Search Loser asks AGAIN about eyes and suboccipitals...

[Mommy to 2 Nis and Teagan]

Dang it, I cannot seem to search for (and FIND) the technique of eye movements for releasing the suboccipitals. I believe I remember Maestra posting this (at least once at my request since I also forget the technique from time to time) -- but if anyone knows it, I could sure use some help and reminding. Thanks guys.

(I am going to keep trying Search, I just have gotten frustrated not finding it!)

 

[leah5302003]

I can't find it in search either, but I've used this technique before, and found it highly effective. It relies on the reality that most people, when turning the eyeballs, will initiate very small mobilization of the suboccipitals and cervical spine. By localizing those movements, and providing slight stabilization/traction, you can use eye movements as you would MET on larger muscles. By using eye movements you can very accurately target specific suboccipital and cervical muscles by giving the client landmarks to look toward, while at the same time eliminating the large movements that most are inclined to do during this type of work.

Generally I use it just like MET or AIS, look and hold for 5-10 seconds, relax, deep breath, and slow-velocity stretch for 2-3 seconds.

 

[thecused1]

The reason you can't find it in the search is because it's been "eaten" by the board, I think maybe before we upgraded to the current phpBB.

As it is referenced in this thread in the student section.

Too much pressure on the suboccipials:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10079

Too tired ATM, to try to coherently describe it for you but will try to do it for you in the next few days ok BJB-LMP?

 

[crtbryn]

You are a doll. Both of you actually.

No hurry M my friend. At least I remembered accurately that it was you I had heard of this from!

Stacey that makes sense to use it as MET is used. I will try it out that way tomorrow.

 

[SUSAN B]

:roll: tks breath nmaestra i have used the eye scroll also but would like to also read more info

 

[naguero]

You can find several references to that form of MET in Karel Lewit's Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System and in Leon Chaitow's Muscle Energy Techniques. There is also some reference to it in Warren Hammer's Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods.

If you have none of those books, you can google the phrase "gaymans use of eye movement" and in the first page you will find a review of the Hammer book which uses the excerpt about eye movement and you can read it there.

A neat trick for self work: Sit straight in a chair with feet flat on floor, keeping your chin horizontal to the floor, turn your head to the right and then to the left. Notice which side seems to have the least ROM. Turn your head to the side that has the least ROM. At the end of the motion, keeping your head and body still---then you will make three eye movements but ONLY with the eyes, do not move your head or body.

First, look with the eyes to the opposite direction your head is turned for ten seconds. Then look up for a count of ten seconds and finally look down for a count of ten seconds. After this you should be able to turn your head a little further than before. Very cool!

The important thing is you move just your eyes during this excersize.

 

[Flatt]

That is cool, Kathryn! I just did it and it's great! My neck has been bugging me the last few days!

 

[Lol]

Ooooh... on some days I am very impressed by myself! *ultra grin*

BJB-LMP, does this help you out?

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=34151&highlight=eye+tongue+suboccipital+exercises#34151

scroll down to the 6th post on the above listed Massage Pearls page to find:

Sub-Occipital Exercises
Whiplash Injuries / Neck Stress

Have the client lay supine... with their shoulders positioned at the very edge of the table so that they can extend their neck over the edge just a little, then have the client look up over their head, towards their feet, left and right... using eye movemeents only. They're not allowed to actually move their head... just their eyes. I usually have the client do a set of 10 reps and then check for progress. I usually include a couple effleurage after doing the eye exercises before continuing on to the tongue exercises.

Then try the tongue exercises, by again extending the neck over the edge of the table... and this time the client sticks out their tongue... towards their nose, their chin and left and right. I also have them do reps of 10 if they can for this exercises. Sometimes 5-7 is all a client can do. I follow it up with a few effleurage too.

It's not just good for people who've been in car accidents... but people who have a lot of neck stress too. (Work at computers, drive a desk, etc.)

Posted by maestra at: http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4006 (now the dead link... yippee for the Pearls Pages!!!)

 

[carnation]

Thanks Pueppi!

It has been a hectic couple of days @ work and personally... I appreciate you finding the info for BJB-LMP. I was dreading having to type it all again. :

 

[Pompal 09.]

Wow. This entire thread is really going to help me with my clients with sensitive, stressed necks. These techniques are just plain neat.