitive to what emotions can be invoked by pushing too quickly. These areas ususally have emotional ties and can cause emotional release too.



Jenn t059

 

[diva_m3]

I am still in school and we will be taught a massage routine for the chest and abdomen. He does not think we should be selective about the areas we massage because we are in school and because it's a female or male. We are grown and in his mind if we do not learn it in school and we get a request for it (not in a sexual manner) then how will we know what to do? I totally agree with him.