Massage Tutorial: Myofascial release for headache (with trigger point therapy!)

[@vsmario]

9 years has passed and I keep coming here to review my technics! Thanks!

[@smurfysmurf6345]

within the first five minutes this was the best video I've seen to address headaches for clients. Thanks.

[@pinakibhattacharyya7853]

You have a very nice voice and a gentle way of putting things into perspective. That must really help in pain management. You videos are very useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kat-of-dragons]

I tried this today on a client and got excellent results!!!!!!!!! Thank you keep the videos coming.

[@lloydrobert6182]

Your videos have a meditative quality to them. Beautiful.

[@brikl]

Thank you so much for mentioning about not breathing in the client's face! This is one if my biggest pet peeves. I've gotten great massages but the therapist left a subtle bad impression by breathing in my face. I just have this thing about not liking to directly breathe in someone else's exhaled breathe (most especially if they smoke).

[@mdinu001]

Great myofascial massage and trigger point massage video. I like it that the therapist explains all the steps of the massage, and the reasons for them.

[@delilaha]

Love your dynamic. Nice to see some genuine human interaction! You remind me of my friends and I.

[@musicgirl999]

Wonderful job! Your voice is very calming and I love how you shift from soft spoken to almost a whisper. When I was 20, I got a table massage by someone who’d just finished massage school which turned out to be a very negative experience because he behaved very inappropriately towards me and it was a very scary situation. I really want to overcome that more now. I’ve had massages by past bf’s of mine that had no MT background and such but that’s a little different. I did recently meet another male MT 30 mins from me. I did allow him to give me a massage while I was clothed (he knew about my negative experience and also did a great job and didn’t cross any boundaries), and I feel very proud of myself that I was courageous enough to take that step.

[@MassageSloth]

I think that's great that you're experimenting with receiving massage again, and I'm so sorry about that terrible experience. This might be something that you're already engaged in, but I encourage you to talk this out with a counselor or psychologist - they might have some ideas for how to process that past experience, and how to safely integrate massage into that journey. Be kind to yourself, and yes, take pride in your courage!

[@musicgirl999]

@@MassageSlothHey Ian! Thanks for your reply! I really appreciate it. I also told another MT lady friend that I have and she said it pains her to hear about people having bad experiences and that it shouldn’t be that way. She actually has a background managing spas and also teaching massage programs, and has had to fire employees who’ve worked under her and discipline students up to and including expulsion from the MT program altogether because of misbehavior on their part. She also told me that she’s had some clients, mainly male, that have acted inappropriate towards her too.

[@oliviac985]

Everytime I watch your videos I am reminded to go slower. I do most of your techniques already, but always find I don't feel so effective and thorough. Time actually goes by a lot slower when my strokes are faster because I'm rushing through my routine. Ddduhh 🤯 I feel like a dip. Clients will probably appreciate me morr taking my time.🙄 thanks as always!

[@MassageSloth]

I bet you're killing it, Olivia 🙌 If you'd ever like to troubleshoot or talk about that rushing phenomenon, I'd love it if you'd post in the forum: facebook.com/groups/1793289647583837/

[@jenellsaphid]

You two are hilarious and I haven't even made it three minutes in! She wasn't staring much haha :)

[@vergurogue4544]

Where did Rachael go? She have her own channel?

[@ktbdw2403]

It was actually a little distracting from the lesson. I appreciate the clients who respectfully stay unemotive.

[@ludwigvonn9889]

My man, I'm a massage therapist and I would do anything to have an MT like you around for my own health. You seem to be doing everything exactly the way it should be done. Good work! Your clients can be extremely happy knowing that I have seen my fair share of bad MT...or not so much bad but..its just about the way an MT cares/doesnt care about you your well being. I genuinely want people to feel better and that's what makes this job so incredibly enjoyable..seeing results and happy faces :)

[@andreabryant2857]

Why is this a better ASMR video than actual ASMR videos?

[@nanaland5808]

this is so scientific as well as intuitive! great stuff Ian.😊

[@jabberwocky4023]

I'm not a massage therapist, but watching this video has definitely helped tone my headache down. That may not make logical sense, but I don't care ☺ Many thanks!

[@Nightmare91o]

Jabber Wocky Actually it does

[@luns486]

It's called ASMR. Look it up.

[@Sandra-zf2kq]

Thank you Ian, your videos are very helpful. 38 mins is quite long, your voice is so soothing. I fell asleep LOL

[@MommaWeeza]

Love your videos. Great deliverance on information. You keep it to the point with a dose of humor. Much appreciated!

[@shaliah6827]

I love the way you speak... you make me feel so present 🙏🏼

[@bobsarfatty4673]

Ian, the great.The best massage therapist i have ever seen.

[@JCampbellDK]

Entertaining, informative and inspiring Body mechanics seems a little off at times, considering the ideals to ensure a longer lifespan as a MT Keep making more videos, you point out many great little considerations and your informal and natural interaction with both the camera and your "client" makes it entertaining to learn from you.

[@Vintagea88]

I realize I’m 10 years late to this party but wow, so insightful. Thank you.

[@stanzavik]

I feel like these 2 have a history. Lucky man...

[@fairytoffee3159]

I need a friend like you :D youtube took way too long to lead me to you - and now I'll make sure to spread the word :)

[@ashlyncurtis7167]

Just wanted to say how much your videos have helped my practice! So grateful for the work that you share. I have been working towards taking myofascial release seminars, continuing ed and haven't saved up the money that I need yet. These have been so incredibly helpful, and have soothed the part of me that wants to continue to learn. I feel that using these techniques you need to use the palm of your hand often and it is easy to over-extend your wrists. Do you have any tips for self care for wrists, hands and forearms? thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

Hi Ashlyn! I have a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7EgKuZg6p9ocU You're right that it can be easy to get into the habit of using the palm for most techniques because it allows for easier myofascial traction. My solution is to watch the angle, and to frequently substitute a soft fist. I also try to use my forearm when possible, but that's one I'm still working on (12 years later...). Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@CrysResan]

"Don't just stare at it the whole time." Things easy to take out of context for 500 alex.

[@yalodde1164]

Thank you Ian, i can always count on you for everything I need info. I am having lots of clients with migraine problems and this video is going to help me help them... thank you so much 😉

[@gunjidguille7251]

Much appreciated. Thank you

[@bettyspyler3864]

You are too funny! And oh so helpful as a gifted teacher and massage therapist. Thank you thank you for all you do

[@awkwardzoltar3529]

Awesome video. I’m so tired and your voice is so soothing 😴

[@RONALD511]

Really like learning your massage vocabulary makes me feel like I'm getting my money's worth

[@MrAngryGorilla2000]

Really enjoyed this video, btw who in the right mind would dislike this video? Jealous people I imagine.

[@MassageSloth]

I don't sweat it :) Thanks for the kind words!

[@whengandree5371]

I'm applied it to myself first, I really felt the positive result, thanks for sharing your knowledge, help me a lot. .

[@stephanielemaire1366]

This was a great video. Thank you so much. You are an excellent teacher. I have been using many techniques from your videos with great outcomes. Keep up the great work.

[@yvonnehill1533]

I am learning so much watching your videos. Keep them coming..

[@judithmolina8456]

Excellent video. Very detailed and pace is perfect to practice along. Thank u do much for sharing knowledge!

[@britrah]

Fantastic! Thank you so much for uploading. This is exactly what I have been looking for to release some pressure :D

[@mie_charmme]

Hi, I love watching your tutorial videos and this is great! I learned lots of important stuff from you! Thank you!

[@sundaybest27]

I feel so relaxed watching this.

[@thomasmi16]

Nice rythm and precise movement

[@mollymadden2653]

Wow thank you so much! I learned a ton from this that I was able to use with a client recently, and it really helped her! Thank you!!

[@MassageSloth]

Great to hear, thanks Molly!

[@louiseorgasmicmrwhisperlit1901]

Love your trigger point therapy video. Nearly fell asleep listening to you. I don't intend to take up fire eating!!! I go to an osteopath once a week for arthritis and neck pain! It makes me fall asleep!!!

[@stevehicks399]

I like that you work nice and slow

[@Veruska5]

Hahahahahahaha!!! "Practicing juggling and fire dancing" was good! hahahahahaha!!!!

[@zenai6948]

Very helpful! Rotator cuff... that's what I was missing! Thanks!

[@LadyofSharlot]

Very relaxing .love your voice

[@thousandyardgavri2785]

this is my kind of asmr

[@l.Cryystalnature.H.E333]

Beautiful presentations I loving it I get your attention on motivation technique. Thank you 😊 💓

[@willischneider19]

He is funny, smart and really cute. Great video.

[@janisclarke6615]

It would help me if when working with trapezius you could talk about where your unseen (to the camera) Finger tips are. What depth would you say your working at coming from a Swedish perspective. Appreciated the slowness of your strokes. Thank you.

[@Asianfayce]

Funniest video ever, I love your channel!

[@troymceachern1844]

Awesome instruction!!! Much appreciated.

[@CT-sx6ng]

Excellent work. 👍

[@vergurogue4544]

What happened to Rachael? She have her own channel now? Is she not a client anymore? You two had great chemistry.

[@delphinebasquin9871]

Thanks for this excelent tutorial!

[@julissagu]

great stuff, as always! do you teach CE's?? I learn so much with you!

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Juliana! I'm not teaching CEs at the moment, but it's something I'm considering. I'll announce it like crazy when I do :)

[@johnleonard9285]

great, great, great, and great! .... minute 30:13 the distal phalanx of your third finger hyperextending makes me nauseous, otherwise, enjoy and value your presentations!!

[@MassageSloth]

+John Leonard Yeeaah, they do that :) I rarely apply much pressure while they're in that configuration. Glad you appreciated the video!

[@lucaschacon8362]

John Leonard I have the same issue with all of my distal falanxes and it hurt if you don't know how to massage

[@zevilgehannivani256]

awesome man I will try some on my bestie since he gets headache off and on. Got to get blondy back to normal.

[@MihaliWheeler]

Another great video :)

[@mihaelamocanu4854]

Hi! I have a question for you. What is the difference between massage therapist and a massage technician? Because I have a diploma on which is written massage technician and I don't know if I can say about myself that I'm a massage therapist as well. Thank you! Love your videos!

[@MassageSloth]

Hi Mihaela! Massage therapist is a term frequently used here in the US, and it's largely regulated by state law. For instance, in Florida and Colorado, two places that I've called home, you can't call yourself a massage therapist without the proper state license. This is different all over the world. I'd check with your local laws, but the safest bet would be to use the term listed on your certificate. Cheers, and thanks for the kind words!

[@iwantamumu]

To clarify, you just hold pressure on the trigger points until the pain dissipates?

[@MassageSloth]

That's how I was doing it in this video. I've since found that I don't necessarily need to do that part; by just making contact with a region of high sensitivity, especially in a painless way, I find that I can usually resolve that pain referral just as well. For a massage therapist, that might mean gently and slowly "ironing out" those areas in the upper traps. If you're planning on doing work on yourself, I recommend gently holding those sensitive points as you slowly and subtly turn your head from side to side. Headache can be a tricky thing, and too much work can just intensify the situation. Realize that you always have access to yourself, and that we tend to be harder on ourselves than we would be with anyone else. So, be gentle, and only do a little bit each day (e.g. a single 5 minute session of working with those points). If that offers no relief, I do recommend consulting a specialist.

[@brikl]

You talked about stripping the muscles. Do you have any videos, or could you make one, where you talk about the differences (pros, cons) between stripping and crossfiber work?

[@npmeyer77]

Still cruisin' these vids - no idea what you're talking about. Just love it anyways.

[@TheMcginty222]

Wow i would like a massage like that ,i live in LA . I have all my left side sore including shoulder ,neck and head, good job

[@jaedayyt7542]

ventura Mcginty I am a licensed Neuromuscular Massage Therapist located in L.A. 17 years treating with Myofascial Release. Come see me www.sacredearthwellness.com

[@dlm8763]

I would love to get a massage, but when I have before, I get really dizzy. My neck muscles and shoulder muscles are very tense. When I have a massage, I am sick for days. vertigo etc. Have you ever heard of this and do you know what I can do to prevent it? Thanks!

[@MassageSloth]

I'm not familiar with extended vertigo like this. My first thought is that it has to do with neck positioning during massage. If your neck is left in an uncomfortable position for an extended period, it can compress certain blood vessels or nerves enough to cause dizziness or fainting. By the same token, overly aggressive massage and stretching to the neck can prompt those same reactions. Finally, there might be something about the face-down position, which is fairly unique to massage. If I were your massage therapist, I would try finding the most neutral and comfortable neck position possible, I would avoid approaching your neck too directly or intensely, and I would limit that face-down time. You may also have more success with side-lying massage, or even chair massage. If you choose to give it another try, starting with a half hour session might be a good way of testing the waters. Best of luck!

[@kailanyoder4899]

@@MassageSloth good answer massage sloth

[@redhotruby6503]

It was the best amazing great really appreciate. I hope you will have also coming up on mobilization

[@MassageSloth]

Redhot Ruby What kind of mobilization techniques would you like to see? And thanks for the kind words!

[@redhotruby6503]

Hi Ian harvey , thank you for your reply I was looking for mobilizations techniques like for joints , shoulder different types it will be great if you have in up comeing. Thanks

[@TheArtofThings]

how often do you use joint mobs? we learn it in school but I'm trying to see how often it's used in a relaxation environment as opposed to clinical? scapulothorasic is obviously the easiest one but the other axial ones I don't see being used as often ? thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

+TheArtofThings When I'm doing a relaxation massage, I'll typically work on the back and chest with the arm in different positions, and I will mobilize the scapula just a bit. I may also throw in some femur rotation as I work with the gluteal region, especially if the client has a tight low back. I'll do more when a client has specific needs (see my clothed massage routine for hip pain, coming up this Monday). That said, while I do value working on the body while it's in lots of configurations, I don't do a lot of mobilization for its own sake, or to increase flexibility. I'm trying to give the nervous system lots of interesting new stimuli, not get the arm in a position that it doesn't usually assume. That's just me, and lots of massage therapists have success by incorporating a focus on range of motion. That said, I do purposely limit my mobilization of the neck. I don't stretch it over to one side as I press the contralateral shoulder, or lift the head into an epic flexion stretch. I've seen too many clients report neck/headache pain following MTs doing that, or (heaven forbid) dizziness/faintness. While I do draw the head from side to side as I work, and I don't shy away from the anterior or lateral neck, I do respect the very rich nervous and vascular components that are present. I haven't found a way of stretching the neck while properly safeguarding those structures. Again, many therapists disagree and see success with neck mobilization! I kind of got off on a tangent :) So: Yes to getting the arm moving as you work with the back and chest! See my arm massage video for how I manipulate it, if you like. I also do some fun (and gentle) work in my frozen shoulder video. Thanks for the question!

[@jawshvancouver2754]

Watching this to help out my little brother he gets horrible migraines do whatever I can to help him

[@capresti3537]

This is for tension headache?.

[@holosmassage6343]

Thank you for such detailed videos Ian. One question though, would this be too much for a client who says that massages normally trigger her migraines? Would you just avoid neck and head area or do it more gently and work on reflex points on hands and feet instead for example?

[@MassageSloth]

Absolutely! If a client finds that they get rebound headaches/migraines following massage, I would be incredibly cautious with neck and shoulder work, especially fine trigger point style work. I would limit the duration as well, keeping that work to just a few minutes the first session. As the sessions progress, I would experiment with greater duration and intensity, and back off once we stopped getting good results (or if I provoked a headache). The neck can often be in the precarious position of being tight enough to cause problems, but sensitive enough that direct work can cause reflexive tightening. Working with those clients takes patience and experimentation. Great question, and definitely something I'll include in my next headache video! P.S. Doing reflex work on the hands and feet sounds like a great idea!

[@holosmassage6343]

Great Ian thank you for your professional feedback, I really appreciate it as I have my first session with this client today and been doing some research. We actually did agree to start with half an hour and was going to do precisely what you recommended, foot and hand reflex points. I will let you know how it goes and yes would be great to hear more about your experience and knowledge around this topic! Thanks again for taking your time to answer in detail, I can't afford to study more yet but your videos are something I keep watching whenever I can!

[@holosmassage6343]

P.S I also have been experimenting with techniques you shared on your videos with great success :) Thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

Sounds awesome, glad to hear that it went well! And good job following your instincts :)

[@lyndsaywalton1698]

What do you suggest to do for a client that it is very difficult to grasp the trapezius muscle even after warming the tissues. Whether it be because of excess fatty tissue or because of myofascial tightness

[@leslismith303]

Great Name. I love Sloths

[@happy-sq8wd]

What is a penant stretch that you sometimes mention? Thanks

[@MassageSloth]

A pin-and-stretch is just a technique where you pin a muscle in place and then put that area into stretch. An example would be to grab a hunk of muscle on your upper shoulder/back (the trapezius) and then move your head gently from side to side. The movement adds a new dimension to the massage and can give you better results. As you try this, be gentle and avoid anything that causes increased tension or pain.

[@happy-sq8wd]

@@MassageSloth thank you very much!

[@tester3x]

Just a general massage question. I need shoulder work. I have an embarrassingly hairy back. I'm guessing I have the option to keep my back covered with something? Does that give the full message sensation? What is the general consensus Massage therapists have about dealing with hairy backs?

[@MassageSloth]

You can definitely, 100% receive massage. Any experienced massage therapist will have encountered just as much (or more!) body hair, and will have ways of working with it. For instance, I swap out my massage oil for massage gel (doesn't seem to disappear amid the hair) and sometimes do some of my work through the drape. That latter strategy basically stops me from gliding at all so that I can really hone in for some trigger point work or what have you. So basically, look for someone with a few years of experience, and feel free to shoot them an email asking if they have strategies for dealing with body hair. The right massage therapist will respond with enthusiasm and a plan. Good luck!

[@indisol3088]

what do you recommend for hour sessions? i prefer to do a 120 min massage if that person has chronic pain of any kind so that i can take lots of time to warm the muscles and relax the nervous system. i always ask if they are okay to focus on "upper body" for the whole hr. but even with that. 1 hr doesn't feel like enough time.

[@MassageSloth]

Same here, so my strategy is to either convince them to schedule a longer session next time, and/or to tell them about how I'd like to spend most of the time on their problem area. If they're on board, then I might spend a full 45 minutes on the head/neck/shoulders, and then just a quick tour of the back. Not ideal because I would like to work more broadly than that, but it can be more effective for some people given limited time.

[@indisol3088]

@@MassageSloth yea, same idea for me as well. i work at a more mild spa type place and sometimes they want full body, plus a focal point, plus a foot scrub all in an hour lol. but i hear ya

[@DesireeStclair-qq8pi]

Thank You for sharing. 💛

[@Joanna0301]

Must one have jaw symptoms to be considered TMJ?

[@titanirens7596]

I have a jaw injury, got MRI but nothing showed wrong in the TMJ. Can you recommend someone in the Houston, TX area? Have pain in my face, occipital area, shoulders, ears. Thanks

[@MassageSloth]

I'm afraid I don't know anyone in the area! If you'd like to try some self-massage, this might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eouQepmEfrV5jq8 Discontinue if you have any increased pain or dysfunction, and consider seeing a dentist for a consultation (a jaw splint can be a big help if you might be grinding your teeth, for instance). Good luck, and do continue pursuing your medical options!

[@observinthelaws]

What was the "going down" thing? A trigger point?

[@sue4341]

Have you worked on clients who have fibromyalgia?

[@MassageSloth]

I have, and I plan to make a video on that soon. My strategy for that is usually to avoid trigger point work (some clients with fibromyalgia will have had success with it, but I find it tends to exacerbate pain and spasm), to work slowly and broadly, and to think about outcomes over the course of 10 sessions rather than trying to accomplish my goals in one or two sessions. I envision a nervous system that is easily sensitized, and I let everything else follow from there.

[@sueirby2499]

I get migraine headaches, should this same technique work for those?

[@heathermcarthur5231]

Are you still posting??

[@emsmith2519]

Lavender Oil Link?

[@Lonem]

at 4.25 i got scared that hes not recording

[@spencerwattamaniuk950]

+Lonem Panda Then how would that part be included if it wasn't recording?

[@Lonem]

thats the joke

[@andreabryant2857]

Spencer Wattamaniuk Oh, honey...

[@yellowmilkdud]

Where can you buy the oil at?

[@MassageSloth]

Was I using jojoba oil in this video? If so, I like "hobacare" brand. It's a little pricey, but it stays good forever, and a little goes a long way.

[@angelicaharwell3062]

I'd love to see you massage a horse, which is my chosen patient. I was just working on a horse & that first rib area is often an issue. I keep referring back to horse anatomy while you work!

[@angelicaharwell3062]

Also..with horses there are signs we look for since they can't tell us vocally. Fidgeting, change in breath, yawning, blinking, ect...

[@MassageSloth]

I bet you have amazing client tracking skills!

[@hugbloom2664]

@@angelicaharwell3062 do you watch the animal cracker Dr Doug with rescue horses? Would love to see videos of you massaging horses too if you ever felt like filming 🙂

[@dawndamico5088]

@@angelicaharwell3062I look for those same signs in my humans 😉

[@ImZeroThaHero]

Looks like James franco a little

[@valentincerono6591]

He looks like Danil Medvédev :D

[@jamessanders5288]

great video

[@thelearicist]

Chemistry wasn’t my best class in high school but I know it when I see it

[@LesleyJaneArnott]

nice Massage

[@saritaylor3648]

What does the referal mean

[@MassageSloth]

If you're asking about pain referral, it's the phenomenon where pain/dysfunction in one part of the body can create pain or tension elsewhere. A common example is clenching in the jaw causing pain in the temples, or pain in the rotator cuff being felt in the front of the shoulder. If you're asking what to do about referred pain: Make sure to work with the areas that hurt, but don't ignore areas that could be referring to them. In the case of frontal (forehead) headaches, I would be sure to work with the trapezius muscles and posterior cervical/occipital muscles. If you'd like a good guide to pain referral and tracking down its source, check out the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by the late Clair Davies. While I work with referred pain differently than Davies (I've found that myofascial release and even Swedish can be effective), it's still a great experiential way of learning about pain referral.

[@saritaylor3648]

Massage Sloth Appreciate the reply very much.

[@umeshkumar007]

I wish someone could give me massage like this here where i live in Delhi, India. I had issues with scm and scalene after my whiplash injury 2 years ago.

[@ewelinaduraj5921]

Hello🙂, could You please add more languages to yours videos? Polish would be ideal. I find all your video very useful and interesting. Thx in advance.

[@nolanmonahan6348]

I ship you two

[@peppycheer355]

They bang fo sho

[@caseyslifewithcp3727]

Headaches and migraines are the worst probably not but it feels like it in the moment

[@marcomartinez89]

great

[@MORANN11]

Thanku!

[@bethcolley1391]

Very interesting

[@kgarza7366]

Great

[@sal44791]

Awesome.

[@lynettecubic4520]

why at you seated?

[@observinthelaws]

Pretty crazy how your fingers go into 90 degree extension. Mine go 45 degree extension.