Before the patient arrived, I ensured that everything was set up by placing the couch roll down and lowering the bed which makes it easier for the client to get onto the massage table. Once they had arrived I got them to lie in a prone position on the bed. I then asked if they had any contraindications or were allergic to any of the massage mediums. They weren’t allergic to any of them which meant I could pick the one that works best for me. To start with I spent 20 minutes on one side of the back, performing effleurage to warm up the tissue before starting deeper tissue work. It is also important to use this technique at the start of any massage as it can allow you to identify potential injuries. I then used kneading ensuring I covered both the medial and lateral parts of the back so all muscles were affected. This is a good technique to use at it allows tension to decrease but flexibility to increase. I then palpated the medial border of the scapula and used circular petrissage around this area to get to all parts of the muscle tissue. I finished off with tapotement where I observed areas of erythema which showed the massage was working. Once I performed the same on the other side, I did wringing across the whole width of the back and then used my knuckles to get even deeper. I finished off by palpating the levator scapulae and released some tension here as this area quite often gets missed.

Areas for further improvement 

To improve I think its important that I try and identify other techniques besides massage to use. This will benefit me as it will put less stress on my hands and it is a positive for the client as well as alternative methods are a quicker way of achieving the same thing. I could have thought about using muscular energy techniques that include post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and reciprocal inhibition (RI) to improve flexibility and joint mobilisation. I could have used it on both the upper traps and the rotator cuff muscles, both areas that they had tightness in.

Things to Remember 

1. Adapt your language depending on the client
2. Use other methods outside of massage as they are just as effective but quicker
3. Use the massage medium that works best for you