Massage and bodywork for iliocostalis thoracis may involve more than local joint work and trigger point release. Overstretching of the iliocostalis is often due to chronic flexion of the trunk. In that case, pelvic balancing focus on the anterior thorax for lasting relief. In those cases, use these suggestions for palliative relief. Pelvic balancing and …
The middle trapezius is often part of a larger problem with high-tight shoulders. Integrative Neuromuscular Massage involves addressing the other elevators of the shoulder girdle, especially the serratus anterior. Many therapists don’t treat these areas because it is inconvenient, awkward, and difficult on the hands. The middle trapezius is often part of a larger problem …
Sagittal suture restrictions are classically known from Applied Kinesiology as a governing the rectus abdominus. Test to localize the sutural restriction before and after treatment. Frontomax and Frontonasal techniques govern the pubic symphysis. Test to the pubic symphysis before and after the technique to verify proper release. From the Structural Overview in Neuromuscular Assessment Guides: …
Rectus Abdominus and Pyramidalis – Massage Therapy Notes Read More »
Therapist are usually very opinionated about their approach to the iliopsoas complex. Its impact on posture, digestion, emotions, and much more is fodder for lengthy bodywork discussions. Even after 30 years, I’ve learned more by putting together these illustrations and posts. I find that craniostructural work is always the first step for lasting relief, followed …
Iliopsoas Complex (Deep Abdominals) – Massage Therapy Notes Read More »
Release of the lumbosacral joint relieves this trigger point. Specifically, the sacrum is posterior on the side of pain. Gentle sustained anterior pressure with slight inferior traction will cause the sacrum to shift and the swelling and tenderness to release immediately. I’ve demonstrated this many times in classes to the surprise of students who struggle …
Pain Along One Side of the Sacrum – Massage Therapy Notes Read More »
Latissimus Dorsi, like sartorius, hangs loose. It can have active trigger points without creating a lot of pain until it is unexpectedly drawn taut through a reaching movement. That quirk makes it easy to overlook this muscle as the cause of pain. It also makes it easy for the client to manage this until it becomes a …
The left sternoclavicular joint, (and subclavius muscle) are governed by restrictions in the right maxilla. Structural release of the palate toward the center of the eye is a reliable craniostructural solution. If you’re a craniostructural therapist, this is the place to start. Subclavius seldom presents as the primary problem but generates intense sensation under static …
It is important to understand the shift in anatomy that occurs as a person ages. In their early teens, the os coxae are 3 separate bones, there is no iliolumbar ligament and the multifidi are thick and strong. By their 60s, both os coxae have fused onto the sacrum and the iliolumbar ligament has come …
These notes on massage and bodywork are focused on the pectoralis minor. They offer the classical neuromuscular massage protocol in the latter part of the sequence. Also, there is a link to a self-care post that is helpful follow-up for patients. Assess for Targeted Treatment Pectoralis minor can be confusing during an assessment. Its pain …
The pectoralis major is a broad, fan-shaped muscle made of flat overlapping strips that covers the anterior ribs. Pecs are often the victim of cervical problems. They are innervated by the brachial plexus and are intertwined with THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME. They also perpetuate THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME by holding pectoralis minor short, which entraps the brachial …
