Massage Therapy Tips

Here are some massage therapy tips for therapeutic neck massage. We will begin with the levator scapula which runs from the superior angle of the scapula up to the transverse process of C-1.

Start at the superior angle of the scapula and push in with your fingers. Do cross fiber friction, checking for tender points. Apply pressure to any tender points for about eight seconds. Move up and perform cross fiber friction across each portion of the levator scapula about five times each.

When you get to C-1, examine carefully for tender areas. It is best to use your thumbs on this portion.

Go to C-4 and, working up to C-1, apply deep friction circles, but without hard pressure. Do at least five circles in each area. Then go over the entire levator scapula with finger petrissage using light pressure.

Next, grasp the ligament of nuachae, which is located at the nape of the neck. Use your thumb and fingers from side to side and in and out several times, going up to the base of the cranium and down to C-7.

As usual, if tenderness is found, hold in for about eight seconds.

Then perform cross fiber friction using your thumbs from the cranium base down to C-7.

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