Freeing the flexors Figures 15
Figure 16
Compressions Grasp the client’s forearm to have their palm facing you, with your hand near the client’s head. Have your thumbs parallel upon the flexor (anterior) side, fingers grasping firmly on the extensor (posterior) side. Create an alternating pressure movement—first on the radial side of forearm, then on the ulnar side. Repeat alternating motion several times to create space in the interosseous membrane (see Figure 15). This technique can also be accomplished in a comparable manner with the client’s arm resting palm down on the table. Create alternating pressure movement, first on the radial side of forearm, then on the ulnar side. Repeat this alternating motion several times to create space in the interosseous membrane (see Figure 16).
Figure 17: Forearm Distally
Begin with the client’s arm palm down on table, while placing the proximal portion of your forearm tool at the inferior end of the lateral epicondyle landmark (see Figure 17). Slowly glide the forearm distally until muscle bellies end (where tendons begin to be felt). Repeat two to three times.
Figure 18: Elbow Distally
Begin with the client’s arm palm down on table, and place your elbow tool at the inferior end of lateral epicondyle landmark (see Figure 18). Slowly glide the elbow distally until muscle bellies end (where tendons begin to be felt). Repeat two to three times.
Figure 19: Soften Brachioradialis Muscle
As seen in Figure 19, begin with client’s arm palm down on table, and grasp the brachioradialis muscle with a pincer grip (using fingers and thumbs). Pull the muscle away from bone and apply friction and petrissage strokes. Try to grasp the entire muscle both proximal and distal to the elbow (cubital fossa) region. In many people, this muscle can be felt a third of the way into the brachium region.
Figure 20: Address Pronator Teres Muscle
Two steps: 1. Locate the distal pronator teres tendon at the radial tuberosity landmark of the radius (Figure 20), which lies deep in the brachioradialis muscle; ensure this muscle has softened before attempting to go deeper. Pull the brachioradialis laterally as you place fingers approximately three fingers distal to the elbow (cubital fossa) crease. Curl your fingers into the antebrachium to feel for an almond shaped piece of bone. Hold pressure firmly at the radial tuberosity landmark for 5 to 10 seconds. 2. Slowly, holding firm pressure, glide fingers toward the medial epicondyle landmark. Your fingers will move in a diagonal direction toward the medial side of the antebrachium. End stroke when medial epicondyle is contacted.
Page 124
Book Code: MFL1227
EliteLearning.com/Massage-Therapy
Powered by FlippingBook