Steps
- 011 min
Drape the first leg
Client prone with a bolster under the ankles. Undrape one leg and tuck the sheet firmly under the inner thigh, keeping the gluteal fold covered.
- 023 min · Leg
Whole-leg effleurage
Glide from the heel up the calf and the back of the thigh to the gluteal fold, returning lightly down the sides. Ease off behind the knee and check the pressure.
- 032 min · Hip
Gluteal compressions
Over the drape, press rhythmically with a palm or soft fist from the edge of the sacrum out towards the hip. Build slowly.
- 044 min · Thigh
Hamstring petrissage
Knead the back of the thigh from above the knee up to the gluteal fold, inner then outer side. Ask if the pressure suits.
- 052 min · Thigh
Hamstring wringing
Wring across the back of the thigh with the hands moving in opposite directions, travelling up from the knee.
- 064 min · Leg
Calf petrissage
Knead the calf from the ankle up to below the knee, lifting the muscle gently. Keep pressure off the back of the knee.
- 071 min · Foot
Sole of the foot
Thumb circles over the sole from the heel to the base of the toes, using firm pressure so it does not tickle.
- 082 min · Leg
Closing effleurage
Slow whole-leg strokes from heel to gluteal fold, each lighter than the last.
- 091 min
Feather off and cover
Light fingertip strokes down the leg, then cover it and repeat the sequence on the other leg within the times shown.
Set-up
Client prone, bolster under the ankles, as in Draping and room set-up. Work one leg at a time: the step times cover both legs. Keep the gluteal fold draped and tuck the sheet firmly on the inner thigh. Check pressure early with Pressure scale and check-ins.
Order
- Effleurage of the whole leg, heel to gluteal fold.
- Compression over the gluteals through the drape.
- Petrissage and Wringing of the Hamstrings.
- Petrissage of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus.
- Circular friction to the sole of the foot.
- Closing effleurage and Feathering.
Always stroke towards the heart, and keep firm pressure off the back of the knee, where nerves and blood vessels lie close to the surface.
Closing
Cover the leg, move to the other side of the table, and repeat. Finish with a still hold on both feet.