Category Archives: Massage Video

Massage Tutorial Video: Pectoralis Major and Minor

New massage tutorial video! This one’s on the chest, specifically pectoralis major and minor. We do some anatomy and kinesiology review, and then I demonstrate some techniques for working with each muscle. It’s not strict myofascial release, but I definitely have the fascia in mind.

The major point that I want to get across about pec major is how freakin big it is. The origin is broad, giving it many directions of leverage over the humerus. That means using exceptionally broad techniques, and it means moving the arm to change the shape of the fascia as you work.

Pec minor is quite a bit smaller, but still important: A LOT of nervous tissue runs under and through it. If it’s hypertonic or irritated, it can have wide-ranging effects. While I don’t do much trigger point work in the area, I find some focused work at a myofascial angle can really get it to chill out. Sometimes a muscle just wants to be acknowledged, you know? ... continue reading.

Massage Video: Strategies for the Trapezius

New massage tutorial! This one’s on the trapezius, everyone’s favorite kite-shaped muscle. While I do discuss some specific techniques, this one’s more about strategy. What pain is associated with the trapezius? How can we work with it thoroughly, and in ways that other massage therapists might not consider?

When I get a client with pervasive neck, shoulder, and back pain, I’m thinking that poor beleaguered trapezius needs some love. By considering all portions of it (even the parts that attach to the clavicle!), we can treat it more thoroughly, and send it a more powerful message, than by just petrissaging that meaty part at the top.

What do you think? Are there any particular techniques that you’d like to share, or strategies for working with this region? I could talk about trapezius all dang day. ... continue reading.

Massage Technique: The Shoulder Accordion

This is a quick one! Just a tiny alteration to shoulder petrissage that can make a big difference in client perception and (possibly) the physiological effects. By creating fascial traction or slack, plain old trapezius squeezing can feel new and interesting. Let me know what you think!

Massage video: How to give longer sessions (90+ minutes)

This one’s on how to give longer massages without being bored to tears. In fact, once you start “exploring the space” that longer sessions give you, you might never want to give an hour-long massage again.

In the video, I talk about slowing down (my favorite thing, as you may have gathered), reintegrating large swaths of the body after you do specific techniques, and altering your techniques to make them feel new again. While making these little alterations might require some conscious effort at first, you’ll find yourself doing them automatically over time. Allow yourself to experiment, and your massage will evolve and grow in ways that you might not expect.

What other ways are there for stretching out a session? Do you do foot treatment add-ons? Hot towel applications? Tapotement drum solos? Tell me about it in the comments! ... continue reading.