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December 22, 2012
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Thai Back Massage Test Review
Module 1
~In the case of lordosis the hips (SI joints tilt forward.) This can cause low back pain, hip and knee disorders. As far as massage goes movements that usually feel good for this person are flexion of the spine as well as circumduction of the greater trochanter in socket within clients range of motion. This can bring the SI joints (hips) back to a neutral position.
In the case of Kyphosis , it may cause many problems, Weak pectorals, dysfunctional neck shoulder movement, shoulder pain and neck pain often due to pinched nerves in the cervical vertebrae. This person often likes gentle traction and extension and possibly inversion. ~
December 22, 2012
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Thai Massage Test Review
Module 2
Shama, has put together a video and written transcript in this segment on foundational theory of the course. Very informational as well as impressive. Not much to say here as it is all laid out so nicely. If I miss any of the questions here I will be embarrassed. Its put together that well.
December 22, 2012
Offline Thai Massage Test Review
Module 3
It is important to understand there are 3 main factors that cause kyphosis.
Tight pectoralis muscles, collapsed posture and weak upper back muscles often caused due to the tight pectoralis as pectorals and upper back muscles are antagonist muscle groups. Tight pectorals may over stretch the upper back muscles making them weak.
Thai Massage can help with 2 of 3 of these problems. It can help with the tight pecs and the collapsed posture however, client will need to work on therapeutic exercises for the upper back. Most likely this client will need to strengthen their rhomboids ( Scapular Rotators) ,posterior deltoids, triceps and trapezius. Therapeutic exercises should be done with no to very light weight.
These muscles are very important for posture, shoulder stabilization and functional upper extremity movements.
June 28, 2010
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I like your reviews, it's a good contribution, and this is right up your alley anyway. 
December 22, 2012
Offline Thank you Shama,
It makes me think more when I have to put on paper in a logical format.. Even as I write these I am having more light bulbs in my brain go off in terms of movement for Thai Massage and exercises that help in functional movement and injury prevention.
June 28, 2010
Offline Sounds like writing stimulates your creativity. I have that happen frequently when working on someone. I just spontaneously come up with something new which I have never done before, and it is just perfect for what I am doing at the moment. The only problem is that often I cannot even remember after the session what it was that I had come up with. It just happens when I need it on an intuitive level. It's kind of a flow thing.
December 22, 2012
Offline I understand what you mean by that completely.
When I teach other things I am more experienced at, clients will say "can we do that thing we did last week?" I laugh and tell them I don't remember what we did last week, tell me what the movement was like. They explain in there words and we then figure it out.
We write it down afterward so that they know what the movement is called.
I do not plan my sessions. I look at how they move and make the movements up as to there strengths and weakness's.
Sometimes I will tell them the movements they have been doing too much or not enough and or the reason they are weak in an area.
One client a few weeks ago told me I could have worked with the Spanish inquisition. I found that funny.
June 28, 2010
Offline The Spanish inquisition, now that's kind of a macabre joke.
There must be a better analogy than that. 
December 22, 2012
Offline Yes, lol.she was being a little dramatic.
December 22, 2012
Offline Thai Massage Test Review
Module 4
Here Shama discusses different techniques and pressure.
It is important to note that Shama always tells us to never use muscle power. He mentions this in every one of his courses and I think I have taken them all so far.
Why not use muscle power? Well, it does not feel good to the giver or the receiver. It tires you out as the giver not to mention it's hard on your joints.
If we are to be working as healing arts practitioners, what good will we be if we wear out our own bodies!
This will create poor energy transference for your client as well. This is not good ergonomics for any one. We want the receiver to enjoy the massage and to want them to want to come back
Instead, Shama always tells us to use pressure which comes from our whole body. It feels better and saves our energy.
Techniques discussed here are linear pressure as well as rocking techniques.
I love the rocking techniques and I think I use them in every massage. The rocking techniques can be circular, a wiggle or back and forth. My clients seem to really enjoy them. I have even been put in a trance myself by using them. So, I try to stay present as to not zone out because they also feel good to me as the giver of the massage. 
I must note here that circular movements should be of variable pressure and as always use the whole body with a consistent tempo. Also note to be sure to not have abrupt stops during the movement. The movement on circular movement changes on the least amount of pressure to avoid sudden stops in movement and keep consistent tempo and rocking movement.
June 28, 2010
Offline Nice synopsis, Don, I can tell you definitely watched the videos! 
December 22, 2012
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Reviews I have received while going thru Shama’s Thai Back Massage course
These are some of my reviews that I received while attending your course Shama. I hope you will receive these positive reviews as a reflection on you.
Kelly Flower
I got an amazing Thai massage this afternoon at Downtown Dallas Yoga and Pilates. I have had traditional massages many times before but never a Yoga Thai massage. Seriously, best ever. Don has been trained by the best and I was amazed at what a "real" massage should be. The soreness in my neck and shoulders has faded and I would recommend this to anyone who needs stress relief. Thanks Don!
Jayme Beckelheimer Porkoláb
Don Kirby. Massage was great. I feel great and flexible! And given that I have a rod in my back due to scoliosis that is no small feat. Thank you! I'll be back
Tim McGlothlin
Just had my first Thai Massage and it was the best experience and my body can tell a huge difference! No more cricks in my neck and it felt really good on my back and arms and legs.I am one happy person. Thank you Don Kirby:))))
Ellen Lasser
I had a wonderful Thai massage from Don Kirby, owner of Downtown Pilates. Really different and wonderful for my IT bands and Hammies. Thanks, Don!
Kristen Vrabel
I have never felt so open and light
Jennifer Mc Ilyar
I recommend Don Kirby to any parent looking for a massage therapist for their child-athlete. My son is a 12-year-old gymnast and I found Don after searching for a local specialist in Thai massage to help increase his flexibility. Don is not only an excellent therapist, but also an excellent communicator and is helping my son better understand the technique of his sport and develop muscle memory. An added benefit to the increased flexibility is how Don's massage also provides my son's muscles with rest and recovery. Highly recommended!
June 28, 2010
Offline Wow, this is really impressive. I am really proud of you and what you have accomplished. I don't mind getting a positive reflection from that, but the credit goes to you since you are the one who actually did it!
December 22, 2012
Offline Thai Massage Test Review
Module 5 & 6
In these modules Shama demonstrates typical traditional techniques and tells us why they are not his favorite. This video is mostly about working on the sacrum.
Traditional Thai massage can be hard on your joints so Shama teaches us some more contemporary techniques as well as goes over Traditional styles.
I am so glad I am going back over this, still finding new information. Amazing!
The traditional massage is fine as long as you have strong thumbs and or are not doing alot of Thai massage in one day. Shama shows us one very useful contemporary technique "the Horse Gallop"
Moving on to the sacrum. The sacral spine or sacrum refers to the large irregular triangular shaped bone made up of the five fused vertebrae below the lumbar region. There is a wedge-shaped intervertebral disc between the base of the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum called the lumbosacral disc. The spinal canal extends into the sacrum and the sacral nerves exit the canal through bony foramina.
The sacrum is inserted like a wedge between the two iliac or pelvis bones and is held together by the two sacroiliac joints. Many back problems occur in the lumbar and sacral region of the spine connect because this region of the spine is subjected to a large amount of stress with certain activities.
Many do not focus on the sacrum, I’m so glad Shama shows us useful techniques here. This is a major area in need of therapy for many people
December 22, 2012
Offline Thai Massage Test Review
Module 7
The first technique Shama shows us “Sacrum Rocking “ mobilizes the sacroiliac joint .
The lumbar spine are fused joints so this technique feels very good to most as sacroiliac joint can become tight. This technique moves the sacrum and helps range of motion.
As always with these kinds of techniques you must remember your size and body weight verses the size and body weight of your client. In other words if your 200lbs and your client is 98lbs, less pressure and body weight is needed from you and vice versa .
I love the way Shama shows the transition from side to side of the model. I jokingly call this the Spiderman technique. It’s very graceful. I would encourage anyone to purchase Shamas “Rocking Massage “ The rocking massage works many joints and muscles simultaneously and is extremely effective as warm up as well as soothing.
June 28, 2010
Offline Another informative and useful contribution to our forum. I really appreciate that you are going out of your way to make all these extra posts!
December 22, 2012
Offline No problem Shama,
It helps me to understand Thai massage in as many facets as I can . To understand theoretically, anatomically, physical and even spiritually. If is also helpful to others then that is great!
I will need to go to Thailand to experience the cultural aspect.
June 28, 2010
Offline Here in Thailand you definitely get a whole new perspective of massage in general. It's all much more easy going and relaxed and sociable here. It is not so legislated and much less clinical. If you make it here one day, you will enjoy yourself.
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