Forearms and Hands pt.1

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The forearms and hands are areas that massage therapists are all too aware of. Our work means that if we’re not careful we can develop the problems we see in our clients. My wife Andrea wanted some videos discussing and delving into the work we do together exploring how to keep her in shape to knit and work in fiber arts.

As an avid bodyworker married to a fiber artisan I’m very aware of the areas she’s working and how to release them, thus making her job easier. One of the things we discussed beyond the physical issues we encounter in our work is the mental anxiety that comes with knowing that if you cannot work, then what? This stress led me to figure out my own hand and arm issues and I’m happy to announce that I’ve been doing what I do for ten years with no signs of stopping. Self care is a big deal.

In the video we’re stretching the forearm extensors. I see people regularly who announce they have carpal tunnel syndrome who have horrible trigger points in their forearm extensors. Treat the trigger points and often…carpal tunnel goes away. That’s a large announcement but unless there is actual nerve degeneration my professional expertise is that Good bodywork can ease carpal tunnel issues and lead to a reduction if not disappearance of symptoms.

Stretching the forearms and applying pressure yourself with a tennis ball, baseball, then golf ball in that order is a superb way of having knitters take care of this area. Musicians, desk junkies and massage therapists take note, you need this too. It will help you understand the area we’re working on and how to alleviate the chronic issues you encounter from repetitive motions. If you find the floor doesn’t work for you try the same exercises against a wall.

Good luck and check out part 2. I’ll post that soon.

Ma Roller for back pain pt.4

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This is the last video in our series on low back pain and we include a deep hamstring stretch. People with low back pain can find huge relief from doing this regularly. Share with your friends and loved ones.

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Ma Roller for back pain pt.3

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This is the 3rd installment in our series of easing back pain with the Ma roller. I know these videos seem simple but this is deep tissue massage you can do at home. A single investment in this tool and a little time will ease lots of tension in muscles related to posture.

If you’re a massage therapist share these videos with your clients.

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Another massage?

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In working as a massage therapist I’ve encountered so many people and so many bodies that I’ve built a mental catalog of structural issues and things that cause musculoskeletal pain. When I began my work years ago I would ask clients questions, “What do you do for work, play, exercise? Where are you experiencing tightness or pain?” I began to dislike the answers I was given. The reason was that after about 500 clients I already knew what the answers were usually. Upper back and neck pain are the most obvious and I dedicated years of my life to studying the problem, working on my own pain from a whiplash and scoliosis.

Ten years later, I know what I’m doing. I still learn new things, new approaches and methods but I’m highly skilled at what I do. I’ve gone beyond just being a massage therapist. If someone tells me I’m just a massage therapist my hackles raise. You’ve not understood my teaching.

If you come to see me for bodywork I’ll do everything I can to help you. This includes the Thai massage you’re receiving but I’ll tell you to start doing yoga. Not if or maybe, I will mention it. It’s rare that I do not. I can have you be a regular client and help you, we can give you another massage. Bodywork is wonderful but active and passive forms of care are best and work together.

So here’s the deal. Do you want another massage or do you want to get better? If you want to heal, the best way to do that is take what I offer and work on your own healing. That is what I teach. It’s you. You can heal yourself. I’ve done it, continue to do it and best of all I can eat whatever I want. No worries or anxiety about food. My body hurts less, my joints improve, I dare say I’m mostly mentally stable and honestly yoga has helped me be one of the sanest people I know.

It’s not just me. Yoga is a tool. Use it. Bodywork and Thai massage are as well, use them. I teach and offer them both. I can give you the map, but you my friend must follow the path.

I’ll see you soon for your Thai massage and yoga class here in Austin and Round Rock.

Ma Roller for back pain pt.2

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Here’s the second video in our series using the Ma roller. We begin working on the upper back and into the cervical spine. Keep in mind that I prefer you become comfortable using the roller on the lumbar spine first, then moving your way up. Share this with anyone who has back pain. It’s simple but extremely effective.

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Ma roller for back pain pt.1

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The Ma roller is the best tool I’ve found for working with tight muscles in your back. These often cause back pain and nothing is as consistent in easing this muscle tension as this simple tool. Follow along with this video and go slow. This is part 1 of a 4 part series of techniques and tips on using the tool.

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Thai massage seated twist

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This is good for people with upper back and neck pain. It’s an easy way to help someone open their chest and allow their shoulder blades to begin the process of coming off of their upper back. You’ll want to avoid this movement on people with herniated discs or any sort of spine surgery like fusions but otherwise go slow and communicate with whoever you’re working on. When in doubt, don’t.

Enjoy!

Thai massage neck pt. 2

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Here is another technique for accessing the levator scapulae and muscles along either side of the neck. You minimize hand work and effectively stretch the cervical musculature. This combined with the previous video make for a solid Thai massage for the neck.

People with headaches, neck pain, upper back pain and excess tension in their neck and shoulders can benefit from these techniques. Share them with family and friends.

Thai massage for the neck

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This is a simple, easy to use Thai massage technique for family and friends. Those who just took my Thai massage class around Austin will notice that this is done seated. We learn the seated series in the Thai massage certification track. You’re pressing into the posterior neck muscles and those with headaches, TMJ dysfunction or chronic neck pain will love you for doing this to them. Try it at a party around Austin, you’ll make many friends.

Siddartha

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I’ve worked in Thai massage and bodywork for ten years. In relative obscurity I’ve continued my work. People often ask me what I do. If I say bodywork they say, “Oh, you work on cars.” I dislike saying massage. Massage has preconceived notions for westerners in the US. Massage means a table, cream and a whole lot of glide. On a typical day at work I do none of this. A typical day is spent clothed, on a mat on the floor while pushing, kneading and opening a persons body so their nervous system can be free.

Austin, Texas is no different than any other American city when it comes to body awareness. People are slowly trapped by their physical form. Thai massage and yoga allow one to soften their shell and be born anew. Doesn’t matter how old, doesn’t matter how out of shape. The posture slumps, life takes it toll and people slouch. Aches and pains develop and people get so used to them that they’re not even aware they can go away except from pain medication. Thai massage and yoga work together to harness your breath, your body and everything You are to heal yourself from the inside out. You can do it, I’m just a guide.

Doesn’t sound like massage does it? Cause it’s not, not really. Thai bodywork is just what’s done in Thailand and has been done since time immemorial. Its history goes back so far it’s just what the ancestors did.

My days are spent breathing, stretching, pushing, leaning into my own body to heal it. It’s continual work but the benefit is I notice others around me get sick but I don’t. Others around me have back pain but mine doesn’t have the same duration. My health is good, yours can be too. It’s what I teach. It’s what I do to myself.

If you want six pack abs go find a personal trainer. If you want a nice car go see a car salesman. If you want to heal and run at optimal health, come see me.

I leave you with a quote from Siddartha, by Herman Hesse.

“Everyone gives what he has. The warrior gives strength, the merchant
gives merchandise, the teacher teachings, the farmer rice, the fisher
fish.”

“Yes indeed. And what is it now what you’ve got to give? What is it
that you’ve learned, what you’re able to do?”

“I can think. I can wait. I can fast.”

“That’s everything?”

“I believe, that’s everything!”

Thai hamstring rocking

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This video adds to what we’ve done earlier and includes a soft rock to open the hips. Thai massage involves lots of stretching of the hamstrings and musculature around the base of the spine and pelvic bowl. Long term this creates flexibility and strength in the musculature to respond to changes while being active.

Whether you’re a runner in north Austin, Texas a soccer mom in Round Rock or practice acro yoga in south Austin, Thai massage can help you get where you need to be physically.

Thai massage hamstring

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Use this and the information from my other thai massage video for friends with low back pain. Using the feet to open the hamstrings saves your hands and allows you to apply a broad firm pressure. Always feel comfortable and relaxed while you’re working.

If you’re in Austin, contact me to get a thai massage. You won’t regret it. Invest in yourself and your body.