Ideas for pads to make supine back work easier on the hands?

[nearlyfond]

I am wondering if any of you have found a pad or bolster that seems to work well when the MT is working on the back while the client is in the supine position. I like to move my arms down the back and pull them up to towards the neck as clients really seem to like this (as do I).

Thanks!

 

[DavidBrain]

I think if you added a bolster to raise your client up off the table (making it easier on your hands), you also take away the body weight that makes this move feel so good to the client. I do this technique you described, but it doesn't hurt my hands (thankfully). If it did hurt my hands, I would simply stop doing it. There are so many effective techniques to choose from when doing massage, that even when I've had to give up a technique or two to protect my hands, my massage has remained excellent.

If you want to do this technique no matter what, there is a table available that is meant to ease the pressure on the hands when working the back supine. I'll do a search for it, and post a link if I can find it.

 

[OscarMeyerRina<3]

Thanks for this reply. I look forward to seeing the results of your research.

 

[Shady sam]

Sorry. I couldn't find it. I've seen ads for this table in Massage & Bodywork magazine, but it's not in my current issue. I did a quick websearch & couldn't find it that way either. Does anyone else know the name of this table?

 

[Pompal 09.]

I believe you are refering to the "come to Jamaica" stroke.

I did this all the time when I started out, it can really take a toll on your arms. I had to stop doing it to my large and very large clients. After I stoped doing that the minor pain and ache went away. An alternative that I sometimes use with my large and very large clients is to shove my fist under their back and drag up my fist instead of my upturned fingers.

Finger bones are some of the smallest in the body! I work so differently now than when I was in school and in the first year of my business. There was a time when I used my hands and fingers 95% of the time during a session. Now its more like 50%. Funny thing is, the marjority of my clients havent even noticed.

 

[K D]

I do that technique. I have a foam mattress pad from Wal-Mart.

 

[rivi]

Sorry. I couldn't find it. I've seen ads for this table in Massage & Bodywork magazine, but it's not in my current issue. I did a quick websearch & couldn't find it that way either. Does anyone else know the name of this table?

Blisss,

Would you be talking about this?

New table from Oakworks

 

[Balu]

Thanks, Pueppi. That's it. Here's the link to Oakworks' description. It looks like it's a padding option on any of their tables, instead of a specific style of table. I noticed on the forum thread you provided that no member had experience with it. Oakworks has also stopped advertising it in the magazines, so I wonder if it wasn't a very popular/successful option?

http://www.oakworks.net/accessories/padding.asp
It's the "Breast Comfort Padding System" option.

 

[alexapretty]

I have experience with this. I bought a table from Oakworks (which I love.) The breast comfort zone is an upgraded foam that is softer than the standard grade. If you buy the upgraded table foam, the entire table uses this. This is what I did.

Personally, I haven't noticed a significant difference once I get padding and sheets, etc on my table. It does feel different working bare, and I notice when I do Shiatsu, (less stuff on the table,) that it seems easier to get under there.

I think you would find that any upgraded padding/upholstery would be an improvement though.