Massage Tutorial: Using forearms/elbows effectively

[@vgpriceless]

Since yesterday, I’ve watched at least 6 of your videos, and I have to say everything from your attire (very appropriate for you); vocal pace; presentation pace/flow; knowledge; skills; sense of humor; and your slouthing intellect - lol! I am a 57 year old practicing massage therapist since 2003 (with several years break within this time) having no intentions of stopping anytime soon! Therefore, I’m always looking for the best knowledge and techniques for superior body mechanics; and highly effective techniques and time efficiency and you’re one of the best I’ve since on KZbin!! Thank you sooo very much because I am re-inspired and passionately re-ignited to dive back into continuous anatomical self-review and staying in a “enthusiastic spirit” of why I became a Therapist in the first place. Please keep up the good Instructional work!!

[@MassageSloth]

Velma Gause-Price, CMT Thanks so much Velma! I appreciate the feedback and the kind words. Thanks for the comments and shares!

[@vinaheeroo6929]

all these tips are really magical, thus sending positive messages to the nervous system to get rid of the spasm. great job

[@thangamanik3342]

WHAT A MIRACULOUS DEMONSTRATION OF MASSAGE USING ELBOWS AND FOREARMS. TILL NOW I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS THIS KIND OF TECHNICAL DEMO OF MASSAGE TACTICS. YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEDICATION IS PRAISEWORTHY. YOU ARE A VERY GOOD TUTOR. ALL THE BEST. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@beautiful1gg]

YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL... PLEASE KEEP IT UP. I GET SO MANY TIPS FROM YOU AND CLIENTS LOVE IT.. DONT EVER STOP MAKING VIDS..LOL

[@MassageSloth]

Quanii Beautiful1q Great to hear, thanks so much!

[@MassageSloth]

Miss Mash I think our way of going about things is pretty awesome :) I get the "never had a massage like this" comments quite a bit. I like those better than tips! As for lubrication, I do use a small amount of jojoba oil when I want lots of glide (some of my stuff is just a slow Swedish, but don't tell anyone), or a tiny bit of shea butter when I want a very "grippy" glide.

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

i recently visited peru and we saved a sloth and brought it back to where were stayin..she was amazing..i got to hold and hug her and she fell asleep on me..i swear that is my spirit animal! love your videos btw..have to massages to give tomorrow and i always come back to you for review and to learn :) thank you! aho!

[@lebradavis8447]

Omg. Thank you so much. You just put 10 years on my life watching this!

[@LPSDave]

I have hyper mobile wrists so I tend to use my forearms and elbows a lot. I also tend to set my table higher. I've learned how to palpate with my forearms and elbows and I prefer to use it. I'll only use my hands on places where there isn't a lot of bulk or in detail oriented areas like the neck, feet and hands. I'm a pretty lazy MT too, haha. I lean a lot on the table but those habits developed due to getting into this field with a chronic illness. Good video!

[@shaisimpson7673]

Dope videos Ian I just began my career of massage therapy a couple months ago. Recently I injured my dominant hand n was worried about my future as a MT till I seen this video as well as others focused on forearm techniques. You really helped with my Swedish and Deep Tissue routine. And I respect your laid back approach at massage in general. Much luv Sloth n most importantly keep making dope videos -Namaste

[@MassageSloth]

Shadul Yasir That's awesome!

[@gillatkinson6350]

The best tutorials ever ! Thank you so much - South Africa

[@starrisareyna4560]

Thank you so much for all of your videos. I just received my license 3 weeks ago and your channel is a resource that I use often. As many people have said, please don't stop making videos!

[@angelanamatovu4619]

Colourful

[@angelanamatovu4619]

But u lacking energy.

[@Currentwavecrew]

Thank you. This will definately save my thumbs.

[@stephanielemaire1366]

True Vibes me too...I already have pain in the The are eminece

[@feedyourfaith7392]

I will be getting my first body massage Saturday my question is does it really help?

[@Loulou13046]

@@feedyourfaith7392 yes

[@jamessanders1979]

having an awful and stressful week prepping for massage exams, your videos are amazing and I love your teaching style. thank you :-)

[@bdix1985]

James Sanders abmp is a great tool to pass your mblex. just go through and knock out each question for each subject. if you do this all the way through you'll pass 100%. i scored a 606 on my first try and got a 734 my 2nd try. i took a 780hour course with 72 hours for clinical. and still made a 606 on my first try.

[@KrisT12890]

I've been watching your videos for a while. Probably since I was in school. I think this video, the thumb saving techniques, and thumb care video have changed my practice. I come back and watch these frequently. I didn't use my thumbs for 2 weeks and it was a life changer.

[@MassageSloth]

That's awesome, Kristina! Glad to be of help, and I'm glad you're taking care of yourself 😀

[@nialli2000]

I'm loving this! As a training sports massage therapist your videos are excellent for helping my see a wider range of techniques. Thank you

[@LightTruthLove]

Have you continued?

[@DS-zo8xs]

As a client, I really enjoy when the foreman or elbow is used.

[@barbarajordan1175]

I think your videos are wonderful. Not is the information and demos great but the soundof your voice is very relaxing. You are a wonderful instructor.

[@Doralla1]

You are brilliant, and also a great teacher. I've watched many of your videos, and my massage work is better and more creative for it. Thank you!

[@Jenarul]

This is one of my favorite videos! I appreciate how you explain how our own anatomical pressures influence the massage experience. And my goodness - your voice is pure mindfulness! 💆‍♀️🙂

[@TheGen325]

your massage tutorials are my favorite on KZbin. Thank you!

[@dedalofree]

Nice video, thanks for share these interesting knowledge. You are a really good teacher. Thanks again

[@lenasiadevinee]

I loveeeee this video. The supination and pronation of the arm looks like it feels great! I’m going to try that when i go into work in a few minutes lol.

[@VisionsofSprode]

Your videos are excellent in every way. There is a new graduate at work looking for new ways to work, I will send him this way and I am sure I will learn something new thru your channel as well.

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks so much! Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see me cover in the future, I'm always looking for ideas.

[@slimgirl04]

Thank you Ian for your time and dedication! Awesome instruction!

[@tortoisenhare]

As always, great tutorial. I'm glad you snuck that bit in about back posture as we're working! Love using my forearms and sometimes I'll come up proximally from the (gently! ->)popliteal fossae to the head of the femur, glide my olecranon through the intertrochateric fossae (intending to strum the 6 deep rotators), then without lifting my arm, glide back distally down the ITB. It's a great warm up for the leg and my clients enjoy the seamless feel of getting the whole femur inside the stroke. Thanks, Ian!

[@MassageSloth]

Stephanie Mitchell That technique sounds fantastic! Thanks for the great description.

[@hattiea529]

While and since graduating from Massage School, I have been watching your videos and it's always made my techniques far superior than others. Thank you so much!

[@MassageSloth]

Glad to hear it, Hattie! It helps to have a few different perspectives :)

[@LotusLady]

I'm amazed because my routine pretty much looks identical to this. Everything. And my clients are always like, No one has ever massaged my back/leg like that. So I sometimes feel like, I must not be doing this right if no other LMT is using these techniques. But i guess I must be doing pretty OK, huh? They always feel great afterward and say they get longer lasting results. Great vid! Thank you. One question: are you using any lubrication at all? I find that some of my clients have dry skin. And i get worried about causing too much friction. But if I put even a teeny tiny but of lubrication, it changes the effectiveness of the work. Any suggestions?

[@Fierysamurai2014]

Hi, I just wanted to say thank you so much for this tutorial. I currently am a student for MT and I currently am on the deep tissue unit and I was having a difficult time grasping the information by the instructors and still did not understand their demonstrations given. That was until I started doing research and came across your video. You are awesome, thank you so much for helping me understand the techniques.

[@rookiemaraj254]

You are rich in your knowledge of the human body ,what a gift you have I felt every tissue in my body pressed and sooth by just watching this video Awesome I say!

[@shelberz1]

Consider subscribing?? Who doesn't subscribe?? So glad to hear yer a teacher beyond KZbin. So many useful well done lessons.

[@tamb4909]

Great video tutorial. I've just started using forearms to save my hands, and this was very informative. There are always little things that I love seeing that I can be more mindful of, like the ulna. I'll be sure to keep an eye on that. Thanks!

[@JitendraSingh-hl3kx]

Ji

[@susieporter7758]

Fabulous technique and advice! Thank you so much, your videos are helping me develop my massage (always in always learning mode!). I have incorporated your methods into my practice and apparently have ‘levelled up’ 😂 Ordered the book 👍👍

[@Stephanie-el2xh]

Thank you for your videos! you are very detailed and take time to explain techniques in a unique way

[@MaddeMay33]

This was really helpful, and I love your teaching style! Thank you for sharing with "us" :)

[@janibasha5879]

Thanks sir ,you teach us the effective massage techniques

[@jaclynparker7197]

Thank you this is exactly what I was needing to see slow and explained in detail! You rock Mr Sloth lol

[@myriahquintela7100]

Ooooph! I have a midterm tomorrow that's a prone massage, using only the forearm... this is so helpful!! Thank you SO MUCH!

[@MassageSloth]

I know this is a month too late, but: Thanks Myriah! I'm sure you knocked it out of the park :)

[@livelovehulakim2685]

Really enjoyed that! Would like to see how you finish a lot of those strokes

[@ModernAthletics]

Amazing techniques! I like how you're thinking about your own anatomy in combination with the client's anatomy. The wave crashing into the lower back then moving the olecranon into the scap, brilliant flow.

[@shirinmaryanchi829]

Thank you for this awesome video. It was the most helpful one about using the elbow that I watched so far.

[@lsariano207]

awesome I am in massage school now and this helped a lot thank you

[@ashleyj1144]

Great video! Thank you for posting it.

[@natoyilively9379]

Excellent video. you do an excellent job presenting using different contours of the arm and explaining why you do things. i have been playing with this for a while and developed many of the ways of moving the arm, however, i couldn't put it as well as you have, and appreciate your in depth insight. Thank you

[@kimjackson3521]

Thank you. Your tutorials are always so helpful.

[@humaneleaguelancPA]

Thank you for your great advice!

[@getcostello]

Just did my best verion of this on my mate. She is most greatful. Thans man.

[@riculfriculfson7243]

Awesome. Going to try these out now.

[@jonharris30]

Excellent teacher

[@sunyabey9889]

Hello I am newbie MT also! I love ur techniques. Thanks for teaching them! Keep posting, Ill def keep watching! :)

[@migdaliarosado4137]

Because of you.. I have become a better therapist.. Graciously. M.R.

[@armandocabanit2260]

yes goood for relaxing massage about scapular my experience massage 14yrs fromm now i proud to you sir to how demo the vidios

[@anima_mundi0919]

Great videos! it helps me a lot, thank u very much 🎉

[@zorahleduc2369]

Thank you sooo much for your wonderful tips and explanations. Many blessings on your path.

[@carolinachristensen6846]

Awesome Ian!!!! Congrats!!!👍👍

[@zken_24]

Thank you, i've been having trouble understanding how to do this. This video helped a great deal!

[@marymedinas1111]

You cover all the little details i forget! 🙂

[@jessicaestremera9878]

You and I seem to work very similar! I love your videos. If I am not learning something new, I am gaining reassurance on my massage techniques! Thank you for dedicating yourself soo deeply into your work and helping others out!

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Jessica! That's really why I originally made this channel: Not to be an authority, but to show what I personally do and why. I wish we had a thousand therapists doing the same so that we could all really understand the breadth of massage practice, and the reasoning behind it. Thank you for the kind feedback!

[@applemango3072]

So wonderful video

[@myeklecticlife]

Wonderful instruction and direction. Love it.

[@AsianBoiWatchesAnime]

Thank you for the tips! Been helping me when I work at the spa! Also can you do a video on how you do trigger point work?

[@MassageSloth]

AsianBoiWatchesAnime Glad it's been helping! And that's a great idea for a video, I'll have one in the coming months. In the mean time, I discuss them a fair amount in my headache video. Thanks!

[@kiddflash11]

Great videos. Glad I found you. You are an excellent instructor. Thank you!

[@oliviac985]

Thank you so much! Your content is sooo helpful; and I thank people like you for helping!

[@mary3844]

Your great! Thank you! I learn so much from you, keeping my skills sharp!

[@nathaliechoquet9119]

Really good tip! Thank you very much

[@samann7951]

Thank you for this video. It help me a lot

[@gillianbennett4518]

Thank you so much for this video. Love your moves, your kindness n compassion. ❤️

[@wendystewart7668]

Great speaking, teaching and video.... and you are nice to look at to boot!

[@mandywoody]

I am so grateful for your videos! You're great, thank you!

[@edwardsmith1768]

great teacher

[@anastasiataylor2351]

I love your videos! Great pace, very professional and knowledgeable, excellent way of teaching and explaining the techniques; can't wait to use them on my clients! I love the fact that you emphasize the importance of body mechanics and a low set table as a part of a successful session for both client and therapist. Keep up the good work Ian! P.S. Your attire looks appropriate and professional which deserves respect, and seems to give you enough freedom for the kind of work you are doing. Thai or Shiatsu could be a little challenging though ;-) Blessings, Anastasia

[@MassageSloth]

Anastasia Taylor Thanks so much for the kind, specific feedback! And thanks for the props re: my business casual attire, I actually get a lot of grief about that :)

[@johnathanha9340]

Slowness, gradualness, smoothness are three key words in the massages.

[@QueLindaLV]

Awesome video!!! Very helpful. Thank you.

[@jf26x]

Awesome video as usual! Keep them coming! :)

[@lindastoyer6236]

Thank you very nice video

[@zendiya1895]

Full lounge ha! love it

[@samantha-kemp-therapy]

Really helpful thank you

[@ingridsprintdu1394]

Excellent ! Thanks 👍👍👍

[@Wemorethanjustrock]

Don't worry about the camera angle, you're an awesome instructor and eye 🍬

[@MassageSloth]

Haha, thanks Lorraine 😂

[@thenarrowdoor7]

thank you for the tips i love your channel , im a new massage therapist , i leared swedish and french and lomi lomi massages i stil dont have clients but i practice on my friends and family and the reason im typing all this is because i have a question , ....most of the time after the massage they feel pain in the next day or the next two days and then the pain goes away , is that a good thing ?? and i have a friend who have scoliosis and he gets in pain when i massage him and i dont massage hard but he feel the pain , im trying to fix his scoliosis ....i would love to get an answers from ian harvey thanks and sorry for a lot of typing

[@MassageSloth]

+Elias Abu hatom Hi Elias, I say keep at it, but do one of these things: Use less pressure, use broader techniques (flat palm instead of knuckles), or go more slowly. While my clients sometimes feel some soreness the next day, I ask them to let me know if it's any more than they'd feel from a workout. If so, I did too much during that last session. Try a slower, gentler massage, and I bet that you'll still get great results. Best of luck!

[@thenarrowdoor7]

thank you so much i apreciate it ...i will do that :)

[@ibsmassagemaui6711]

You can't fix scoliosis since it is a structural/skeletal problem, usually. Use less pressure or non pressure techniques such as myofacial release. A client should never be sore more than one day. If so, you used too much pressure.

[@maxi080689]

I've been using my elbow/forearm maybe a bit too much and sometimes using too much force from my shoulder rather than lunging with my whole body. I think it's hurting my shoulders a bit. That's something to keep in mind.

[@brandongranados5569]

Excellent technique, one thing tho you could use your legs more flow

[@Homebizmum]

Very good! 😊

[@beaya3165]

I volunteer to direct your videos.

[@hannahleesbrain]

What is the width of the table that you use for mobile massage?

[@asenivanov610]

thank you so much for that video

[@hannahleesbrain]

What is the width of the table you’re working on?

[@blove108]

Thank you so much for your videos! I am an MT in Hawai'i, and incorporate a lot of lomi lomi techniques into my practice, which utilizes forearms quite a bit. I have a kind of silly question for you. Have you worked on someone who is very hairy? Like, whole back is hairy. What adjustments, if any, do you make? More oil? If so, how do we contact the fascia? :)

[@MassageSloth]

Brenna Hunziker Good question, and yes, that does present some challenges! I sometimes find that it helps to change my lubricant (creams seem to offer a more consistent glide than oil when there's hair in the way), and I do tend to use it more generously. I actually find that most hairy guys don't have very sensitive follicles, and that I can continue my slow angled fascial work with little change. I make sure to bring it up to the client and ask for their input as I work. Worst case scenario is that I have to do faster flowing work at first, using lots of lube, which I then finish with static compressions through a hot towel or the top drape. In other words... that's a tough one without a good answer. :)

[@blove108]

Massage Sloth Thanks for the quick reply! That was as good an answer as any to a hairy situation! Hehe.

[@MassageSloth]

Brenna Hunziker Ha :)

[@LadyCaramelle2012]

This has been a really helpful video for me. I am a massage therapy student and am quite hypermobile in my wrists and metacarpal phalangeal joints. I have had concerned about my longevity in this career if I put too much strain on these joints. I have been trying to focus a lot more attention on utilizing my forearms. I wondered if anyone has any suggestions or tips for table height that would be suitable for body mechanics in both forearm and hand techniques.

[@allisoncore9470]

I have mobile wrists as well Natalie. Personally, I try to keep my wrist in neutral and send the pressure through the neutral joint. This is sometimes difficult during kneads as I tend to create the circular motion at the wrist. To avoid this I anchor my elbow to my side as a move my whole body to create the circular pattern.

[@MsSquiddy11]

Natalie Cudney I have a lunate instability that is exacerbated by putting any pressure through my wrist while it's in extension, so I have to be really careful about keeping it in neutral. I try as much as possible to hook my elbow just over my ASIS and move my whole body as one unit. This keeps my wrist neutral and lets me use my body to create force rather than my arm muscles. I also keep my table low -- about in line with the tips of my extended fingers.

[@LadyCaramelle2012]

Charlotte Hannah I'm curious if you do anything regularly as self care that works for you?

[@MsSquiddy11]

Cool arm baths can be helpful after a long day of treating. And lots of stretching. :)

[@MassageSloth]

What great conversations. You should all search for the "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" group on Facebook and come hang out :) As for suggestions for hypermobile wrists, my recommendations are layering your tools when you can (hand on top of hand), frequent use of soft fist instead of heel of hand, and strengthening your wrist and finger flexors and extensors. This can be done with free weights, specialized tools, and therapy putty. Oh, and I second the idea of cool water baths!

[@nikery1]

I love your videos! thank you so much :D

[@ewelinamudy9588]

Thank you 🧡

[@hunnerrr]

Hey Ian, when you are applying pressure with forearm, it looks like you are supporting yourself on table with other arm. is that right? Asking because I am out of work with shoulder injury due to applying too much pressure to clients with my forearm.

[@MassageSloth]

Correct! I'll sometimes come into a wide squat, allowing both thighs to be pressed into the side of the table, and use both forearms at the same time. But when I'm using one forearm, I'll sink my hand or fist into the table itself and basically lounge my way through the technique. It should feel fairly effortless in either case. So sorry about your shoulder, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

[@calebm770]

I love your work and keep it up. Noticed the position of your back leg. Wondering if you ever have any issues with your peroneals being over stretched in your back leg? I tend to keep my back foot perpendicular with the table causing the lateral aspect of my leg to become over stretched.

[@MassageSloth]

Interesting! I've never really considered it, but I could see that being an issue. My hips and feet naturally turn out quite a bit, and it's not something that I necessarily recommend trying to emulate :) Basically, find a stance that feels stable to you, and don't be afraid to vary it frequently. For instance, it might be worthwhile to get into the habit of occasionally bringing that foot to parallel with the table and letting your calves get a nice stretch as you work, then switching back to your customary stance.

[@calebm770]

@@MassageSloth Thanks for the tip. The posterior aspect of my legs are tight and so I try to position my feet/hips differently so to stretch it out but I naturally fall into a hybrid archer/horse stance. I was just curious if you've had any issues with that stance. Thanks again!

[@hermiecuime9356]

thnk u sir

[@tdel13]

How do you protect your shoulders from injury when using forearms/elbows? I've found that whenever I use them a bit too much, I get some serious GH pain.

[@MassageSloth]

Hmm! The first thing that springs to mind is something that I see in classes when I call for forearm spreading: Some massage therapists will make their glenohumeral joints quite rigid as they work, giving them a huge amount of stability while not allowing for much ease or flow. I think they're trying to brace themselves in order to offer pressure, but that gets this wrong in two ways: For one, these techniques don't require bracing, because they should feel as lazy as propping yourself up on your elbow when you're messing with your phone on the couch. And secondly, this doesn't need to be a time of lots of pressure, it can actually be light and flowing, with the very nature of this close-in work making it easy to ramp up your pressure just by getting over your client. So! See if you're clenching the heck out of your shoulder muscles as you offer forearm work, and if so, lighten up and loosen up. That might help. Another possible candidate is that what you're feeling is referred pain from a rotator cuff muscle. This could mean to lighten up and loosen up, and it could also mean that it could help to stretch and strengthen your rotators. The addition of some 20 minute yoga routines in the morning can be all it takes, or an experienced trainer could program a good movement regimen for you. Feel free to ask this very same question on the forum (search "massage sloth clubhouse" on Facebook), and just play with it. See what helps, see what ticks it off, and keep experimenting. If you eventually find that all forearm work causes pain in your shoulders, then chuck it out entirely, at least for now.

[@samantanicol4583]

good stuff..

[@RM-rq7ll]

good vid man. thanks for shearing. subscribed

[@sakunakiernan3199]

Thank you so much you are the greatest!😃🙏🏼💐🇹🇭🇺🇸

[@lauriepigeon5116]

can i actually turn qlmost every basic technique we learned in massage therapy school in a "elbow/forearm technique"? because i dont quite understand if theyre different techniques or the same techniques just done differently

[@MassageSloth]

You absolutely can! Most massage techniques can be done with an elbow or forearm-the trick is to find ways that have a similar feel, and to keep the pressure where you want it. These challenges can all be solved with communication: "I'm going to repeat that move, but this time with my forearm. Does that feel similar? Not too deep?" Asking questions like that regularly, especially with clients with whom you have a good therapeutic relationship, can help you make up your own variations and new moves. Remember that all of massage is made up, and you can make up new stuff whenever you want :)

[@TracyBlack-us2qv]

So, I've been out of school and working as a massage therapist for about 3 1/2 months, so still quite new at it all. My question is, how do I do deep tissue massage, or even deeper pressure, when I am very short in stature and light in body weight, so 4ft 8in and around 115 libs? My fellow therapists tell me my size doesn't have anything to do with theses abilities, but as they try to train me in this modality, it seems that atleast for me, it does. Do you have any thoughts, suggestions, or advice for me? Thank you for your help!

[@MassageSloth]

The best massage I've ever had, one that I still think back to for inspiration, was delivered by a rather diminutive teacher of mine. I think that you'll be able to deliver plenty of pressure if you focus on a few ideas: 1) Getting your body weight over your client. If you can shift your center of gravity so that you're applying the weight of your torso through a straight arm, that will be more than enough for most people. The best way is to use a low table (see my "body mechanics for low tables" video), which might require calling around a bit for an extra low model. The less you're having to use your muscles to deliver deeper massage, the better. 2) Doubling up your contacts. If you're trying to apply more pressure, using one hand layered over the other, or two side-by-side fists can be more effective than trying to do it all with one hand. See my "how to apply more pressure" video. 3) Shrinking the area of your tool. If you want to really dig in, it can help to use a smaller tool. This could be doubled up thumbs, but I caution you against relying too much on those. Think about using the elbow with the forearm slightly raised, putting more emphasis on the tip of the elbow. Same with using an open fist with a straighter wrist, with more of the pressure delivered through the knuckles. I still recommend using broader tools by default, but these can be good for special applications. Finally, consider that your flow, technique, and informed touch are more important than pressure. Most people will forget about wanting to be mashed into paste if they feel you offering intelligent, soulful contact. That massage I mentioned at the beginning wasn't especially deep, but it did tell me so much about my body that I didn't care. Give this a try, and do feel free to refer clients who want more pressure than you can happily give to other massage therapists! I'm a strong believer that we can't please everyone, and that's best for them and for us. Take care of your body first and foremost. If you have more questions going forward, I'd love it if you brought them up in the forum: facebook.com/groups/1793289647583837/

[@TracyBlack-us2qv]

Thanks for the great tips, and the encouragement! : )

[@שמששלולוגלילדים]

Good