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, fan out and return down the sides. Build pressure gradually and check it after a few strokes.
- 035 min · Back
Back petrissage
Knead up beside the spine and out over the sides of the back, one side at a time, from the lower back to the shoulder blade. Keep the rhythm slow.
- 042 min · Back
Frictions around the shoulder blade
Small, slow circles along the inner border of each shoulder blade, moving upwards. Stay off the spine and ask about pressure.
- 053 min · Neck
Neck and upper shoulders
Knead the upper trapezius from the neck out to the shoulder, then gently squeeze up the back of the neck. Use lighter pressure on the neck.
- 061 min · Back
Close the back
Light fingertip strokes from the shoulders down to the sacrum, then cover the back.
- 071 min
Drape the first leg
Cover the back and undrape one leg, tucking the sheet firmly under the thigh on the inner side. Keep the gluteal fold covered.
- 082 min · Leg
Posterior leg effleurage
Glide from the heel up the calf and thigh to the gluteal fold, easing off behind the knee. Do both legs.
- 095 min · Thigh
Posterior leg petrissage
Knead the calf, then the hamstrings, working upwards on each leg. Keep pressure off the back of the knee and check comfort.
- 102 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.
- 112 min · Leg
Anterior leg effleurage
Glide from the ankle up the shin and thigh to the hip, lifting over the kneecap. Do both legs.
- 123 min · Thigh
Quadriceps petrissage
Knead the front and outer thigh from above the knee up towards the hip. Check the pressure.
- 132 min · Foot
Feet
Thumb circles over the sole, then glide up the top of the foot to the ankle. Use firm, even pressure so it does not tickle.
- 143 min · Arm
Arm effleurage
Glide from the wrist up to the shoulder and return lightly, supporting the arm on the table. Do both arms.
- 153 min · Forearm & hand
Forearm and hand petrissage
Knead the forearm from the wrist towards the elbow, then thumb circles in the palm. Ask about pressure on the forearm.
- 163 min · Chest
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. Keep the front of the neck light.
- 173 min · Head & face
Forehead and temples
Glide from the centre of the forehead out to the temples, then slow circles on the temples. Keep it light and away from the eyes.
- 181 min
Closing hold
Still hands on the shoulders for a few breaths, then tell the client you have finished and to sit up slowly.
Set-up
Prepare the room, table and linen as in Draping and room set-up. The client starts prone with a bolster under the ankles. Agree a pressure number with Pressure scale and check-ins and re-check at each new region.
Order
- Prone back and neck (about 15 min): Effleurage, Petrissage, Circular friction around the shoulder blades and kneading of the Trapezius.
- Prone legs (about 8 min).
- Turn supine (2 min).
- Supine legs and feet (about 7 min), arms and hands (about 7 min), then chest, neck and face (about 6 min).
Closing
Finish with a still hold, tell the client you have finished, and give them time to get up. Note the regions worked and their feedback.