Massage while laying on side

[Sarah Spriggs]

Hi

I had a client the other day who couldn't lay on their front for a back massage but could only lay on their side. They had had a massage with another therapist this way but I haven't come across this before. I did my best at the time, but wondered if anyone has any tips for a massage like this?

 

[Passion (is sick)]

The London School of Sports Massage teaches side-lying techniques (I wasn't taught any such techniques on my ITEC course). You may be able to arrange a 'therapy swap' with a LSSM / ISRM graduate in your area. There are illustrations of side-lying techniques on the Art Riggs DVD 'Deep Tissue Massage' : it's a bit expensive but I think it's an excellent DVD and well worth buying.

Regards

Alan

 

[Dakota Kakawatay]

Pregnancy massage is taught side-lying, so that may be another avenue to look into for techniques.

It's not the easiest of positions for you to keep good body mechanics for all the back work, particularly if you only do it occasionally, too easy to forget mechanics. Actual techniques you can probably adaptwhat you usually do, the secret is don't lean sideways yourself to do it. It's still a body, just at a different angle. If it was more relaxation than sports type massage, you'll probably need extra cushions, particularly if the client is a woman with a large waist/hip difference, similar cushions used in pregnancy massage.

Was it a comfort issue or something like a feeding tube? Could they lie on either side?

 

[Ryan Morgan]

Hi RosieApple[/align][/align]As an alternative to side laying, you can use a stool or a chair back to front near to the couch, they sit on the chair and lean their arms on the couch, you then do the back massage from behind them.[/align][/align]It takes a bit of getting used to but it works [/align]

 

[an on]

Thank you all for your replies. I will try out the massage on a chair this week, but definitely look into the other techniques

Cola
It was more of a comfort issue I believe. The client had lived in Africa and spent a long time riding a motorbike over the roads which are apparantly like corrugated iron. His doctor has said the problem is excessive wear and tear.

RosieApple

 

[infificinvomo]

RosieApple, I work with pregnant clients side lying a lot of the time. It is a bit strange to start with - especially if you always use a prone-supine routine. I also offer it as an option to all my clients and use it out of choice for certain conditionsHere are my tips (apologies if some of them are stating the obvious!) :-
[ul][*]You may be able to use your couch - a wider one helps - if not then the floor is great if your own back and knees are up to it[*]Try lowering the couch from normal - the areas you are working on will be higher than prone/supine[*]Use lots of pillows - perhaps between the feet, knees, under the head, and the bump in pregnant clients[*]Make sure the client is comfortable and also that they feel they wont roll forward off the couch! They may feel like that and not relax - so prop them well, and get their spine close to the edge of the couch - as you work you will tend to roll them onto their front not usually the other way.[*]A position like the first aid recovery one is typically good i.e. underside knee and elbow bent as it helps stability & comfort. Its also fetal which can be emotionally comforting to the client.[*]Draping is a little more of a challenge - I use a single flannelet sheet - big and doesn't slide, and feels cosy. You can drape and tuck it pretty well with practice[*]Obviously the routine is to work one side and then have them turn onto the other side and repeat[*]Side lying is really good for shoulders as you can get to all sides at the same time (probably why sports massage teach it?) - I often use this position for shoulder work - you can also get really good ROM for passive movement techniques.[*]You need to adapt your routines and figure out where all the muscles/joints are - and how you are going to work them all. The spine for example is no longer a strait line![*]Deep abdominal work might be tricky - but with pregnant clients this is not an issue[*]Suggest you practice on a colleague / friend - or watch someone else work with a sidelying client[*]Watch your own posture - you will end up working in ways you are not used to, so make sure you feel comfortable[*]I sometimes (with the clients permission) put a knee on the couch to stabilise myself and get good posture[*]Until you figure it out you may find you are always on the wrong side of the couch and need to find ways to get a flowing treatment[*]I am still trying to figure out a really good way to work side lying on the neck / occiput / face - these never feel really good to me unless I work symmetrically - here a chair is a good option[*]Be flexible - both mentally and physically - its a challenge but it does get you out of your normal pattern and make you think about some of the basics again.[*]Ask for lots of feedback from the client![*]I agree using a chair is another option and gives you a position that is good to work with, and is a little more familiar[/ul]

These are just some ideas and things that seem to work for me

Hope that helps

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