Advise for back pain

[AsUwish]

I was hoping to get some advise/help with a client. From working in a spa I mostly do relaxation massage and not alot of deeper work. So for that matter I need some advise. The client I am going to see drives alot for a living and has childern. She is complaining of back problems (of course). Now I know to work on the hip flexors, hams, and chest as well as the back but I was courious if anyone eles had any suggestions or different techniques to use. Remember this is new teritory for me, more like undeveloped. Thanx

 

[Pompal 09.]

The big question is which part of her back is in pain? If it is low back pain, stretching the QL's and doing illiopsoas work will bring amazing results rather quickly, but if it is pain between the shoulders, that won't help a bit!

Also, observe her posture when you meet her. You may be able to bring relief to a problem she doesn't realize she has. If she has forward head and shoulders (a problem for a lot of heavy drivers), stretching all those shortened muscles, therefore relaxing all the overstretched muscles in the back, will bring amazing relief.

 

[Violette]

To simplify as an explanation: I visualize their activity/sport/occupational postures, etc & pay equal attention to the aneforum.xxxonist muscles. If they are seated (driving, desk work... just generalizing here), we can visualize which muscles are now problematic because of overstretching - they need to be addressed for adhesions, tension, comfort, oxygen-enrichment. On the otherhand, the aneforum.xxxonist muscles (the ones shortened/contracted in the same activity or continual posture) need to be addressed for lengthening, stertching, comfort, etc.

I always encourage oppositional activities to balance. One example: using a big fitness ball to bend backwards over to stretch the anterior body with support.

This can all be done in relaxation massage techniques as well as therapeutic.

Have fun with the new territory!
jill/sagetherapist

 

[Kim M]

back pain

For quick and cheap way to work on back pain buy Art Riggs' book for Deep Tissue Work on Amazon for $15. Then start investing in St. Johns NMT or Rolfing seminars. But for now, work there legs ( *quads), glutes, abs. Lay them on their side and get the obliques and QLS and rip up there lats. Do not use too much oil as in spa work. Use beeswax with a little coconut oil mixed in, rolfers love it for deep work.

 

[Likalotapus]

I agree with Rose of Sharon, work the psoas. I have a client that drives quite a bit aand his psoas is always tight.

 

[Tired Old Man]

I have tried to get at the psoas but i don't think the way i was taught is very effective. any ideas?

 

[fa fas]

With the client supine, have her bend her knee and put her foot flat on the table. Then, after warming the area, sink in with your fingertips about halfway between the navel and ASIS. Sink slowly and gently, but deeply. You will feel the muscle - have the client tense it, if you are unsure. If she lays her leg down flat (slowly!), you will feel the psoas stretch out, and it will contract as she raises her knee back up. I start with massaging along the muscle fibers, then move to going across the fibers. It can be stretched by doing a cross-hand stretch, with one hand on the lower ribs and the other on the upper leg.

Another good thing would be to stretch the QL's. With client supine, grab her ankle and gently lower your weight into pulling the leg. When you get it fully stretched, have her do a "hip hike" move - moving her hip upwards towards her ear. Have her hold that 10-15 seconds, then have her gradually relax while you continue to hold the stretch. Both legs, both supine and prone, will give the QL's (and a few other muscles!) a really good stretch, which can greatly relieve low back pain.