How to Massage Using the Reinforced Thumb
Without a strong thumb, a massage therapist could not stay in business long. The strength of the thumb makes a massage a deep joy or just another touch. When you massage using a reinforced thumb you help protect your thumb joints from damage and the client experiences a deeper touch. Here's the way to protect the thumbs while massaging the back and still providing maximum service to your client.
Things You'll Need:
Massage oil
1
Warm the massage oil by putting the container in a bowl of hot water.
2
Stand on the side of the body that you want to work on in order to have better leverage. Oil the back lightly.
3
Place your thumb on the muscle to the side of the spine, toward the bottom. Place the fingers of the other hand on top of the thumb.
4
Press in with the reinforced thumb and slowly glide up the muscle toward the neck. Repeat this about three times, covering the entire width of the muscle.
5
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 on the client's other side.
6
Massage the entire back with gentle, long strokes.
Tips & Warnings
Use only a slight amount of oil so your reinforced thumb will not slide too fast across the skin.
Use slow movements so you can feel any lumps or kinks in the muscle tissue.
Use sustained pressure if the client experiences pain or tenderness in certain spots. Start with less pressure on the spot and slowly increase the pressure. Hold the pressure until the client indicates the pain has subsided. This can relieve deep knots and bring relief to the client.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2238058_massage-using-reinforced-thumb.html
Without a strong thumb, a massage therapist could not stay in business long. The strength of the thumb makes a massage a deep joy or just another touch. When you massage using a reinforced thumb you help protect your thumb joints from damage and the client experiences a deeper touch. Here's the way to protect the thumbs while massaging the back and still providing maximum service to your client.
Things You'll Need:
Massage oil
1
Warm the massage oil by putting the container in a bowl of hot water.
2
Stand on the side of the body that you want to work on in order to have better leverage. Oil the back lightly.
3
Place your thumb on the muscle to the side of the spine, toward the bottom. Place the fingers of the other hand on top of the thumb.
4
Press in with the reinforced thumb and slowly glide up the muscle toward the neck. Repeat this about three times, covering the entire width of the muscle.
5
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 on the client's other side.
6
Massage the entire back with gentle, long strokes.
Tips & Warnings
Use only a slight amount of oil so your reinforced thumb will not slide too fast across the skin.
Use slow movements so you can feel any lumps or kinks in the muscle tissue.
Use sustained pressure if the client experiences pain or tenderness in certain spots. Start with less pressure on the spot and slowly increase the pressure. Hold the pressure until the client indicates the pain has subsided. This can relieve deep knots and bring relief to the client.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2238058_massage-using-reinforced-thumb.html
