Myofascial release for "that damn spot" (upper back/shoulder pain)
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- čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
- Do your clients have pain in their upper back, right near the shoulder blade? Here's how I work with this area: Broadly, keeping the entire shoulder girdle in mind.
0:00 Introduction
2:00 The anatomy of upper back pain
2:55 Defining strict myofascial release
4:00 Massage demonstration- creating fascial traction
5:06 Palpating the region
5:36 Myofascial release for the upper back
9:25 Using active engagement to increase intensity
10:47 Spreading across the scapula
12:42 Mobilizing the scapula
13:33 The scapula sandwich
14:33 Myofascial release for pec major
16:23 Pec minor
18:45 Walking your hands under the scapula
21:11 Mobilizing trapezius, deltoid, and the shoulder as a whole
The "scapula sandwich" video (which is actually about subscapularis): • Massage Tutorial: Subs...
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There's something I should clarify for this video: It's not much of a routine. I wanted to leave you with a general idea of the pacing of strict myofascial release, as well as a number of tools for working with the fascia of the upper back, shoulder, and chest. How "strict" you end up being (e.g., whether you use oil, how long your contacts last) isn't the important thing, and neither is whether you end up using all or some of these exact techniques. What I'd like you to take away is this: There's more to upper back pain than just the upper back. Work with the shoulder, really explore the scapula, do a deep dive into the pecs, and yes, do some specific work with the area just medial to the scap. I've had much better results with pain relief by working broadly than I ever got by digging into that point.
A quick FAQ: How much pressure should you use? Whatever's comfortable for the client. Light pressure is fine, or you can sink in if the client enjoys deeper work. How long should you hold fascial traction? A little while. 10 deep breaths is fine, 30-60 seconds is fine, or you can wait until you feel something shift. That might be an increase in heat, or your hands might sink into the tissue, or you simply feel the local muscles let go. It could even be an energetic experience. Are you allowed to use oil or lotion? Absolutely, but I recommend using a small enough amount that you can trust your client with your body weight. Too much oil and you'll have to use your strength to slow down, which can be quickly tiring. Do I have to use myofascial release? No! Lots of approaches work, including trigger point therapy, structural integration, shiatsu, Thai, and good old Swedish. All I ask is that you take a broad view rather than focusing too much on "that spot."
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I am only a massage client, not a therapist, but I love the specificity of your commentary. It’s like a master class in anatomy and technique, combined with an incredibly soothing voice. After awhile, I ended up closing my eyes and just listening to what you were saying, and have now decided that I would listen to anything that you recorded as a voiceover artist, too. 👍🏻
Yes relaxing voice!! I got sleepy! Lol 🙏🙏💆💆💪💪👀👀❤💙💙
You’re such a good teacher. Your voice is measured and methodical and clear. You reference muscles, nerves, bones and other anatomical landmarks. You take into account the bio psychosocial needs of the client as well as the massage therapist. Thank you for your videos
For what it's worth to anyone reading these comments, this is a really good technique for real myofascial release that will actually make a big difference for the people you treat. Many videos on CZcams say they are myofascial release but are basically just more trigger point or other soft tissue mobilizations. I would recommend following this guy and learning from him.
I have read your book twice and I learned a lot from it. It is truly outstanding 💓
Ah, thank you! 🙏
Fellow MT here. Just found your channel. Love your teaching style! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
As a therapist myself, I am always eagerly wanting to improve to give my clients better results afterwards & your videos are by far some of my favourites. Your knowledge and thoroughness in your explanations absolutely astounds me!
Yeah, for some people being completely face down is just intolerable. Some options: Chair massage is indeed a thing, and it can feel great! It still involves having your head in a face cradle, but you're upright so your nasal cavity shouldn't swell shut. You could receive back work in the chair, and then transition to the table for the rest. There's also a position called side-lying, which I demonstrate here: czcams.com/video/JEVpPsZmL7c/video.html Basically, lying on your side, hugging pillows, feeling good. If a massage therapist offers prenatal massage, they're almost certainly well-versed in this style. You can also have a pillow long-ways under your torso with your head hanging just slightly off it, which will allow you to comfortable turn your head from side to side as you receive back work. Basically: Lots of options, and if your last massage therapist wasn't able to cook something up for you, shoot a few emails to other MTs and see if they can be more accommodating. Good luck!
thank you for this video! The amount of clients that come in and complain about this every day is crazy. You have definitely given me more ways to help them.
Thank you for this upload. I have been a LMT for only a few months and I feel I learn so much from your videos beyond what I learned in school which primarily focused on effleurage and petrissage. 90% of my clients are primarily concerned with upper back pains. I will definitely attempt to add some of this to my sequence - wish most clients were more than 60 minutes
Thanks Dana! And my approach to getting more 90 minute massages is two-prong: First, I stop trying to fit everything in in a mad rush to work with the whole body (unless that's their preference). In other words, if they've got a ton of upper back and shoulder stuff going on, I'll say, "I'd like to give that area plenty of focus. Would it be alright with you if we just worked from the hips up today?" Most people will happily say yes. Second, I'll hit 'em with the best-of-both-worlds pitch at the end: "So, how did you like that extra focus on the upper body? Great. Let me know if you'd ever like to try a 90 minute session, which is 30 dollars more. That'll give us plenty of time for all that focus work, and to work with your whole body." Those two little interactions have historically gotten most of my clients on board with the longer sessions; and even if they stick with 60 minutes, I'll know whether they're open to narrowing the areas we're working with.
Glad to have you back WE MISSED YOU!
I have no interest in becoming a licensed massage therapist but I love giving massages to my partner. Thank you for these tutorials!
Hey, great to see you Ian! ❤️ Thank you
I love his voice and work!!!
You're an outstanding teacher.
Wonderful technique, and well spoken!
Grace and compassion wow. Great bonus to all the work.
OMG this is exactly what I need! Excited to dive in. Thanks Ian!!!
Thank you so much. Your videos have really helped me help my clients.
Your book is the best 😊 I’am learning a lot from you. Thank you for sharing your wisdoms with us🙏
Thank you from the bottom of my heart & back up, Ian ! I love every one of your videos. The ending of this one I especially enjoyed
Hi Ian, your book is great, thank you. I have been following you for quite a few years now, always get something special out of your video's. I will try some of these moves for "that damn spot", cheers Lois
Fantastic video, happy to see new content!
Ian! So great to see you again. Thank you for showing me how to work smart and not so hard. I literally tell myself "slow like a sloth" while I'm working on clients.
I love it!
Ian, I applied this to my clients today. Brilliant! I dozed while giving the massage. Client was very happy with the results
@@selenegold7041 If you're dozing, you're doing it right 😅 If you'd like to have more fun while applying static contacts, consider adding some rocking. Both of your body, and of your client. How to rock? There's no wrong way to rock. I sway slowly, I redirect my pressure slightly to different angles, and sometimes I even rock enough to get their body moving. Just play with it, have fun, and thanks for the idea for a new video 😁
Thank you for so thoroughly describing these techniques. Will try on clients asap...so I don't forget. Also thanks for your insights at the end of the video.
Your technique is seriously so close to how my style has evolved after 13 years of full-time bodywork. Thank you for your videos, it's very helpful to see and have an explanation for things I feel daily in session.
The goal is always to address the client's issue or tension pattern in the most effective way. A lot of the time the biggest challenge is getting people on board to a broader technique when, in their mind, you should be digging into exactly where it hurts for half the time. 🤦♀️🤷🏼♀️
You're so wonderful, thank you so much for these video shares. It felt so good to hear you suggest giving ourselves and our clients grace with our/their physical behavior patterns. "Pain is part if the human experience " so simple🙏🏻💎🙏🏻
I absolutely LOVE and appreciate your videos so much. Gotta get your book!
I'm just here for the voice and the anatomical technicality. Nice to have you back!
This resonated probably more than any other video that you've done. It's something I've struggled with in myself and with my clients, and have come to this realisation, both as a treatment method, and mental and emotional understanding and acceptance. I've have actually been teaching my students essentially what you've presented here most perfectly. As always, thank you Ian. Love your work Brother 🙏🍀💛
I appreciate it, Emmett! This is my first video in quite a while, and it's nice to see that it's landing right 🙏
Have missed you mate 👍
Great video, thanks and so good to hear your honesty on those damn spots that always recur.
let me tell you the shock that all the digging into my “spot” is actually worsening than helping my pain. absolutely nuts
Don’t dig into the spot. Just enough pressure to “rest” on it. Lighter is better.
Thanks for your sharing of this important knowledge. Pain and stress are just words that we get the opportunity to help change their relationship with⭐️
Great video Ian!
Great video. Well spoken and informative.
I’m reading your book now!!! 😊
I missed your videos! Can't wait to read the book!!
That was great! It's been a couple of years since I've watched any of your videos and I LOVE the new room... (don't know if it's a new room or just a new color, but it seems like more space and I love the color!). Thanks for the video!
Another banger. Been watching your videos for so many years now and they always deliver.
That's a username I recognize! Thanks for the props all these years later 🤗
Fantastic stuff!! Thank you
Ian, you're simply the best. I am happy to see you again full of vitality and new visions. I love the colours and decoration of your new accommodation, and am impressed if the improved quality of your technical equipment and thus presentation. ;-)
I am really looking forward to your new input for the benefit of improving my poor skills with valuable demonstrations, explanations and tipps and tricks.
And of course, I bought your book right away months ago as download and recommend it to everybody here as 'must have'.
Keep on rocking and take good care of yourself. xxx
Love & Hug, Brigitte from Hamburg/Germany
Thank you so much, Brigitte!
Ian!! Every time I watch something from you I learn so much. You are a delight, thank you for sharing your knowledge and gifts with the world!
This is so great to hear, thank you!
As a Physical Therapist its really helpful to treat my clients by your techniques
Your back!! Congratulations on deciding on what you wanted. 👏 The CZcams family have missed you.
Hi Ian. Thank you for this incredibly useful video and your kind real-life comments. Love your book and loved your class and I can’t wait to get better at these techniques. 👍💚👏🤓
Thank you so much, Debbie!
That spot, be spotting! I'm so jealous of this video...LOL. I use a tennis ball on the wall to get it to release..
Your voice combined with your knowledge has a powerful relaxing effect😀thank you
Agreed!
Thank you! As a massage therapist I learned a lot watching this video.
So soft spoken!! Love it!☺😊😀💃💃💆💆💪💪❤❤❤💙💙
Another great video. Love watching them between clients
Thanks Michalis, good to hear from you!
@@MassageSloth still love going back to your book
Watching your videos and implementing your techniques has made me a better therapist.... I thank you and my clients' shoulders thank you too 😊 ❤️🙏
Wonderful to hear, Brandi!
Superb descriptions... New subscriber. Thank you
You explain things so we’ll my man even as a Kin graduate and someone who does manual work on people you break it down so simply.
Love that you are showing to look at the whole body connections, not just super focus on the "symptom" area. It all works together or sometimes in compensation patterns etc. I also find that less pressure, intensity, is really more in terms of allowing the body to have that neurologic connection to reset itself - even though our clients usually have been taught to think "no pain no gain" for bodywork...even when they leave the body is working on integration and new balance. Thank you so much for your videos! And yes love your book and recommended it to the massage school I attended....
So I adapted these techniques to an older dog that had "that dang spot" and it worked really well! I have spent 12 years working with dogs and horses as an osteopath for animals before becoming a human massage therapist. This works really well, as the older animals ( think human at age 80+ ) can't tolerate a normalization and need gentle cranio-sacral or listenings or side of barrier / side of ease techniques... this worked really well. We have to give back to the 4 legged as they are also energy and healers and deal with the same emotional and stress issue that affect their entire bodies. Thank you again!
Marvellous video.. I learnt so much .. thankyou x
I started doing the arm draping thing that you taught in another video and I have to say that is such an amazing technique. I can’t wait to try it with this chest move. Thank you!!!
Ian. You are absolutely amazing. It helps me to educate my clients, when it’s not always easy to explain these things in a language that the client can understand. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊
I love to hear that! And just know that, as you explain things, they will gain new language to relate to their own body and pain experience that they didn't have before, and that can be a powerful thing 🙂
As an aspiring pta, this video is hands down an amazing way to learn how to do manual traction. I have been a physical therapy patient for 10 years now and I have only had manual traction once. The other times, I was on a traction table that moved itself. I think manual traction is better than the table because you can target specific areas better than what the motorized table does. This video dives into deeper details than what you will learn from a physical therapist on a patient level.
I'm do happy I took anatomy in highschool and college. I understood 90% of his terminology. I was even able to visualize the muscles he was talking about without looking!
Thanks Mrs. Bohne (yes. That was my highschool anatomy teachers name) and thanks UIC Anatomy department!
Very informative. Appreciate your job. 👍
This was great! Thank you for sharing 🎉
You, dear sir, are absolutely amazeballs!
It is now my mission to somehow use "amazeballs" in my next video
Hahahhahahah omg! Hahhahah!!! Yay!!!!! :)
I actually saw a client this week with this issue and I'm looking forward very much when I see them next to approach the session this way! Thank you for this video!!
I'd love to hear how it goes!
Welcome back! You’ve been so helpful and such an inspiration throughout my career. Very happy to see a new video.
That's so good to hear, thank you!
Nice to see you 😊
I've just bought your book and am loving it! I'm trying to segue out of one business into being an RMT, having got my diploma last year, and it's a tough transition! Your videos are invaluable. Thank you! I love everything about them, from your calm voice and demeanour to your use of anatomical terms as you talk about your clients and your preferred techniques, your advice that comes from 15 years of experience...all of it. I love it all, thank you!! :)
That's so kind of you, and I'm just happy to help! 😊
Excellent video, thank you so much. I need this.
You were missed! Congrats in the book, and welcome back. This was a great video!
Thank you!!
I bought already your book 😀
In my opinion Ian, is the best massage therapist I have ever seen. Would love to one day get a massage. Sincerely, Bob Sarfatty , massage therapist therapist
This is so good! The only thing I, personally would add to this treatment is some broad, mild to moderate connecting strokes for entire upper body, with just a bit of oil on my fingers, hitting to not only the rotator cuff muscles but Levator Scapulae, splenius capitis, semi spinalis capitis, rhomboids, etc. I too, as a therapist,am not a fan of “digging in”. Thus far I’ve found that most of a client’s pain can be treated without using prolonged ischemic compression.
Wonderful video. I have had pain in "that spot" for over 15 years without successfully fixing it with stretches (forward and back) or self-massage. I also have snapping scapula on that side so I thought it must be some kind of bursitis and wasn't thrilled with the idea of cortisone injections or surgery to relieve it.
It's exactly as you say, it feels both local to one spot near the top of my scapula, but also very deep and under my scapula. It's a burning pain, but also feels like a pulling pain. In my mind I am either digging under my scapula with my hand or - and I realise this sounds dramatic - imagine cutting whatever it is that's pulled taut with a knife.
If you haven't already done so, I'd like to encourage you to try some physical therapy. It sounds like you've got a good handle on self-directed care, but snapping scapula (and everything related to it) is something that can potentially be treated by a good PT regimen. Best of luck!
Also when self massaging, work on teres minor and infraspin with a tennis ball as well as lower trap (watch the trap video of his). I also find working with the anterior side of the levator scapula attachment site helps. That pain succkkks. You got this. ❤
Great video- thank you!
You really do have the funnest, cutest little asides! ❤
You would find them less cute if you knew how many times I watch them while giggling to myself. Oh, me.
Fabulous! I have many clients with "That Damn Spot"! I know this myofascial sequence is going to be magical for them!! So much gratitude for you sharing this. I cannot wait to take a live course with you. I'm in Florida, but missed the August one in Florida, I was away. I'll catch you next time!
Thanks Penny! I'll always have classes near Florida, so I hope to see you next time 😊
Great...new video...✌🏼
wow what a closing
This is relaxing me more than any asmr video 😂
This is very helpful.
I have a client that wants me to elbow the traps, dig in, I can't with him. Thank you for another way to keep my body safe,!
thanks for sharing
I was so excited to see this! Swanky new office! Love all the orange. My favorite color. And the bright blue sheets create a wonderful contrast. I would love to work in an environment with some liveliness 😭
I would also love to work in an environment with a little more appreciation for myofascial release, but alas, I have to keep some movement in there to appease the spa folks convinced that deep tissue Swedish and TRP are the only way. I do what I can to educate. lol
Thanks so much, Darren! And yep, in certain environments it can be hard to do a lot of specialized work due to client expectations, but like you said, a little education can ease the way. Even just throwing in a few seconds of stillness here and there can be useful, in my experience. While it's not wise to try to be an orthopedic massage specialist in a spa setting (trust me, I've tried), a few bits and pieces spread across the session can really make you stand out.
Thank you for explaining this in way that is not intimidating for me to try your technique as I am a new massage therapist 😊
Welcome to the field!
I love your voice.
Well said at the end…I find it’s common to meet therapists/practitioners who make the client feel guilty for having issues. Comments like ‘Wow you’re really tight here’
For most people I don’t think this a helpful approach at all.
Doesn’t motivate the client or put them in a positive mindset going forward.
You have any experience with massage guns?
I was always wary but was given one as a present. Been a game changer for myself being able to do areas like chest and arms after I’ve finished work and I’m tired. I’m a pt and massage therapist.
It’s more that it’s easier to do rather than more effective than other techniques so means I can do it more regularly
I appreciate the kind words! And you know, I've never touched a massage gun? I think it's because the marketing and videos always make them look like they're made to tenderize meat. I should give one a shot, I'm sure they have their uses.
@@MassageSloth I think for yourself they could make a big difference. My pecs have never been looser and as a result my upper back has never felt better. The only downside to the guns really is as they’re so easy to use people get carried away with them and can do more harm. Little and often just like foam rolling. The theragun mini is Probably the most reasonably priced one around.
This is great! I feel like under my scapula feels so tight and it’s very deep! I always ask for the massage therapists to go hard because the pain is so deep. I sleep on my side and always wake up with pain that lasts throughout the day my neck even cracks if I stretch it on the right side and it relieves some pain but is not good enough. It’s so hard to stay on my back.
If it feels like it’s under your scapula it sounds like the subscapularis muscle needs some work. Ask your therapist to address that. It’s not a muscle commonly worked because it’s uncomfortable to reach.
thank you!
Totally what's happening to me today!! Major pain and of course my LMT is away for 2 weeks😭
Thank you 👍
My therapist was really good at doing Myofascial Release. It always made me feel so much better than before.
How many do you have to have and where was your pain
@@tomsale5142 My therapist did it almost every week and he was actually my occupational therapist so Myofascial Release wasn't the only thing we worked on. But I remember the first time he mentioned it. The therapist I had been seeing got a job somewhere else so I was assigned a new therapist and I already knew him because he worked with me when I had therapy during school, had worked with me a few times when my therapist wasn't there, and was friends with my therapist and my therapist introduced me to him when I was 2. I was about 11 at the time this happened. Anyways once my old therapist left I started having sessions with my new one of course. During the first session he was asking me a lot of questions which wasn't a surprise but then he said something that I was hoping wouldn't come up he said "I know that Dwayne (my old therapist) was doing Myofascial Release on you. He said you cried but he thought you liked it. I was so worried at this point because my old therapist had been doing it on me but I hated it I just never said anything because I didn't think it would matter but then my new therapist did something I didn't expect he asked me "Do you want me to keep doing it?" (That surprised me because my old therapist had never asked me if I wanted it not even the first time he did it. He just assumed I liked it when I didn't and I don't know what to do about it. So I just let him do it every week.) I immediately said "No." He said "Okay we don't have to do that." He didn't bring it up again. Years passed and no mention of it but then one day I had finished my work and he said "What do you want to do for the last 5 minutes?" (Seeing as I was a child and had to go to therapy every week my therapist didn't want me to dislike therapy so he would have something for me to work on but once I finished he would let me do something fun for the rest of the session.) So I usually would have chosen to do an obstacle course, play a game, swing, play in the ball cage, or something like that but that week I didn't ask to do any of those things. I had a lot of back pain and had for weeks it was getting worse every week. I'd been thinking about it for awhile and I finally asked "Can we do the thing that Dwayne used to do on the mat table?" (I was actually really nervous about asking because I thought he wouldn't know what I meant, would ask me why I changed my mind, would say no, would laugh at me for asking for it, or would act like it was weird that I asked. I knew it was unlikely that he would do any of those things but I couldn't help it. I was also worried that I wouldn't like it and want to stop but with only 5 minutes left I decided to risk it.) He asked "Myofascial Release?" I said "Yeah that." He seemed sort of excited that I asked for it. So we went to the nearest mat table and he had me lay face up on the mat table. He took a swivel stool and sat near the edge my head was closest to. He slipped his hands under my neck and began to work on it. As he did he was talking to me saying "I'm glad you wanted to do this. It's really relaxing and a lot of people like it. I think you'll really benefit from it. I felt comfortable enough with him to relax so I actually liked having it done. He told me at the end of the session if you want to next week remind me and we can do more since we'll have more time. I did remind him and he did more. I felt so much better every time he did it.
Thank you
I love your videos, they’re teaching me so much. Would be even better as an in person course! Would you come to NZ?? 😂
Yes I loove the "digging"!!! Lol especially with their elbow!!💆💆💃💃💪💪💪👣👣👣
I started to think something was wrong with me until i watched this video, i feel stupid explaining to ppl where my pain sits .it feels so deep 😢 i could really use your help but im in Jamaica.
Asmr at its finest
Why is your voice so hypnotic? 😂
Something like 75% of my clients have an issue with this spot. Sending this one in the work group chat! Thanks Ian!
It's so prevalent!
Hi I like your techniques , may I know how I can order your book please ? Thank u !
I think holding hands over a painful spot has a lot of impact, is nurtures the spot energetically
Your video explains a lot. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Is there such a thing as a self-release of pec minor? I have Ehlers Danlos, which means my mid back, traps, lats and pecs/shoulders are almost frozen with compensatory tension.
A current major problem is that my pec minor locks up so tight & short that it creates subluxation of my left clavicle. The pain is constant and severe. My left shoulder joint has rotated inward and my whole left structure feels bunched toward my neck from protecting against the non-stop pain. My PT has used the method you demonstrated to give me some relief a few times but I have this every day and don’t have access to seeing her every day. I also don’t have anyone at home that could do it for me. Any suggestion greatly appreciated.
My scapula needs this
Welcome back to youtube sir. That rug is great, I want one! Got a link?
No clue on that front, I'm working out of a pre-furnished office (hence the stylishness)
My spot feels like a mass under my right shoulder blade, I’m currently working with myofascial release with a therapist