The importance of correct support in the Thai Massage side position
In Thai Massage there are many techniques in the side-lying position. After receiving hundreds of Thai Massage sessions here in Thailand, I always noticed that many therapists neglect to implement a few simple adjustments to make their clients comfortable in this position.
The problem is that unless your body is properly supported while lying on the side, there is not enough stability in this position. When you apply pressure on the hip, it tends to collapse. The bent leg is sliding out and the hip is flattening out towards a prone position.
Providing maximum comfort for your clients
This is a very uncomfortable feeling for the client. It just feels wrong – and it is wrong.
As a result, the clients are trying to maintain a more natural and correct side-lying position through their own effort by adjusting their body or by stiffening their muscles to prevent the collapse of the position.
But they should not have to do that – this is the job of the therapist. Our job is to make clients feel comfortable, relaxed, and supported in any position during a Thai Massage session.
Visit Thai Healing Massage Academy’s online training library with 20 Thai Massage courses for all your training needs and all levels of skills.
Simple pillow support solutions in Thai Massage
Fortunately, the solution is very simple. It just requires two support pillows, and you end up with a very comfortable and stable Thai Massage side-lying position.
In this episode of the Thai Massage ‘Tips And Tricks’ series, you will learn how to work correctly in the side position.
There is a similar issue in the face-down position in Thai Massage. This can also be helped with correct pillow support. You can find a video about this here.
Without such pillow support, clients can experience discomfort or even pain. However, with a few pillows you can create comfortable and supported positions in your Thai Massage sessions.
For more useful tips and Thai Massage training, you can find the other videos of the entire ‘tips and tricks’ series here:
Thai Massage Tips And Tricks Video Series
The author, Shama Kern, has been practicing and teaching Thai Massage for over two decades. He is the founder of Thai Healing Massage Academy and the creator of 20 Thai Massage online training courses.
Great video, Shama. It is so helpful to utilize supported side lying techniques. I appreciate receiving this tip.
A little support can make a big difference towards a good session.
Thank you so much for sharing little but valuable gems of information. Im looking to get some CEUs for my AMTA membership requirements. I also teach massage and love your voice and inflections. You are very clear and easy to understand along with visuals.
Thank you Melody, I appreciate your kind words!
All our larger courses qualify for NCBTMB approved CEUs. You can find more information on this page:
https://thaihealingmassage.com/certification/
Thanks so much Shama – great info on choosing Thai mats and support.