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TO USE OR NOT USE A BOLSTER

I recently received a massage in Avon Park, FL where the LMT did not use a Bolster. In school we were taught to never go without one. He told me that a Bolster was a blockage to the flow of the massage. What are your thoughts and experience with or without a Bolster?

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Permalink Reply by Gloria Coppola on December 13, 2010 at 7:28pm

Darcy

 

I don't like bolsters, personally. I prefer  a pillow if it is necessary for the client's comfort.

In some of my trainings, we were also taught that a bolster 'might' caught off the flow of energy.

I personally know that I don't like a bolster under my ankles because it creates more pressure on my sacrum.

Every client is individual with their own needs. I always ask if they would like a pillow under their knees and/or ankles. Most actually don't like it surprisingly.  I have also been taught in lomi to take the legs and bring them to the side of the table, so the ankles/feet are off the side in the prone position. This works great for those who cannot relax the feet flat too!

 

Ideally I want to create balance in my client and if the techniques i utilize can provide that, the body will not need all the extra adjustments.

 

Ask and they shall receive ;)

Permalink Reply by Cherry Connolly on December 14, 2010 at 9:54am

I use them.

Permalink Reply by Betty Echols on December 14, 2010 at 10:49am

Hi, I have to add my 2 cents worth here....

I always use a bolster under the knees, unless the client objects, because it opens up the spine and allows the client to relax...

The main benefit of using the bolster under the knees is because it is so much easier to do the thighs.  They are more relaxed and you can work your hands on the medial thigh much better and the muscle is completely relaxed.....

Permalink Reply by Lara Rininger on December 17, 2010 at 12:25pm

Since we are discussing bolsters...does anyone know why when I receive a massage and I'm lying prone with one under my ankles, my right knee starts to ache before I even get up off the table? Sometimes it starts bothering me during the massage. I do like one under my knees when I am supine for lumbar support and that doesn't cause any problems for me.

 

I guess I need to get a massage without a bolster when I am prone and see how my knee does without one.

 

Thanks,

Lara

Permalink Reply by Penne Phifer on December 17, 2010 at 3:32pm

I ask my clients if they would like to have a bolster, I've only had 2 people so far that refused.  In the prone position it takes the pressure/stress off the lower back is what my clients tell me.  It also allows me to massage their feet easiler before turning them over.  I personally prefer a bolster under my ankles.  That way my feet aren't pointed down or side ways for 30 min.  If it creates a problem with a knee, then it is time to do some investigating.  Penne Phifer

Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on December 19, 2010 at 1:28pm

I have taken classes in several modalities that use oscillation. None used bolsters because it interferes with the oscillation.

Permalink Reply by Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP on December 19, 2010 at 10:17pm

There is a likely connection with your posture pattern that creates a rotation at the knee when it is lifted walking.  the same reflex may not be stimulated with the heel contact in the supine position.  I would suspect the plantaris or popletiel.  one of the vastus muscles could be triggered to pull diagonally sometimes one  of the hamstrings.

Definitely explore the pattern with your next massage.  You may find it helpful to trace the reflex from the feet. http://reflexposturology.weebly.com/

 

Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist

Lara Rininger said:

Since we are discussing bolsters...does anyone know why when I receive a massage and I'm lying prone with one under my ankles, my right knee starts to ache before I even get up off the table? Sometimes it starts bothering me during the massage. I do like one under my knees when I am supine for lumbar support and that doesn't cause any problems for me.

 

I guess I need to get a massage without a bolster when I am prone and see how my knee does without one.

 

Thanks,

Lara

Permalink Reply by Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP on December 19, 2010 at 10:23pm

I try to have many different bolstering materials available.  Because my work is interactive and the client is moving and changing position I work on them clothed.  I will often use an appropriate sized body ball for a bolster so that the client can move it around as their body responds to treatment.

Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP

Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist

http://hansmassage.blogspot.com/index.html

Permalink Reply by Lara Rininger on December 19, 2010 at 10:34pm

Thanks Hans...I used to be a dancer and I danced for many years and I still have quite a turnout and I wonder if my body fights against the bolster keeping me in a parallel position? Interesting thought.

 

I appreciate your help.

 

Thank you,

Lara

Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP said:

There is a likely connection with your posture pattern that creates a rotation at the knee when it is lifted walking.  the same reflex may not be stimulated with the heel contact in the supine position.  I would suspect the plantaris or popletiel.  one of the vastus muscles could be triggered to pull diagonally sometimes one  of the hamstrings.

Definitely explore the pattern with your next massage.  You may find it helpful to trace the reflex from the feet. http://reflexposturology.weebly.com/

 

Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist

Lara Rininger said:

Since we are discussing bolsters...does anyone know why when I receive a massage and I'm lying prone with one under my ankles, my right knee starts to ache before I even get up off the table? Sometimes it starts bothering me during the massage. I do like one under my knees when I am supine for lumbar support and that doesn't cause any problems for me.

 

I guess I need to get a massage without a bolster when I am prone and see how my knee does without one.

 

Thanks,

Lara

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on December 19, 2010 at 10:45pm

All such interesting thoughts I appreciate all your sharing. Thank you so much.

Permalink Reply by Billie Baker- A Feather's Touch on March 11, 2011 at 10:58pm

In my opinion I have learned and experienced that a bolster is a very important tool to a person who has lower lumbar pain.

Without a bolster the person will experience more pain in the area and not have an enjoyable or relaxing massage.

I truly believe they are necessary for the new mommies to support them and the infant.

I will use it unless the client ask me not to because that's what I am being taught also. We are not given these tools to aid for no reason. I feel that the instructor that is teaching me a technique or introducing me to an item that can help me work smart not hard knows what they are instructing me to do and I have faith in that.

I hope this give you some reassurance and not confusion.

"If you change at the way you look at things, the things you look at change"

Namaste

Billie

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on March 11, 2011 at 11:28pm
Thanks Billie for sharing. I whole heartedly agree with you.

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