Steps
- 011 min
Set-up and first contact
Client prone under the top sheet with a bolster under the ankles and the face cradle adjusted. Fold the drape to the top of the gluteals, tuck it in, and rest both hands on the back for three slow breaths before you start.
- 023 min · Back
Back effleurage
Glide up either side of the spine from the sacrum to the shoulders and fan out over the shoulders. Start light and ask about pressure after a few strokes.
- 035 min · Back
Back and shoulder petrissage
Knead up the muscles beside the spine, then across the tops of the shoulders from the neck outwards. Keep a slow rhythm and check the pressure.
- 041 min · Back
Close the back
A few slow full-back strokes from the sacrum to the shoulders, getting lighter each time, then cover the back.
- 051 min
Drape the legs
Cover the back and undrape one leg, tucking the sheet firmly under the thigh on the inner side. Keep the gluteal fold covered.
- 062 min · Leg
Posterior leg effleurage
Glide from the heel up the calf and the back of the thigh to the gluteal fold, easing off behind the knee. Do both legs.
- 073 min · Thigh
Posterior leg petrissage
Knead the calf and then the hamstrings, working upwards on each leg. Ask if the pressure suits.
- 081 min
Turn the client supine
Hold the sheet against the table on the far side and ask the client to roll towards you onto their back. Move the bolster under the knees, offer a pillow, and re-tuck the drape before undraping the first leg.
- 092 min · Leg
Anterior leg effleurage
Glide from the ankle up the shin and thigh towards the hip, lifting over the kneecap. Do both legs.
- 102 min · Thigh
Quadriceps petrissage
Knead the front of the thigh from above the knee up towards the hip, one leg at a time. Check the pressure.
- 114 min · Arm
Arms
Glide from the wrist up to the shoulder and return lightly, then knead the forearm briefly. Do both arms and ask about pressure on the forearm.
- 124 min · Neck
Upper chest and neck
Glide out under the collarbones to the shoulders, then up the back of the neck to the base of the skull with the hands underneath. Keep the front of the neck light.
- 131 min
Closing hold
Rest your hands on the shoulders for a few breaths, then tell the client you have finished and to sit up slowly.
Set-up
Set the table and drape as in Draping and room set-up, with a bolster under the ankles for the prone half. Agree a pressure number at the start using Pressure scale and check-ins.
Order
With only 30 minutes, use broad Effleurage and Petrissage and skip detailed friction work.
- Prone back (about 10 min), including the Trapezius.
- Prone legs (about 6 min).
- Turn supine (1 min).
- Supine legs (about 4 min), arms (about 4 min), then chest and neck (about 4 min).
Closing
Finish with a still hold on the shoulders, tell the client you have finished and leave them to get up in their own time.