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November 9, 2019
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Module 21
I perform an express Thai massage in 60 minutes, along with a 90 minute option. After all these techniques and even more in depth work with the legs, how long does all this take for one full session? I recall a session in Thailand being up to 2.5 hours.
When working with bending and straightening the leg and knees, I always use a two hand support method. Many might be hypermobile and the knee joint more lax than other joints.
I have had rocking the bottom from the feet performed on myself with a shiatsu massage. It's interesting how different Asian cultures adapt and use similar techniques.
The 1-2-3-2-1 system, I have never used before. I start at the top (1) and finish with 3 and then repeat from the top down. I will try the circle rotation of hand placement instead.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 22
I have never seen the power version for heel to buttocks. I have a few clients who do not get get a full stretch from the normal style, due to flexibility. The power version will be useful. Also many clients, active duty, have hip flexor complaints. This technique will be very beneficial for them.
I think Thai Massage can be used as complimentary therapy to heal diverse diseases or improve quality of life. The fact that the the sen lines are activated throughout the massage promotes healing and removes blockages, which are connected to different organs systems and types of pathologies.
June 28, 2010
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"After all these techniques and even more in-depth work with the legs, how long does all this take for one full session? I recall a session in Thailand being up to 2.5 hours." - Personally, I have never done Thai Massage sessions shorter than 2 hours, and most of my sessions ran up to 2.5 hours. I could do that because I have always been working for myself. If you work for someone who sets your schedule, then you can't do that.
It is possible to do a Thai Massage session in one hour, but I never liked that. It feels rushed and incomplete to me. Plus, if you want to address some issues in a more in-depth therapeutic way, there is no way to do that in one hour if you include the whole body.
Hypermobility is indeed a contraindication for certain techniques. There is a pdf that goes with module 16 that talks about the contraindication issue more in-depth.
"I think Thai Massage can be used as complimentary therapy to heal diverse diseases or improve quality of life." - I know this to be totally true from my own extensive therapy work on hundreds of clients with all kinds of health issues, including serious autoimmune diseases.
November 9, 2019
Offline Yes, previously I was contracted through a gym and they only wanted the 60 minute turn around. Hence, the condensed version and then a 1.5 hour version. Now that I am in my own studio, I can develop true Thai massage and all of its aspects.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 24
In regards to appropriate areas of the body in massage, I think that professionalism and trust are most important. Also, some countries and cultures are very open to massage and others not so much, so reading the client is a good way to determine how to conduct the massage.
November 9, 2019
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Module 25
I've never used or had the knee rocking technique performed on me. This is completely new for me. I think the dispersed pressure together with the knee roll will be very effective in spine and low back area. I also like the third knee technique for persons who are larger. I have often wondered how to work the back area with maximum pressure for persons much larger than myself.
Sometimes people ask me what I do for working out, and I reply I perform Thai Massage. So work is my exercise and meditative outlet. I enjoy the exchange of the massage, not only is it beneficial and helpful to the client, but in turn it is beneficial for me.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 26
The client's body constitution can be a challenge sometimes, so having a variety of techniques that are tailored to the client are beneficial.
The thoracic elbow roll technique I think would be good for clients who have issues with posterior rib subluxations. Do you have any other recommendations for clients who suffer from this, to help re-position any thoracic subluxations?
I perform the elephant walk up and down the spine in a side sitting position, whereas you demonstrate this while straddling. Hands are positioned sideways and to compensate for hand anatomy difference, the hands are exchanged when returning to the lumbar spine.
June 28, 2010
Offline "Sometimes people ask me what I do for working out, and I reply I perform Thai Massage. So work is my exercise and meditative outlet." - So true, that's my experience as well.
Regarding subluxations, that's kind of a complex subject with various causes and ramifications. I would say that many elements of the back work in Thai Massage would help with this. I believe that many physical problems are not necessarily remedied by a certain technique, but by a general improvement in the entire area (the back in this case). It's often a cumulative effect.
The second element is to check on lifestyle habits that might be contributing to the condition. It is difficult to try to 'fix' something if the underlying cause is not addressed. That's why therapy is always a two-pronged approach - working on the cause and on the symptoms for best results.
Even though Chiropractic work can seem to provide an instant fix for some spinal conditions, it is often the hare that wins the race with the more comprehensive, albeit slower approach of Thai Massage.
November 9, 2019
Offline I agree that area improvement is important, as often deferred pain or reactions are encountered due to the different bodily system's interconnections. Addressing root cause or where issues originate (whether physical, emotional, or spiritual) will improve therapy and results.
Very true about the passive manual therapy of Thai massage vs. the quick adjustments of chiropractic.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 27
Just an update. I have been using some of the new techniques I have recently learned in my sessions now and client feedback is very positive. I am pleased.
I have never performed the scapula/shoulder blade with the client prone. I usually do this type of work when the client is in the side position. Instead of using my knee to prop up the shoulder, I think using a pillow for posturing would also work.
Is the backward shoulder stretch something that one could do for client's who have frozen shoulder? In western physical therapy frozen shoulder is usually treated passively, however I think these type of movements could benefit recovery.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 28
I did not know there was three cobra stretches. I have only ever experienced or performed the power cobra stretch. It is good to know how to do this stretch for those who are not flexible or capable. I have not encountered any clients who object this stretch in its full amount.
What about acupressure and quick release on a kinked area?
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 29
I use the side position for prenatal and post operative massage alot. It's actually a great natural position that clients are very comfortable in.
I was not taught to elephant walk from the side of the client. I was taught to position myself at the feet and work on both legs simultaneously from the feet to thigh and back to feet.
I only perform the blood stop on the femoral arteries. I have never seen this technique you are using by sitting on the inner thigh. I'm curious, is there a brachial blood stop for the arms?
Hands on healing, you can feel the energy differences. It's similar to reiki or qi gong therapy, based on meridians, emotions, etc.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 30:
What type of massage therapist are you? I imagine out of the 8 types, I relate to the same as yourself, a true healer with golden touch.
The lumbar twist I place one arm under the client's elbow and the other arm above their shoulder and interlock my fingers and twist my elbows after placed properly on the SI joint and sacrum.
Imbalance within the muscular-skeletal system causes a snowball effect with other body systems. Interesting about transition of habitual use of material items... such as purses with shoulder straps for women used on the same side daily, etc. I have alot of clients who are medical professionals. Dentists, in specific, have very bad neck and thoracic posture. I always try to address postural deficiencies and ergonomic uses.
June 28, 2010
Offline "Is the backward shoulder stretch something that one could do for clients who have frozen shoulder? - Yes, you can. However for frozen shoulder it is important to start out with warming techniques, and then follow up with stretches, but only to the extent that the client can handle without pain.
"What about acupressure and quick release on a kinked area?" - I see nothing wrong with blending acupressure techniques with Thai Massage. If it works, it is good.
"I imagine out of the 8 types, I relate to the same as yourself, a true healer with golden touch." - Yes, that's the one we should all ideally relate to in order to be the best therapists. At least we should aspire to be that.
"Dentists, in specific, have very bad neck and thoracic posture." - Normally dentists would never admit this to a client, but I actually was the patient of a dentist in Thailand whom I asked about this, and she admitted to me that she had a lot of problems with neck pain and upper back pain because of her twisted posture when working on people.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 31
In talking about frozen shoulder, this module gives some great stretching techniques for this condition. Another shoulder issue I encounter is surgical rotator cuff repair. My clients want shoulder work performed despite this surgery. Is there a position that is not recommended after this injury or repair?
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 32
Releasing the scapula, I do not wrap my arm under the client's arm, but place my hand and arm above their shoulder (similar to the position when you are above the client). However, I do this while kneeling behind the client. I will try the way you describe instead to see which is more comfortable and ergonomic for me. All my client's rather enjoy this massage technique, it is very beneficial and therapeutic.
Kneading the lats, this position is also different than mine. I perform this while the client is sitting Indian/Yoga style with their hands interlocked behind their head. This position allows me one handed access to each side simultaneously. However, for my third trimester prenatal clients, the side version is much more comfortable and the leaning on torso technique will also be a great method during a pregnancy massage.
Personally, I have never had a Thai massage do this work on my shoulders. I did not know that these techniques existed.
I was told that Thai Wait Bangkok is where Thai Massage therapists receive 6-7 years of training, as it is similar to the Thai version of a physical therapist. Is this correct?
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 33
I do not end the massage in the sitting position. I incorporate the sitting position before the supine position; therefore addressing the front of the body, ending with neck and head. Also, as mentioned before persons who are pregnant or with back issues do not like this position prolonged.
I did not know that interlocking wrists vs holding hands was a difference in stretch strength. Good to know.
June 28, 2010
Offline "Is there a position that is not recommended after this injury or repair?" - This question is impossible to answer. It depends on the severity of the operation, the time that has passed since the operation, and the speed at which the client is healing. My best advice would be to err on the side of caution and get lots of feedback from the client.
"Personally, I have never had a Thai massage do this work on my shoulders. I did not know that these techniques existed." - There are many techniques in our training courses, especially in the more specialized therapy courses, that you won't find in any Thai Massage school.
"I was told that Thai Wait Bangkok is where Thai Massage therapists receive 6-7 years of training, as it is similar to the Thai version of a physical therapist. Is this correct?" - I have never heard of a Thai Massage training that lasts for 6-7 years, and neither has my wife who is Thai. I doubt that this exists.
What does exist is a multi-year natural healing training which includes Thai Massage, herbal healing, and other holistic practices. However this is not a daily training, and it does not last 6-7 years either.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 34
In elbow work, I often come across the ticklish client. Any suggestions to reduce this reaction?
Hypermobility is a factor that I have encountered several times. I always address the joints of the client by not stretching the joint past the natural normal position. Therefore, no stress or prolonged stretching is performed beyond normal range of motion.
Cervical spine clicking does freak people out, as it is different than other sounds the body might produce. I explain to the client that all movements are passive adjustments that might initiate sounds of popping, clicking, etc. By putting the client in a natural stretch position, the body will realign itself naturally. Whereas, chiropractic treatment is invasive manual adjustments.
November 9, 2019
Offline Module 35
I actually have all my clients read and fill out a information and medical history questionnaire before the session. Additionally, I ask them to wear comfortable clothing and try not to eat an hour before the massage.
At the beginning of the session, I always ask if the client would like a blanket. If they say no, I let them know to ask if they should change their mind. Periodically during body position changes I might ask if the client is comfortable or would like a blanket, if I perceive the client is cold.
I really liked your analogy about cell memory being stuck, in regards to wood blocking the water flow.
For those who lock a limb or do not relax, I say, "Relax, let me do the work. I appreciate your effort to help, but it defeats the purpose. Let gravity work with us and breathe."
I will request my certification and and CE certificate. Where can I find the exam for the CE hours?
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