Client with SHORT neck!

[sid1258]

I have a client that has started coming in for half hour weekly appointments, mostly for neck and shoulder tension and headaches. آ My problem is that she has a VERY short neck and is VERY overweight so its really difficult to even get to the neck muscles that I need to work on.  (Her body type is 'apple' so her upeforum.xxxody is especially large) Stretches are hard to acheive because of all the excess fat that gets in the way (that sounds so mean, but thats the only way to put it). آ  آ So far I just kind of do what I can but lately she has really wanted me to focus on the neck, so again, I do what I can do. آ  Just wondering if anybody has some effective techniques that I have overlooked.ThanksDori

 

[Lizzy Babe]

Client with SHORT neck!

Do you work the neck prone or supine? I have worked on a few larger individuals and gotten decent access with them supine. It can be a little tricky moving through the excess tissue, but with gentle kneading, eventually you get through and can feel muscle, bone, tension etc.

 

[Luis]

I don't have a particularly long neck myself... but thought I'd suggest you try a couple things to see if they'd help.Try putting a small "heat pack" or something on the neck and shoulder area while you work elsewhere. Let the heat help relax the client... and do some of your work for you. And I'd also suggest you try some lymph massage. I've  had people do that on me and it's made a world of difference.I personally try to work the neck in BOTH prone AND supine positions. Also, have you tried side-lying positions? Figured, it's worth a try!

 

[Pompal 09.]

I work on her both prone and supine, its very difficult for her to move around on the table so since its just half hour appts. we usually pick one or the other for that day, since she like to zone and not have to get up off of the table to change positions.   I have found that i can get to it better when she is supine,  sidelying ...hmmm...never tried it could be good.  That would be easier for her than turning all the way over.I dont know lymphatic work.  But I will take merlezcuz's advice and focus a little more on warming up and kneading.   Thanks guys!

 

[Blondie B.]

This is a nice little move that may help.  It doesn't get too deep, but it may give you another "move" if you don't already use it.Client supine:Stand facing the client on the contralateral side of the table from the neck surface you will be working on. (Lets say you are standing on the clients left side and going to work the right neck)Turn the clients head toward you, by pulling from the right shoulder and moving your right hand upward toward the clients occiput with the left hand following your right.  The fingers of your right hand will be cupping behind the clients right trap.The clients head will naturally fall toward their left side, usually with the chin moving toward and sometimes touching the left shoulder.You can perform this move more agressively by pulling the clients right shoulder up into the air with your hands as well.Continue as long as you like and modify as necessary.Move to the other side when ready.Hope it helps (but probably something you already knew).  

 

[taylorlautnerlover]

Sounds like a great technique Texas-Gal!  I'll have to try that out.I was having a series of male clients with very large/short necks.  It was killing my thumbs.  I work the neck sitting down and found that if I stood up, that would help a bit.

 

[Indumukhi]

That is a great move Texas -Gal, I had never used that move before but have used it since reading you post with great success!  Thanks!!

 

[AngiO]

 Cool!  

 

[Abigael]

Client with SHORT neck!

I find sidelying to be a great position to get to the levator attachment at the scapula with my elbow.One can also use one's forearm from the shoulder all the way to the occiput... although maybe not on the client in question.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Good thread! I just wanted to bump it back up to the first page of posts!

 

[Victoria U]

Client with SHORT neck!

I agree with the heat - I like to wrap a warm gelpack & put under neck while doing supine work - but if she's just 1/2 hr - maybe she'd come in 15 min early to recline in chair in reception w/ hotpack - eucalyptus & peppermint are good essential oils for relaxing muscles - & working specific areas w/ hot stones is good too -
But sometimes the best neck-work is supine as you have the weight of the head to enhance the depth of the pressure - and you can doo some good neck-stretching supine also

 

[rabbit lover]

short necks!

Great thread, which I finally had a chance to read...... I've been remodeling a house and moving. YIKES, we have too much stuff!

When I work thru thick layers of adipose tissue, I try to remember that my intent to help coupled with my knowledge of anatomy (origins and insertions) will effect all those layers under that fat...... It keeps me from fretting and lets the session be one where the client can zone, and does get some relief.

Linda B. in NC