Massage Tutorial: Serratus Anterior (and its friends!)

[@AMYBIERHAUS]

Why ANY "thumb downs", even 3? Ian's video could not be more informative nor helpful for working with this particular region. Thank you, Ian, for all of your awesome tutorials - so great to have you back!

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks mum!! And I don't let the thumbs down bug me :)

[@Charlie-de8tv]

Ian, your vids are wonderful! Long time massage therapist here - and so glad I found your videos! Thanks so much and look forward to many more.

[@judithanderson8071]

How would I find a therapist proficient in these techniques in Northern NJ and Miami? Thank you to any one who can help!

[@Criszcrosscut]

People who thumbs down wanted to have the. Massage.

[@Chronically_ChiII]

This guy is horde. I can't like a horde player, it goes against my religion, b b-igot

[@sarahgoddard2001]

I was about to type "serrates anterior massage" in the search bar, took a look at my subscription box, and you already provided! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I greatly value your teachings. Overtime I use your techniques with a client they always say it was one of the best massages they've had.

[@MassageSloth]

Haha, that's a fun coincidence :) And thanks so much, Sarah, that's great to hear! Let me know if you have any topics you'd like to see me cover in the future.

[@JaySinghIsImmature]

What an incredibly clear, concise, complete lesson. Amazing teacher!

[@thepokekid01]

Just yesterday I was thinking "Man, I miss Massage Sloth, I wonder what Ian is doing. I can only assume he is being kept busy, but I want to imagine him laying around like a sloth.". This timing is amazing! You must know your audience.

[@MassageSloth]

Your imagination is fairly close to the truth :) Thanks so much, and glad to be back!

[@judithanderson8071]

How would I find a therapist proficient in these techniques in Northern NJ and Miami? Thank you to any one who can help!

[@amandamarques618]

Excellent tutorial! It’s always a pleasure to watch your work - please never stop making your videos. You are helping a lot of us students and you have the knack of explaining anatomy and techniques in an interesting and simplified manner. Could you please post a video on abdominal fascial release for digestive issues in the future? Thanks a million Ian! 😊

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Amanda! This here's my best abdominal work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJPGlKhrg5lpatU

[@stephanielemaire1366]

I have learned more from Ian than I did in a year in school.You are my go to person when I have questions or looking for a new way.

[@MassageSloth]

I appreciate that, Stephanie :)

[@thirdintegra]

Same here. School was a colossal waste of time and money for me.

[@joannakaye609]

I've always enjoyed your videos, and this one is no exception. Very informative. I would love to see a therapist like you for my serratus issues. Good job.

[@daniellecarter7729]

Your videos are always really informative - thank you!

[@ouhw]

Very good and informative video! Needed a refresher on more ways to treat this muscle group and this was perfect! Hope you keep doing more stuff like this! 😁👐🏽👏🏽

[@memoir4you]

Marvellous technique, very slow & precise & I'm sure effective as well. Thank you for sharing. As a therapist myself ,its always good to keep honing techniques especially this often overlooked muscle area in a massage.

[@donfenton7473]

Just started watching and you are very good with explaining everything. Thanks for the great videos and information.

[@indisol3088]

I loooove your work. I just think it would be helpful to see you demonstrate on non ideal or imperfect body types. Can you get under the scapula as well on someone with more body fat? Or tips for dealing with larger body mass

[@Triumvirate888]

Haha! That HORDE tattoo on the guy at 20:48 made me almost spit out my soda. The nerd is strong with this one...

[@Triumvirate888]

7UP, by the way. I know somebody is going to ask me...

[@Chronically_ChiII]

@@Triumvirate888 7up who?

[@wlp4368]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your tutorials are so helpful! My clients thank you, too!

[@mrstammimoat]

Your technique is ALIST! AWESOME TUTORIAL! SENT THE LINK TO MY LMT CLASS. YOU'RE AWESOME! THANK YOU

[@MassageSloth]

Appreciate it, Tammi!

[@lindsayjuarez7125]

great anatomy lesson and lots of great reminders for me to bring to all my massages.

[@yalodde1164]

Nice to see you again Ian, and thanks for your informative videos..

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks Yalodde, glad to be back!

[@MsSemki]

This is very helpful for me as I am planning to study massage therapy and now learning as much as I can because I know there is tons of information to learn. Muscles, their origin and insertion, function, their nerve and blood supply give me anxiety.

[@MassageSloth]

My advice for this: Expect it, embrace it, don't let it psych you out :) In other words, you're right that anatomy and such will be a steep hill to climb, but expect that, and embrace the grind. Approach it like learning a new language: Read the words frequently, say them out loud, and teach them to others, and eventually they'll start feeling more natural in your mouth. Over the course of months and years, you'll end up with all sorts of interesting latin words and fun facts about muscles that just seemed to seep into your brain of their own accord, and you'll wonder what you were ever worried about.

[@MsSemki]

@@MassageSloth many thanks for the advice! I can't wait for the muscles information to feel easy and natural :))

[@kylieswift31]

This is very helpful! Especially with the anatomy. Thank you!

[@JenniferSchadeLMTGulfBreeze]

Ian, you need to come back to Pensacola! This picky massage therapist misses you! I hope your doing good in Colorado! I still have yet to find a massage therapist that understands myofascial work like you do! You are missed my friend and great video!

[@MassageSloth]

Ha, thanks so much Jen, good to hear from you! :)

[@tortoisenhare]

Ian- can you please do a video on self care for these areas? (Serratus group, Latissimus/Subscapularis area) I'm dealing with repetitive strain in these areas and work on my own trigger pts, but any other insights would be appreciated. Thank you for all your lessons! You and they are priceless.

[@MassageSloth]

I definitely plan to have more self-care videos in the future! In the meantime, I find nice broad foam rolling of the posterior and lateral torso can have effects all over: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qbZ4d5jbCGb9k Not as good as a real massage, but a nice thing you can do for yourself every night. Thanks for the kind words!

[@supraspintus1124]

Do you have any clients that are actually in need of the trx that you are providing, maybe with thier shoulders rolled forward and a somewhat pronounced hunch so you can see a visual difference in their posture after the trx with a feedback on their feelings about the trx and a follow up after several weeks.

[@alysha2mcp]

You should have an anatomy model for visuals... Ooo I spoke too seen, for you added an anatomy photo. Thank you again for the great videos

[@fazeelalaher6250]

Amazing explanations. Don't let it bug you first the thumbs down

[@mariamarquez1361]

So sloth like, its effin wonderful. So soothing.

[@GoodByeSkyHarborLive]

16:39 that's where the upper serratus is right under under your hand?

[@MassageSloth]

Yep, basically think of serratus anterior hugging the ribs as it passes deep to the pecs. It's big, and very broad! Another good way of working with those more far flung portions more directly is during side-lying massage. If the client has their arm positioned anywhere other than right by their side, you'll have a good shot at those lateral and anterior ribs as the pec and breast tissues fall toward the floor. But hey, nothing wrong with working through the pecs.

[@anantapadmanabhan250]

What are the complaints/symptoms that are present when you have an inflamed or overstretched posture pain. I get pain in taking deep breaths during meditation

[@rahulkalra8989]

Very helpful and informative! Thank you Ian:)

[@ryancaputi5127]

Great video! Thank you for making this.

[@cw3086]

"I see a red shirt and want to paint it black" 😉

[@Vesperon]

Looks like that draping video from Rebel is no longer available.

[@michaelroberts5801]

Is this gd for a scapula winging!

[@SriwahYuni-ts7lr]

Wondering if ever can help winged scapula problem

[@NoName-qm8hb]

seeing the red patches on the skin from being massaged is so satisfying for some reason

[@galactic904]

Could this stop my scapula region from (snapping)? I wish. I've tried plenty of scapulae and (serratus anterior) exercises but always quit after a few days and my muscles keep snapping with mild pain and stress. One day i'll get some insurance

[@MassageSloth]

Massage involving the ribs and rotator cuffs might be of use for you, but I don't expect it to be a quick fix. My recommendation for snapping scapula is focus broadly, and to work around anything that is aggravating. Try adding in some stretches that work with your pecs and rotator cuff (I give some examples here kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6TGq2WtndKWsNU), and do exercises that don't aggravate your scapula pain/snapping. Play around with it, keep moving, and once you've got insurance, see a physical therapist for a customized regimen of stretching and strengthening.

[@annacoleman9253]

You’re amazing 👍🏼😊

[@monica11119]

Good video! Thank you Ian! Warm regards.

[@areannashears449]

By giving the muscles better stretch information, will that give them more access to that muscle or will muscle memory kick in?

[@MassageSloth]

My strategy is to just give lots of different stimuli and let the client's nervous system sort it out. In the case of the serratus anterior, for example, I'm not worried about spreading in one direction or another, I just want to provide prolonged stretch stimulus as they breathe. You mention muscle memory, and I do think that's a big factor-while they might feel a sense of easier breathing and standing right after the massage, it's likely that they'll return to their normal patterns and pain before too long. My goal with this massage isn't to cause change in any one sitting, it's to keep providing that new information in session after session, gradually convincing their nervous system to let go of hypersensitivity and excessive tone. If we can convince them to move in new ways that promote that same message, all the better!

[@imeldabancat5666]

Imj interested to join your video

[@aubreymcinturf2995]

Hi there, I'm just out of massage school, awaiting my licensing. For a female client, would you have her hold breast tissue with her opposing hand using a breast drape to be able to complete the supine work here? Great lesson, thank you!

[@MassageSloth]

That'd work great! You could also use the existing drape by having them restrain their breast tissue through the sheet, folding the outer portion of the sheet over their hand, and exposing the lateral ribs. That said, using the breast draping would have some value in itself by giving you more access to related areas. Good question!

[@skychanges9197]

You can also work this muscle side lying giving your client a pillow to hold in front of breast for extra security

[@areannashears449]

When they grab the face cradle or table, won't that cause them to engage a muscle that you are actually working?

[@MassageSloth]

That's a good question. What I'd like is for them to be engaging the hand only, allowing the shoulder to be completely relaxed. That said, if they choose to engage the pecs to reach over, that's no biggie: By engaging that antagonist of the traps and rhomboids, it should reduce tone in those posterior muscles, allowing for better access. If they just tense up their entire upper back and shoulder, however, I'll try another position, like having their arm rest on a stool or fitness ball.

[@areannashears449]

Massage Sloth that's good. And very much something to think about. My only concern is the client being savvy enough to understand how to isolate certain muscles that way unless they are privy to that type of interaction and muscle education. This is good stuff.

[@Donna-S]

Hey Ian, Would you suspect serratus anterior when a runner takes a fast deep breath and it causes a lot of pain in that general area (ie this happened to me almost a year ago and these muscles around the ribs have never been the same. took a long time to recover). I wonder if my diaphragm might be involved too. I do a lot of core strengthening work through regular yoga practice yet these mid thoracic muscles still are so fragile to any sudden movements. Fellow mt that probably also needs a lot more massage than I'm currently getting...

[@MassageSloth]

It could be, but keep in mind that there are SO many muscles involved in inspiration. Running can be uniquely stressful for the body, especially with the extreme distances that we strive for. Realize that every step involves a gentle jarring of the neck, shoulders, and ribcage. This affects the scalenes, SCM, serratus muscles, intercostals, and many others. When combined with the tension involved with taking big chest breaths, this can be a stressful situation for those little criss-crossing muscles, especially over the course of weeks and months. Serratus anterior may be a good focal point, but I recommend working with everything that affects the shoulder girdle and rib cage. Getting more massages would be great, as would trying out some yoga, doing some bridges, and some sensible resistance training, especially under the guidance of an experienced trainer. The use of a foam roller can be a great opportunity for allowing the chest to open up slowly and gently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qbZ4d5jbCGb9k If your pain persists or worsens, I do recommend seeing a doctor and/or physical therapist. Best of luck!

[@Donna-S]

Thanks Ian. Yeah I wonder if PT would be helpful at this point. I will look into that. Actually as a result of this incident I don't run as much anymore, only 1-2 times a week. I mostly do long walks and yoga now. I do feel better with that approach. Yet I still feel a lot of weakness in my mid back. Thanks for the tips!

[@evanp2164]

hey brother! You should check out Neuromuscular Reprogramming taught by Jocelyn Olivier out of CA (she travels to teach as well). She just got inducted into the bodywork hall of fame, id like to meet you at one of her classes!

[@shelberz1]

Thank you

[@elenabrabant9057]

Ian, i wonder about your wrist. It is bent enough to cause harm to a therapist if used continuously. Or maybe I don't understand something? Could you kindly reply about your thoughts on this? Thank you

[@elenabrabant9057]

The video is wonderful!!! Loving it )))

[@MassageSloth]

I try to keep my wrist from going into hyperextension, and I'm careful with applying weight when it's close to 90 degrees. That said, this is a wrist posture that works for me, and it may not be comfortable for everyone! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@halpal12]

Can you talk about graston massage? Does it actually help?

[@MassageSloth]

For those who aren't familiar, the Graston Technique uses flat tools for a scraping style of massage, similar to Gua Sha. I think that scraping is a fine addition to your massage repertoire, especially used minimally for times when you want to temporarily desensitize an area or give it extra stimulation. I could see that being useful for long-standing chronic pain that isn't responding to other interventions. As for using it extensively in a way that causes widespread microtrauma: I think that there are usually better ways of contacting the body while still getting similar or superior results. In other words, I think it's a nice tool for the toolbox, but there are usually kinder and gentler methods that will work just as well.

[@halpal12]

Massage Sloth Awesome ! Thanks!

[@areannashears449]

Would you still work the detritus anterior with a female client while supine?

[@MassageSloth]

I work with this area frequently, but only if I'm able to establish wide open lines of communication, and if I've gotten informed consent. That would sound something like this: "Jane, you expressed concern about your upper back pain and your posture, and there's a muscle on your side here that can contribute to that. It's called the serratus anterior, and it runs from your ribs back to your shoulder blade. I'd like to work on that during the massage, and it would help me for you to hold the draping over your chest as I do so. Is that something you'd be comfortable with?" As I talk, I demonstrate on my body where I'll be contacting, and how I'd like her to restrain the drape. If I receive consent, I'll reiterate that "just like with the rest of the massage, you should feel well-covered the whole time, and it should be comfortable work. Let me know if that's ever not the case, okay?" I tend to over-explain, especially in early sessions. For more on how to work with a client holding the drape, definitely check out the video from Rebel Massage that I linked in the description.

[@aube9994]

You should have more videos doing massage to men / guys

[@witheredmedia]

can you make weekly massage videos like Psychetruth used to? they quit recently :(

[@suemikushida9744]

Perfect 👍 obrigada

[@bjbrunetti]

I think I’ve strained these. Pain on side of my chest , bottom of arm pit

[@leenomedal-lafon5994]

I know that you addressed it, but for some reason, I just imagine of so many things that could go wrong with a female client, that I am reluctant to do this sort of work on her. However, if she comes with a specific request that requires me to go there - I probably would.

[@MassageSloth]

This is generally my approach as well. If this work seems to be indicated by their symptoms, I'll have a good conversation with them about it, pointing out exactly where I'd like to work, making sure to emphasize that it's optional and that I've got no investment in their decision. This work is great, but I think a lot can still be accomplished with just posterior and lateral rib work.

[@kathysmith7268]

Welcome back Ian! You've been missed! I love that you mention the nervous system, and was wondering if you've read Diane Jacobs book DNM?

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks so much, Kathy! Yep, I love Diane's work, and I think that reconceptualizing massage as a conversation with the nervous system has really influenced everything that I do in the treatment room.

[@evanparcon]

Now I want to learn this fast! 😂

[@love63891]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!! 👍

[@kaylacorbs7478]

Lok' Tar Ogar!!

[@ImaginaryMdA]

For the horde!

[@mscolleen13able]

Nice man bun.

[@cunita11]

Este es un masaje relajante. Pero si mi cliente tiene contracturas en el serrato, no puedo solucionarlo con un masaje tan suave. El cliente se iría con la misma contractura con la que vino.

[@abale1729]

Not the best way to work serratus anterior but massage is still pretty good. Serratus anterior has more of a job stabilise down the scapula. This can be seen when pushing and pulling in a certain position. If serratus is not firing up, then this can cause scapula winging. The other 2 serratus muscle helps stabilise the ribs more so they don't semi dislocate when intercostal muscles work. If I ever do KZbin videos I will show you.

[@travelswithsi8932]

Thoracic Park

[@ImaginaryMdA]

Muscles? Couldn't be me!

[@TheZzzleep...]

I like your red shirt. Red with any dark pants is a classic combination.

[@MassageSloth]

Thanks! I was a little concerned about it, it seemed... so red

[@Albatrosspro1]

He's dressed like a magician. You do the math... ;)

[@Dud30ify]

FOR THE HORDE!

[@gilsonsilva8280]

Can you touch his nipples? What if the guy is hairy? Are you using oil? Thank you!

[@NathanLJustice]

nice shirt

[@patrickqin]

Man is he hot

[@stephanielemaire1366]

Patrick Keown Yassssszzz!

[@thirdintegra]

He's adorable

[@jsrodman]

The client is handsome as well.

[@Chunkylova53]

My life for the Horde

[@westsidemasseur5806]

More massage and less talk

[@schattenseele66]

for the horde!