Category Archives: Massage Video

Massage Tutorial Video: Myofascial release for TMJ/jaw pain

This one’s on easy myofascial release techniques for TMJ pain:

As you may have noticed, I don’t do any intraoral work here. In fact, I don’t spend much time focused on any one muscle, let alone seeking out trigger points. Instead, I approach this broadly, using slow fascial traction to “iron out” the entire region. With just two passes (one with client engagement), I find that my clients tend to experience a big drop in jaw tension.

In fact, this is one of the few areas that I feel like I can “fix.” If you’ve followed this page for a while, you know that I’m not a big fan of that concept. Most pain resolution happens over the course of many sessions, along with new habits on the part of the client. Jaw pain, however, is something that can resolve after just a couple of massages, often with a big reduction in symptoms after just one. Let me know if you have a similar experience! ... continue reading.

Foam Rolling: Self-care video for massage therapists and clients

Hey, how about a nice self-care video? Today, I show you how to use my favorite self-massage technology, the foam roller. It’s great for working out the back and shoulder tightness that can creep in after a long work week, and it really puts you in touch with that “ironing out” sensation that I talk about so much:

The use of a foam roller is also a skill, and it’s one that you can pass on to your clients. As I say in the video, a lot of your most athletic clients (your triathletes, for examples), will already have one of these things… and they’ll probably be using it to abuse their already painful legs. They’ll be digging in to their vastus lateralus in a vain attempt to lengthen a painful IT band, when really all they need is some work in their hips. We can help point them in the right direction! ... continue reading.

Massage Tutorial Video: Thumb-free massage techniques

Got hurt thumbs? Want to give an entire massage without using your thumbs, even once? Check out my new tutorial video:

You guys know that I’m a proponent of the “thumb vacation” when you’ve got pollex pain. If it acts like an injury, it needs to be treated like one: Rest, inflammation management, and rehabilitation. You wouldn’t tell a client with a hurt knee to “keep doing what you were doing,” so why do we treat ourselves with any less kindness?

The tricky part is implementation. How do I do petrissage? How will I apply deep pressure to certain areas, or scoop up muscles that beg to be scooped? In the video, I demonstrate some strategies that I’ve developed while my own thumbs were out of the game. ... continue reading.

Massage Tutorial Video: Myofascial Release Basics (sloth-style)

What is myofascial release, anyway? In this new massage tutorial video, I talk about the philosophy of MFR (as I see it), show you a self-demonstration so that you can feel the effects, and then demo some techniques on a client.

As I say in the title, this is “sloth-style” myofascial release. While I get much of my inspiration from the teachings of Pete Whitridge, I’ve melded it pretty firmly with my version of Swedish massage. I’m not overly concerned with finding the optimal speed or pressure, or with using my sense of the fascia for diagnosis. I’ve found that by stealing from the myofascial philosophy, my existing routine became easier and more effective.

This video has been a long time coming! I finally delve into what I mean by “approaching things from a myofascial perspective”: A new angle, a new speed, and a new set of intentions. There’s even some frequently asked questions in there toward the end. Make sure to use the time codes if you’d like to jump around, and I won’t be offended if you increase the video speed by clicking on the gear icon (I do tend to go on). ... continue reading.

Massage Product Review: StrongLite Curve face cradle

That’s my video review of StrongLite’s Curve face cradle. It came with my massage chair, but I liked it so much that I started using it for everything.

Pros: Thinner memory foam pad that doesn’t squish your face. Easy height/angle adjustments with just one lever. The cross-bar doesn’t smash into your chin.

Cons: It’s expensive (about 110 bucks as of this post).

Just to be clear, this does nothing to resolve the sinus pressure that can build up during extended periods of lying prone. That’s all down to the physics of our circulatory system. Still, I’m much happier with my face in this thing than I am with most standard pads, and my clients pretty much hate using other face cradles now. ... continue reading.