Stools! Yea or Nay?

by Le Murray

Nov 7, 2009

In watching Susan Salvos sidelying massage video ( http://www.youtube.com/LAmassageschool#p/u/5/vEBwOVn5b9A ) She actually recommends using a stool as you do the back for sidelying massage. I have some instructors who are "stool friendly" and some who are not. I even read one author who stated that up to 25% of a massage SHOULD be performed while sitting. I like stools for when I am working on feet and of course faces but have never considered it for sidelying (But think I will give it a shot). Does anyone have any feedback? Do you use a stool a lot or a little? When and why?
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  • up

    Robin Byler Thomas

    Me too Harry. I've had my ball for years and it was needing air the other day, so I mentioned it to my partner. He filled it without telling me and when I sat on it yesterday to work the clients head, neck, and shoulders; whoa, I was up there! I was afraid it was gonna blow, but it seems to be fine now.

    When I'm done I just push it into the corner and it stays put.

    Harry Banek said:
    I use an exercise ball whenever I choose to be seated, for bodywork usually head, neck, and shoulders (prone and supine), feet and hands (supine), and for reflexology with client in reclining chair. I keep the ball slightly soft to sink into it and roll on the ball as body mechanics suggest.

    Feb 27, 2010

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    Darcy Neibaur

    Terry where I work we have to keep one foot on the floor at all times.

    Terry Capuano said:
    Someone gave me some really good advice once - when sitting on the stool- keep your abdominal muscles pulled in...a little reminder about body mechanics. For side-lying work I have sat on the stool, I've been down on one knee or I am standing. For the face I am usually sitting and for the feet it varies. I have sat on the table, put my knee up on the table, put my foot up on the table and even climbed up on the table for a modified style of Thai Massage (that last one is always with full agreement from the client). The point of all this - I am always aware of how my body feels comfortable and how the pressure is coming through my hands. So try a lot of position varieties with or without the stool and see what feels right to you.

    Feb 28, 2010

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    Choice Kinchen

    Yes I use a stool when working on the neck, face, head and shoulders. Never thought about side lying but will give it a try. Never thought about my exercise ball....might give that a try too. You absolutely have to watch your posture so you don't slump.

    Michael....with age it's DEFINITELY smarter.

    Mar 1, 2010