head massage when lying face down

[Clarence]

Hi all,

When at college we were taught to do head massage (not very much to it) whilst client is lying face up, sliding hands up back of neck so lifting head slightly and working. I'm just starting out and have had clients that come in and want back, neck and head massage (30mins). I've tried to adapt the routine but it feels a little strange massaging head with client lying face down in this way as I'm not getting to front of head.

I haven't actually tried this yet, but I could start with client lying on front and do head first and then get them to turn over and do back. I was wondering how others go about this.

Also, I was taught and am used to starting at side of client (if starting with back)and working upward strokes. I know some therapists start by standing at top of head and work downward strokes. Why is this? is it just a case of preference?

Look forward to hearing any suggestions.

Thanks

Mal

 

[xocharise]

Hiya Mal
When doing back neck and shoulders I always start with the client lying on their backs so i can work on their pecs chest shoulders and neck before turning them and finishing with 25 mins on their backs. My routine should only be 30 mins but i always go over 10 mins ( much to my clients delight lol)
With regards to which direction we should massage in . I was always taught to massage up towards the heart which i stuck to while at college but once i left i adapted my own personel routine which involves massaging in both directions especially when doing the back. I think its personel preference with each therapist .

Innerpeace x

 

[Julius]

It is better to start with them lying on their backs and do the neck/head first, you can look at the movement of the shoulders at the same time, then turn them over and do the back and shoulders.

You can apply the lubricant from the shoulders down the back, but main pressure strokes should go with the blood supply up the body to help the body get rid of toxins, you are not going to do anything serious if you work the other way, just best to go with the flow