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A New Emotionally Based form of Massage

I've been a medical massage therapist for 3 years now, using mostly my forearms and elbows and now I am starting to have major shoulder problems. I realize a larg part of it is my technique, not keeping my elbow directly below my shoulder. I am realizing I have to change my technique or find a new form of massage to learn that doesn't require so much deep tissue. I have also always wanted toe ventually incorporate more of an emotionally based massage modality so in a way I am excited about this change. Any suggestions on therapies that give an emotional release and involve more light touch?

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Permalink Reply by Ana Moana on February 17, 2014 at 7:36am

Dawn, your new technique sounds extraordinary. Please provide some links to the videos you post. I think all of us will appreciate it!

I know I'll surely do!

Permalink Reply by Dawn Lewis on February 17, 2014 at 8:23am

I will gladly do that Ana.  I am now trying to add one clip a month to youtube, you can access them on our website at this link, http://efullcircle.com/spontaneous-muscle-release-demos/

I just finished proofing our lower extremities DVD.  I am always amazed by how much info is in the videos.  Hopefully I will have a few clips from that up in the next few months.

Permalink Reply by Ana Moana on February 20, 2014 at 6:26am

Thanks a lot Dawn! The site is really neat and the videos are gold!

Permalink Reply by Dawn Lewis on February 20, 2014 at 6:51am
Thanks Ana!
Permalink Reply by Trina Throckmorton on February 28, 2014 at 12:27am

oh, good to know thank you!!

Therese Schwartz said:

With CST you won't get into specific emotional stuff until the 3rd core class, SomatoEmotional Release 1.  But you will do good work for people before you get to that point!

Good luck!!

Permalink Reply by Neal Lyons on February 28, 2014 at 3:36pm

Trina,

If none of the formal "techniques" fit your needs, why not create your own? I have experienced many massages that I woudn't be able to name/title/label but they did exactly what you describe in your initial query. Candle lights can be added to the mix, a specific type of softer music, aroma therapy type lotions, oils and scents, along with light touch. There are many, especially men, that seek out relaxation type massages. If you incorporate some Reiki into it (although not specifically massage/physical type activity), it can offer an additional dimension to the overall "relaxation" experience.

Thoughts on this?

Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on March 1, 2014 at 4:38pm

Relaxation is a wonderful thing!  However, it may not be enough for some clients.  Some clients will need more, and that is where the well-thought-out and tried-and-true modalities can be invaluable for those situations.  It's imperative to have the correct training to properly work with people who have deep emotional wounding.

I think all of us eventually create our own systems for working on people!  Combinations of the best of the modalities we've learned.

I had a new client recently tell me that the person who referred her to me said "And she's not one of those massage therapists that uses candles!" as part of her recommendation for me.  So be careful with candles - not all clients will find them useful or desirable.  If a therapist does want to use candles and they are helpful in different situations, my suggestion is to use only candles scented with real essential oils; many people are sensitive to artificial fragrances.

Trina, another modality I thought of this morning is Trauma Releasing Exercises.  Website: http://traumaprevention.com/  This system has been life changing for me, personally!

Permalink Reply by Kay Warren on March 2, 2014 at 10:08am

If you're interested in lighter work, and want to help people with PTSD, (including yourself) you might want to look into Upledger's Cranio-Sacral. 

I'm curious as to your extensive use of forearms. Do you feel it's the only way for you to get deep enough?  Do you have significant ligamentous laxity that impairs your ability to use your hands? Positioning of both the client and yourself has a lot to do with the ability to go deep. It took me a while to be comfortable telling patients to change positions, but it resulted in better more effective work.

As for emotional release, I like EFT Emotional Freeedom Tehnique. www.emofree.com. I've been using this since 04, and it's the best thing I've ever seen.

Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on March 2, 2014 at 12:32pm

Candles smoke, and smoke is a pollutant.  An essential oil scent diffuser is a better choice, I think.

Therese Schwartz said:

Relaxation is a wonderful thing!  However, it may not be enough for some clients.  Some clients will need more, and that is where the well-thought-out and tried-and-true modalities can be invaluable for those situations.  It's imperative to have the correct training to properly work with people who have deep emotional wounding.

I think all of us eventually create our own systems for working on people!  Combinations of the best of the modalities we've learned.

I had a new client recently tell me that the person who referred her to me said "And she's not one of those massage therapists that uses candles!" as part of her recommendation for me.  So be careful with candles - not all clients will find them useful or desirable.  If a therapist does want to use candles and they are helpful in different situations, my suggestion is to use only candles scented with real essential oils; many people are sensitive to artificial fragrances.

Trina, another modality I thought of this morning is Trauma Releasing Exercises.  Website: http://traumaprevention.com/  This system has been life changing for me, personally!

Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on March 3, 2014 at 11:52am

That's an excellent suggestion, Gary!  I never use candles so it's not something I have ever thought about.  For people who do use candles, switching to a diffuser would be much better.

Gary W Addis, LMT said:

Candles smoke, and smoke is a pollutant.  An essential oil scent diffuser is a better choice, I think.

Therese Schwartz said:

Relaxation is a wonderful thing!  However, it may not be enough for some clients.  Some clients will need more, and that is where the well-thought-out and tried-and-true modalities can be invaluable for those situations.  It's imperative to have the correct training to properly work with people who have deep emotional wounding.

I think all of us eventually create our own systems for working on people!  Combinations of the best of the modalities we've learned.

I had a new client recently tell me that the person who referred her to me said "And she's not one of those massage therapists that uses candles!" as part of her recommendation for me.  So be careful with candles - not all clients will find them useful or desirable.  If a therapist does want to use candles and they are helpful in different situations, my suggestion is to use only candles scented with real essential oils; many people are sensitive to artificial fragrances.

Trina, another modality I thought of this morning is Trauma Releasing Exercises.  Website: http://traumaprevention.com/  This system has been life changing for me, personally!

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