What is your favorite massage technique and why?

[Krishna]

Have you found a massage technique that is particularly effective or that you really enjoy giving?

[Sabine Gabauer]

I really enjoy mixing a lot of different techniques I've learned... Of course it always depends on what my clients want, but I like to use 'Positional Release Technique (PRT)', Kahuna moves as well as Swedish movements... I never stick to just one technique.. that's not possible for me! I try to feel what my client needs... and of course stretching!

[Krishna]

Hi Sabine, Can you tell us a little more about PRT and what it involves? When would you normally use this technique?

[Barry Krost]

My practice is mostly composed of Positional Release methods, which I have been using since 1993. I really love it and enjoy teaching it as training or CE hours.

I call my variation of the technique: “Positional Release Massage.” There are some differences in the application of Positional Release particularly among Osteopaths, Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists. Positional Release Massage emphasizes the subtle palpation skills to find tune the positions [Lots of micro-movements]

Positional Release began in the 1950’s when Lawrence Jones, D.O. discovered by accident that when he placed the body into a specific comfortable position pain and dysfunction would heal quickly and often completely.

He initially called this approach to pain “spontaneous release by positioning” and later Strain-Counter Strain®. Eventually variations of his work became known collectively as “positional release.”

In positional release the most comfortable position resets the sensors in the musculature and joints know collectively as proprioceptors. With the correct stimulus to these sensors, the musculoskeletal system returns to a healthier state, eliminating pain and allowing joints to move back to dynamic balance.

There are few contraindications to using it. I use it to release muscles, change the movement in joints, help with organ function and reset the gamma motor nervous system.

I spent 10 years studying a positional release variation developed by an Osteopath named Arthur Pauls, called Ortho-Bionomy. As a judo master he added some key elements that decreased the time of release; He added compression with a specific twist.

Eventually I began studying other forms of positional release and added a number of changes to my work.

I have been studying Lymph Drainage Therapy developed by Bruno Chikly with the Upledger Institute and will be added it increasingly to my practice. It goes very well with positional release.

[Colin Spain]

Although I trained as a Remedial & Sports Massage Therapist, I rarely use the methods I was taught in school. The main reason I moved away from being an accountant to becoming a RMT is that I had 'tennis elbow' and found a guy by the name of Lester Cox who in 2-3 short minutes, had my arm above my head without restriction. That day, (I had travelled 3 hours to his clinic and 3 hours back home) I enrolled in a massage course which eventually saw me attain RMT.

Lester Cox's Method of Corrective Manipulation of Muscles Tendons and Ligaments is very powerful and is the main income stream I have. The time taken (many times just one balistic movement) to give some clients immediate relief, is just so satisfying. You will not find any information on the internet about Lester Cox's Method - just a few of us who use his method. I don't know why those who completed his workshop when he was active, never took it up as the main weapon in their armoury.

If you wish to learn and you live near me, (Melbourne Australia), I am quite willing to spend a day or two with you going through the moves that bring immediate relief. Just contact me through this forum.

Colin Spain

[Jeff]

Hi Colin. I would be interested in hearing about Lester Cox's technique. I used to work with a lady who uses it and have read through his book. I have never used his techniques (can't remember any of them) but have had a few patients who have been to him who say he is good. What would be involved? Thanks. Jeff

[Philip Millroy]

I use a lot of different techniques in my clinic, I agree PRT's are great and I use these a lot. I hate thumbs in my back so I never do this to my clients. MFR's are wonderful on erector spinal muscles, gluts and hamstrings and I love MET's on scaps, cx and sh just so dam easy to release.
Now if someone can just tell me the trick to getting clients to drink water I'm all ears....?

[Benchawan Pongthai-Green]

I lived in Canada, but I have my back ground about Thai Massage
I have to get my license here in Canada. I just have to practice more & more.