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MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Rib Raking massage technique

TECHNIQUE 1: Rib Raking

  • The hand on top is placed with each finger between a rib 

  • The bottom hand will brace the body as the top hand moves along the rib cage with fingers digging between each rib 

  • Once you reach the side of the body with your top hand (sliding in between each rib) reverse the exact movement bringing your top hand back to its starting point (still dragging each finger in between your ribs)

 

Repeat this a few times on either side.
** Please note the ribcage is a common area for problems since the bony structures of the rib provide an easier site of attachment for unwanted fascial or scar tissue adhesions.
 

TECHNIQUE 2: The Pincer Grip

The pincer grip massage technique

Pic 1

  • Place thumb and fingers in position to “pinch” the affected area. (Affected area could be a hardened ridge, dense pea like feeling tissue, any bumps you may feel that are out of the ordinary for your body)

  • these can either be visible problems to the body or ones felt underneath the skin and not visible to the eye

Pic 2

Begin to pinch the affected area, holding the densest or hardest point of tissure in the middle of your index finger and thumb

The pincer grip massage technique pic 2
The pincer grip massage technique pic 3

Pic 3

  • Begin to lift and elevate affected area away from the body.

  • While lifting away from the body, hold the affected area tightly, pulling back and forth (while maintaining elevation)

  • Be quite strong with your handgrip because hardened or dense tissues and adhesions will give resistance to you pulling

Please note:
**For patient’s early on in their recovery this might be difficult in some areas to actually grab the skin, you may not have enough mobility back yet for this technique. Ultimately, this should be the goal when doing your post-op massage techniques, to get to this point of mobility

Pic 4

The visible redness is a very good sign, it means the circulation is coming to the surface and reacting to touch.
You may also feel warmth in the area or itchiness. Both very normal and positive signs you are doing the right technique causing a flush of circulation to the area

The pincer grip massage technique pic 4

TECHNIQUE 3: Skin Rolling

Skin rolling massage technique pic 1

Pic 1

  • Prepare with both hands to pinch/grip a large area of tissue. This is mainly used through the sides of the body into your abdomen or on your backside through the flank and rib cage 

Pic 2

Without moving the location of your hands, pinch the area of tissue you plan to work through


When pinching the area, don’t pinch with pressure towards the body, pinch the skin while pulling in opposition away from the body - the goal is to pull and elevate tissue away from an area of adhesion and restriction.

Skin rolling massage technique pic 2
Skin rolling massage technique pic 3

Pic 3

  • “Roll” through the area you have pinched

  • The key is to maintain the elevation away from the body while rolling the skin through your fingertips 

Pic 4

  • Maintain the amount of skin held in your hand from start to finish of the roll (from your side to belly button area) 

  • Then start the technique over again and repeat a few times during each massage session

Skin rolling massage technique pic 4
Skin rolling massage technique pic 5

Pic 5

  • Example of the strength of “pull and elevation” 

  • Don’t allow the tissue to slip through your fingers, be strong in your hold forcing the elevation and separation of problem areas

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