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Massage school day one teaching basic compression techniques to students

A massage school instructor teaches palm compressions on day one of a class. He starts on the back beside the spine, times the pressure with the client's out-breath, then works compressions over the whole back of the body. He stresses leaning in with body weight rather than pressing with the arm muscles.

Massage school day one teaching basic compression techniques to students · Meditative Hands Massage · YouTube

Length6:20
RatingClarity 4/5 · Credibility 3/5 · Relevance 5/5
Recorded in a massage school class by the instructor; well chaptered. Instructor's credentials not stated on screen.
Coverstechniques/compression · techniques/body-mechanics · muscles/erector-spinae · muscles/quadratus-lumborum · muscles/hamstrings
Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBgwLhRPSQE

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Introduction to compressions
  2. 1:06 Full body application
  3. 2:21 Positioning and mechanics
  4. 3:23 Deep tissue and breathing
  5. 4:23 Soothing rocking techniques
  6. 5:01 Time management and tips

Key points

  • Use flat palms and an archer (lunge) stance; lean in slowly, then release.
  • Keep off the spine itself; work the muscles beside it.
  • Press as the client breathes out and ease off as they breathe in.
  • Start light and keep talking with the client about pressure while you learn.
  • {‘Compressions are a useful opener’: ‘they relax the client and help you notice which side feels tighter.’}

Cautions

  • Uses the elbow on the gluteals at one point, which is firmer than a basic relaxation compression.