Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain
Forward head posture is the name given to a sagittal-plane postural distortion pattern in which the head is held forward. Here we'll explore causes and how the context of FHP can inform our massage therapy.
September/October 2021
Technique
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Putting the Pieces Together
Each of us has a toolbox packed with assessments and techniques for treating clients with various pain complaints. Using clinical reasoning, we can evaluate these practices and apply them effectively. Put simply, clinical reasoning is the process by which a therapist interacts with a client.
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Trigger Finger
One of the more debilitating hand conditions is trigger finger or thumb. Trigger finger can be incapacitating and painful. It can also be the result of another systemic problem.
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"Feelization"—Connect with Clients on a Deeper Level
As a massage therapist, you probably learned at some point that if you are really present when you work, your work will be worlds better.
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The Empathic Practitioner
Empaths are able to create nurturing environments for clients due to their innate sensitivity to energy. Without words, they're able to soothe the unspoken anxieties of those around them. While empathy is a gift, it is not without its shadow side.
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Pacing with Purpose
One of the beautiful aspects of being a massage therapist is having the freedom to find your personal style in the delivery of your hands-on work.
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The Images We Hold
Every session holds the promise of a lesson to be learned from every client encounter. One of the most powerful opportunities for deepening our understanding comes from the questions clients may ask.
Critical Thinking and Essentials
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The Sunk Cost Trap
Avoid falling into the sunk cost trap, which describes our tendency to irrationally follow through on an activity that is not meeting our expectations.
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Keeping Clients Safe: Part Three
These sexual assault prevention guidelines provide a road map to maximize the safety of both clients and therapists for massage clinics, day spas, franchisors, franchisees, or those looking to expand their solo practice.
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Dirga Pranayama
This chair yoga session begins with the Dirga pranayama exercise. Dirga pranayama brings about a state of profound relaxation and serenity, preparing the mind to meditate.
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Use the Power of Instagram to Attract Clients
Whether you already use social media and whether you are a fast learner, learn these simple and effective strategies to leverage Instagram to attract and retain clients.
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Finding the Perfect Office Space
At some point in your massage career, you'll probably be looking for office space to rent, which can be an overwhelming experience if you're not prepared for it.
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Narrative Medicine in Practice
This is the third installment in a series of four articles on narrative-based medicine, a protocol for building the therapeutic alliance that rests on holistic principles and addresses shortcomings in evidence-based medicine and biopsychosocial models of practice.
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Thoracic Outlet
The thoracic outlet generally describes the pathway of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery and vein through the lateral neck, anterior shoulder girdle, and into the upper extremity.
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Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy
What if you had successfully battled cancer, but now you have a constant feeling where your sense of touch in your hands and feet is muted or distorted? Peripheral neuropathy is a stunningly vague label for the results of a wide variety of problems.
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We Have Needs Too
Those of us who are massage therapists get something we need out of our work . . . human connection and touch. But we can't do our best at helping others when we're not taking care of ourselves.
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Seeing Past Our Hands
As massage therapists and bodyworkers, it's time to advocate for being more than people who rub.
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Power to the Props
In our experience, most of us caregivers naturally direct support outside ourselves. If this is true for you, we invite you to embrace a pattern interruption as you flip the script.