Module 2

The rocking is definitely helpful in relaxing and prepping of the leg. His leg rhythm was a little slower just because my partner has a higher mass but obviously, it still helped to rock his leg beforehand. The opposing side took me a moment to figure out the heel sit comfortably, but it is really just about getting used to the positioning. I appreciate the hand placement mentioned near the adverse muscles and quads as well since this helped me to stay consistent in my placement. I think knee rocking will be one I definitely need to practice to make sure I can properly balance. I do appreciate the flexibility of the moves and how to complete the same task on both legs with different methods depending on therapist placement as well. Also, the insight into the variable pressure is good information to keep in mind as we work. I will also work on fluidity, as I know this is something I am still working on when I create a sequence with Thai massage. Also, I really enjoy the beginning/ending rocking and we did use fingertips since my partner was a male, but they let me try the hands-on-hips afterward after they said they were comfortable and agreed the hip hand placement was more relaxing.

Taylor

Module 3

I use forearm techniques a lot in my practice and this gave me a different technique to use on legs in a more relaxing way. Another great module to help me practice my knee techniques and I do feel more comfortable holding my body in place as I use them. Luckily I was able to practice that move with a good bit of pressure so we could get deeper into his muscle since he had more mass. I had to use the lesser angle for my male practice model and turned his foot in to work his outer hip and worked on sinking in softly some more. I feel like because I am a little bonier, I have to be careful not to pinpoint too often when using my forearm. When you speak about the sen energy lines, it makes me wonder if what Thai massage does with energy through movement, has a similar outcome as one would get from having energy work done without touch, like reiki. Just one thought this module had me thinking about. 

Taylor

Module 4

I appreciate the hip pie concept myself because I am a very visual person. This keeps me on track with our treatment or stretch for the day and makes sure I don't miss any of the eight pieces of pie. 45 degrees is also easy to remember and makes the process of working the entire hip seamless.

For my client, I like the idea of working the hip in all directions due to overall tightness. However, we worked on the restriction he had when letting the leg fall outward and so we focused on his outer pie to find his restrictions that we found from the initial check-in. The traction when used was very pleasant to my client. He said he felt almost lighter when he stood up and that it was almost a soothing movement to have his hips tractioned.

It was also comfortable for me and felt pretty effortless compared to other Western stretching techniques that I have tried. I enjoy the reminder to use body weight to help transfer pressure for these stretches. They feel more fluid and relaxing and if we still had a hard time getting through; the rocking was a nice break. It also helped us get farther once we got back to working the pie half that was stiff and we even got a better stretch without as much tension.

Going back through this on the opposite leg, we worked on a different portion of the pie which gave me a little extra practice and a better feel for the hip as a whole. It was pretty incredible to see the difference in just that small amount of work and how his areas of pain and flexibility changed quite a bit.

Taylor

Module 5

The rolling is still something I'm getting used to. It isn't difficult but it does take some rhythm and I have noticed that the rhythm changes for each client and how tight their muscles are and how big or small they are. The forearm on adductors is something I have been practicing since you mentioned this at the start of the program and I have gotten a better grasp of the swaying for this move to make sure it doesn't feel forced or painful. I think adding in the back and forth helps me find that rhythm faster and easier. I do appreciate how you emphasize the fluidity of these moves and how impactful that is to how it feels for the client. When I asked my practice partner, they said it felt more fluid and less painful and forced when I finally found that rhythm and my breath. My client did notice the warmth and tingling from the slow of the femoral artery blood and said it was a good sensation but it did take me a second to find placement with him obviously being a male. The pulsing is something I will need to get used to using as it was something I was instructed to avoid pressing directly but I can definitely see the benefit of this technique once I get used to it. Very interesting technique and good to know to avoid varicose veins.

Do any of your clients wear tennis shoes or any shoe while doing this? Some of my clients have and I wonder if this affects it at all. I know it makes placement slightly more difficult for me so I was curious if you work around it or if you just request that they take them off.