Subscribe to or Bookmark our Massage Video Blog
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sports massage how to video: shin splints
The Sports massage how to video clips shows gives you a basic idea of what shin splints are, but in my view the explanation and the techniques fall short.
As an exercise physiologist and personal trainer you usually only deal with shin splints, when an athlete does not have a properly balanced training. Cross training, adequate stretching and strengthening exercises can usually prevent shin splints from happening.
Shin splints are very easy to explain (and I will do that it layman's terms):
Overuse of the calf muscles (for example by frequent running, extended jumping exercises etc.) can lead to a chronic shortening of these muscles.
Stretching can sometimes be enough, but the problem lies in a disbalance of the calf muscles and the muscles on the front of the lower leg (tibialis posterior next to the shin bone on the front).
The chronic shortening of the calf muscles leads to a weakening of the tib anterior, which is chronically put in a stretched position. This stretching leads to irritation of the muscle tissue and an inflammatory process we commonly then call shin splints.
To know what it is gives you also an indication of what you need to do to fix it.
1. Massage of the calf muscles is just one part
2. Stretching of the calf
3. and really important is to strengthen the tib posterior /tib anterior (dorsiflexors - muscles that lift the top of the foot)
4. medial support in shoes
Here is a quick exercise that can help strengthening the dorsiflexors
You can also do the same exercise with exercise bands or exercise tubes
I also want to show you this video from Dr Brian Abelson, which talks in detail about the difference between shin splints, compartment syndrome and stress fracture occuring the lower leg.
In his treatment section he shows a facial release of the tibia, which is good, but in my view very low on the priority list of treatment options. The tib posterior /anterior is already stretched and weakened so any of the moves that includes further stretching of the tib anterior seem to be counterproductive, as they will increase the irritation in the muscle.
First you need to release the calf muscle to decrease the pressure of the front of the lower leg. Then you work on the fascia restrictions in the front.
Still this is a great sports massage how to video:
click here to see more sports massage how to video clips
As an exercise physiologist and personal trainer you usually only deal with shin splints, when an athlete does not have a properly balanced training. Cross training, adequate stretching and strengthening exercises can usually prevent shin splints from happening.
Shin splints are very easy to explain (and I will do that it layman's terms):
Overuse of the calf muscles (for example by frequent running, extended jumping exercises etc.) can lead to a chronic shortening of these muscles.
Stretching can sometimes be enough, but the problem lies in a disbalance of the calf muscles and the muscles on the front of the lower leg (tibialis posterior next to the shin bone on the front).
The chronic shortening of the calf muscles leads to a weakening of the tib anterior, which is chronically put in a stretched position. This stretching leads to irritation of the muscle tissue and an inflammatory process we commonly then call shin splints.
To know what it is gives you also an indication of what you need to do to fix it.
1. Massage of the calf muscles is just one part
2. Stretching of the calf
3. and really important is to strengthen the tib posterior /tib anterior (dorsiflexors - muscles that lift the top of the foot)
4. medial support in shoes
Here is a quick exercise that can help strengthening the dorsiflexors
You can also do the same exercise with exercise bands or exercise tubes
I also want to show you this video from Dr Brian Abelson, which talks in detail about the difference between shin splints, compartment syndrome and stress fracture occuring the lower leg.
In his treatment section he shows a facial release of the tibia, which is good, but in my view very low on the priority list of treatment options. The tib posterior /anterior is already stretched and weakened so any of the moves that includes further stretching of the tib anterior seem to be counterproductive, as they will increase the irritation in the muscle.
First you need to release the calf muscle to decrease the pressure of the front of the lower leg. Then you work on the fascia restrictions in the front.
Still this is a great sports massage how to video:
click here to see more sports massage how to video clips
Labels: sports massage how to video, sports massage video
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thai Massage: danger for the lower back
I know I am kind of stuck on Thai Massage right now, but I came across this one video clip and thought I need to share this with you.
I don't want to criticize the therapist in the video, but I want to add something to what I said yesterday.
The main problem that I have with Thai massage is that you have to be extremely cautious and sensitive to the client, because some of the Thai moves are not for everybody.
I will talk here mainly about the lower back.
The video starts with pushing your hands with upper body weight into the lower back. This doesn't make any sense. The normal curvature of the lower back is already a lordosis, which means it bends towards the front and this moves would just increase the lordotic pressure of the spine, which is not a smart move.
But let's put this into a broader contents. Usually the lower back muscles tend to be tight and short, while the ab muscles have a tendency to be weak and overstretched. You get in many people the typical forward tilt of the hip, which is one of the main indicators for this fact.
If I press now somewhat perpendicular into the lower back you increase not only the lordosis, but you also stretch the anterior (front) connecting muscles of the spine and further weakening them.
But this is not enough there a several more moves that put the person into a hyper-lordosis (extreme back-arch) with simultaneous pressure in the lower back area. Stay away from that. It can easily give somebody a back ache, who has never experienced such problems before.
These moves are only for the extremely flexible (not for the normal Joe Blow) and it is still questionable to me, what purpose they have, what is done to counteract these movements and how it supposedly help the spinal health.
Anyway I know that I'm not an expert on Thai massage matters, but as a licensed massage therapist and exercise physiologist I urge therapists to be responsible enough to say in a video, that this things should not be practiced at home, unless you know what you are doing.
Anyway you can make up your own mind about it now.
Back Thai Massage - The most amazing videos are a click away
Click here to see some really nice Thai massage videos
I don't want to criticize the therapist in the video, but I want to add something to what I said yesterday.
The main problem that I have with Thai massage is that you have to be extremely cautious and sensitive to the client, because some of the Thai moves are not for everybody.
I will talk here mainly about the lower back.
The video starts with pushing your hands with upper body weight into the lower back. This doesn't make any sense. The normal curvature of the lower back is already a lordosis, which means it bends towards the front and this moves would just increase the lordotic pressure of the spine, which is not a smart move.
But let's put this into a broader contents. Usually the lower back muscles tend to be tight and short, while the ab muscles have a tendency to be weak and overstretched. You get in many people the typical forward tilt of the hip, which is one of the main indicators for this fact.
If I press now somewhat perpendicular into the lower back you increase not only the lordosis, but you also stretch the anterior (front) connecting muscles of the spine and further weakening them.
But this is not enough there a several more moves that put the person into a hyper-lordosis (extreme back-arch) with simultaneous pressure in the lower back area. Stay away from that. It can easily give somebody a back ache, who has never experienced such problems before.
These moves are only for the extremely flexible (not for the normal Joe Blow) and it is still questionable to me, what purpose they have, what is done to counteract these movements and how it supposedly help the spinal health.
Anyway I know that I'm not an expert on Thai massage matters, but as a licensed massage therapist and exercise physiologist I urge therapists to be responsible enough to say in a video, that this things should not be practiced at home, unless you know what you are doing.
Anyway you can make up your own mind about it now.
Back Thai Massage - The most amazing videos are a click away
Click here to see some really nice Thai massage videos
Labels: thai massage video
Innovative Thai Massage
Thai Massage is one of those massage styles that not just feel good and are great to do, but are also great to watch. There is a yoga, tai chi element to it, a harmonious flow between the moves that is so crucial for the great effects.
I sometimes have a feeling that some of the therapists sometimes see it almost as a performance, a dance that can be distracting at times, when the therapist focuses more on the movements than on the actual response of the clients body.
If it turns into some partner yoga type of thing, it is definitely not what this styles was intended to be. Thai Massage is heavily influenced by ayurvedic medicine and so all the principles of ayurvedic medicine also apply to thai massage.
The other problem that I sometimes encountered with thai massage was that the therapist was not sensitive enough to know, how far you can stretch. It can be very tricky and probably also a reason why there are so many in socalled partner massage, which encounters the same basic problem of disconnect between the two partners.
I usually stay away from some of the more advanced stretches - also because it is sometimes hard to get out with ease in case something goes wrong (like a cramp!)
I know a lot of the Thai therapists will ensure you that Thai massage has been around for so long and there is no evidence of a lot of injury through Thai massage, but so it was said for Yoga too and the rate of injuries has definitely increased.
Maybe it is related to the fact that Thai massage therapists used to be trained for a very long time and were maybe not so goal orientated or self absorbed.
Anyway I don't want to sound to negative. There are great thai massage therapists out there, I just wanted you to consider that there is more danger on getting injured with this massage styles than with some of the more passive ones.
I am also always out to check out new videos that maybe show you something new or give you great detail, so you can benefit in your own practice from watching them.
Here is an example of a Thai massage video that shows a new prop: the Thai massage chair.
I'm not necessarily saying that you should go out and buy this product (although it doesn't look bad), but I believe that you can translate these moves into a camping bed, lounge chair.
It's always good to have a repertoire of moves that you can perform wherever, with minimal need of props. The more options you have the more flexible you will be in your work.
That's why I translated a some Thai massage from the mat onto a bed. It is much easier on the knees and is a great technique before going to sleep. Enjoy
I sometimes have a feeling that some of the therapists sometimes see it almost as a performance, a dance that can be distracting at times, when the therapist focuses more on the movements than on the actual response of the clients body.
If it turns into some partner yoga type of thing, it is definitely not what this styles was intended to be. Thai Massage is heavily influenced by ayurvedic medicine and so all the principles of ayurvedic medicine also apply to thai massage.
The other problem that I sometimes encountered with thai massage was that the therapist was not sensitive enough to know, how far you can stretch. It can be very tricky and probably also a reason why there are so many in socalled partner massage, which encounters the same basic problem of disconnect between the two partners.
I usually stay away from some of the more advanced stretches - also because it is sometimes hard to get out with ease in case something goes wrong (like a cramp!)
I know a lot of the Thai therapists will ensure you that Thai massage has been around for so long and there is no evidence of a lot of injury through Thai massage, but so it was said for Yoga too and the rate of injuries has definitely increased.
Maybe it is related to the fact that Thai massage therapists used to be trained for a very long time and were maybe not so goal orientated or self absorbed.
Anyway I don't want to sound to negative. There are great thai massage therapists out there, I just wanted you to consider that there is more danger on getting injured with this massage styles than with some of the more passive ones.
I am also always out to check out new videos that maybe show you something new or give you great detail, so you can benefit in your own practice from watching them.
Here is an example of a Thai massage video that shows a new prop: the Thai massage chair.
I'm not necessarily saying that you should go out and buy this product (although it doesn't look bad), but I believe that you can translate these moves into a camping bed, lounge chair.
It's always good to have a repertoire of moves that you can perform wherever, with minimal need of props. The more options you have the more flexible you will be in your work.
That's why I translated a some Thai massage from the mat onto a bed. It is much easier on the knees and is a great technique before going to sleep. Enjoy
Labels: partner massage, thai massage, thai massage video
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What makes a good Massage Instruction Video - Lower Back Pain
Massage Instruction video clips on the internet can be basically divided into the following categories:
Instruction by word and picture &
Instruction by picture only
While there is a lot of video clips that just try to cash in on the popularity of massage on the internet, and actually don't really show you anything of value, there are massage video clips that will give you a glimpse of a technique to either advertise for a product or for a service.
We have always believed that there it is a great service to people to show full techniques, especially for people who just want to learn a few tricks to help their partner, friends and family. People who don't want to attend a massage course or massage school.
I want to start to show you on my blog - massage video jewels - those are videos that are actually giving you insight in a technique, background, anatomy.
Here is my first pick for a massage instruction video clip from Gary Wilson (who I don't personally know) - he is an excellent instructor with a lot of experience.
One of my most favorite clips of his is the how to massage the quadratus lumborum (a muscle that is often connected to lower back pain and hip pain)
Click here to see another massage instruction video about Hip and Lower Back connection
Instruction by word and picture &
Instruction by picture only
While there is a lot of video clips that just try to cash in on the popularity of massage on the internet, and actually don't really show you anything of value, there are massage video clips that will give you a glimpse of a technique to either advertise for a product or for a service.
We have always believed that there it is a great service to people to show full techniques, especially for people who just want to learn a few tricks to help their partner, friends and family. People who don't want to attend a massage course or massage school.
I want to start to show you on my blog - massage video jewels - those are videos that are actually giving you insight in a technique, background, anatomy.
Here is my first pick for a massage instruction video clip from Gary Wilson (who I don't personally know) - he is an excellent instructor with a lot of experience.
One of my most favorite clips of his is the how to massage the quadratus lumborum (a muscle that is often connected to lower back pain and hip pain)
Click here to see another massage instruction video about Hip and Lower Back connection
Labels: hip pain, lower back pain, massage instruction video
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Foot Massage Chart
A Foot Massage Chart can be also called Reflexology Chart. It shows the basic "reflex zones".
Reflexology foot massage is based on the principle that if you look at the soles of the feet you can see a representation of the body (Foot massage chart), with the toes representing the head and neck area etc.
Reflexology therapists created a map that shows all the organs and body structures reflected in the soles. If you want to influence a certain area and you don't have any access to it directly (like an inner organ) you can use these points.
TIP: It is very important to understand that Reflexology foot massage is a very complex approach. It might work for temporary pain relief in certain areas by massaging the corresponding reflex zone, but a trained reflexology therapist will actually see a much more complex picture of interrelated areas by manual examination and therefore will also get results much greater than just temporary relief of a problem.
Some reflexology experts even warn that this massage style can actually harm somebody if not applied and understood properly.
Click here if you want to know more about the basics of Reflexology Foot Massage (including video clips).
Click here to see a Foot Massage Chart.
Reflexology foot massage is based on the principle that if you look at the soles of the feet you can see a representation of the body (Foot massage chart), with the toes representing the head and neck area etc.
Reflexology therapists created a map that shows all the organs and body structures reflected in the soles. If you want to influence a certain area and you don't have any access to it directly (like an inner organ) you can use these points.
TIP: It is very important to understand that Reflexology foot massage is a very complex approach. It might work for temporary pain relief in certain areas by massaging the corresponding reflex zone, but a trained reflexology therapist will actually see a much more complex picture of interrelated areas by manual examination and therefore will also get results much greater than just temporary relief of a problem.
Some reflexology experts even warn that this massage style can actually harm somebody if not applied and understood properly.
Click here if you want to know more about the basics of Reflexology Foot Massage (including video clips).
Click here to see a Foot Massage Chart.
Labels: foot massage chart, foot massage diagram, reflexology foot massage
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lymph Node Massage Video
Lymph Node Massage Video: I have been cruising the net today and stumbled over this really nice 5 min video clip that shows what to expect from a basic facial lymph drainage.
The video is very clear and shows in detail the structure of such a treatment. I have personally learned this massage style in Europe, but have never really felt very inclined to use it much on my clients.
I know a lot of people really like it soft approach and the tremendous results that you can get from a good treatment especially if you have a tendency to get ear infections, sinus pressure, various headaches, but also if you tend to retain water in your face.
One Tip: My teacher always warned us to be very focussed (of course you should always be very focussed when massaging), but especially with lymph drainage, as pushing the fluids the wrong way could lead to serious distribution of toxins back into the blood system.
I would stay away from this massage style if you have no proper training in it. It is not something you can just learn at home. It is important to know the basics of lymph anatomy and physiology, otherwise you might make a fatal (and this is how serious the effect of bad lymph drainage can be) mistake.
Always check your lymph drainage therapist to make sure he or she are fully qualified to do this massage.
Enjoy this lymph node massage video clip
Click here if you are interested in videos other than this lymph node massage video clip
The video is very clear and shows in detail the structure of such a treatment. I have personally learned this massage style in Europe, but have never really felt very inclined to use it much on my clients.
I know a lot of people really like it soft approach and the tremendous results that you can get from a good treatment especially if you have a tendency to get ear infections, sinus pressure, various headaches, but also if you tend to retain water in your face.
One Tip: My teacher always warned us to be very focussed (of course you should always be very focussed when massaging), but especially with lymph drainage, as pushing the fluids the wrong way could lead to serious distribution of toxins back into the blood system.
I would stay away from this massage style if you have no proper training in it. It is not something you can just learn at home. It is important to know the basics of lymph anatomy and physiology, otherwise you might make a fatal (and this is how serious the effect of bad lymph drainage can be) mistake.
Always check your lymph drainage therapist to make sure he or she are fully qualified to do this massage.
Enjoy this lymph node massage video clip
Click here if you are interested in videos other than this lymph node massage video clip
Labels: face massage video, lymph drainage video, lymph node massage video
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Couples Massage eBook
I know I haven't been blogging much, but I tried to finish my new eBook: Couples Massage Secrets - Easy Techniques to Connect and Impress.
It's a great guide for those of you who would like to relax your partner (friend, relative), but don't know really where to start.
I laid out simple principles on how to quickly find out which techniques to use, where to use them, how to create the right ambience and how to understand the body language of your partner.
I have used these principles in many workshops and seen it successfully applied by many couples.
Even if you are not interested in couples massage, I think that this eBook contains also a lot of valuable information on how to understand peoples needs, how to properly communicate with them, how to change your techniques according to the feedback you get and how to be open to get taught by the recipient or client.
No matter if you are a pro or just a weekend warrior, this eBook will give you the cutting edge you need to be successful with partner massage or in your massage business.
Check it out: Couples Massage Secrets
It's a great guide for those of you who would like to relax your partner (friend, relative), but don't know really where to start.
I laid out simple principles on how to quickly find out which techniques to use, where to use them, how to create the right ambience and how to understand the body language of your partner.
I have used these principles in many workshops and seen it successfully applied by many couples.
Even if you are not interested in couples massage, I think that this eBook contains also a lot of valuable information on how to understand peoples needs, how to properly communicate with them, how to change your techniques according to the feedback you get and how to be open to get taught by the recipient or client.
No matter if you are a pro or just a weekend warrior, this eBook will give you the cutting edge you need to be successful with partner massage or in your massage business.
Check it out: Couples Massage Secrets
Labels: couples massage, partner massage
