Why would you want to do massage with your back to the massage table?
Well…there are two reasons why I do massage with my back to the table.
One, I can get a quick rest.
And, two, I can get more vertical so that I can get out of a static posture.
By static posture in the massage room I mean a prolonged work position, like hunchy back.
Before you think I’m nuts, I need to throw some qualifiers in here.
Strategic Back Bends
First, I don’t have my back to the table for long periods of time.
In fact, the times I do are strategically worked into the massage.
And, two, I’m only using one hand (though I have experimented with two).
I know, it’s getting hard to picture, right?
So here’s what it looks like:
I’m applying static pressure with one hand.
And by using only one hand I can stand up straighter than if I had two hands on the client.
But, Mark, can’t you just stand up straight with having one hand on your client and without having your back to the table?
You can.
It looks like this.
But when you have the back of your legs against the table supporting your weight you can actually lean back a tad and get more extension in your back (like you’re doing a standing cobra).
Man, does that standing cobra feel good.
Besides occiput trigger point work, my other favorite times to do standing cobra are with sacrum compression…
and hamstring compression near the ischium. (It’s a super-comfortable lean into area.)
Get Your Standing Cobra On
So what about you?
Do you actually take time to rest during the massage?
You should.
Try the standing cobra rest/recharge.
Standing Cobra Formula
Here are the steps:
1. Pick your areas to try it in.
My areas are sacrum, hamstrings, and occiput.
By the way, your table will have to be low to do this.
Go here for more information about experimenting with a low table.
2. Turn your back to the table, switch to one hand and lean into the one hand as you straighten your back.
3. Then allow yourself to lean back into the table so that you create some extension in your back (standing cobra).
You’ll know you’re doing it right when there’s absolutely no strain in your back because your body weight is supported by the back of your legs against the table and your hand on the client.
Take strategic rests (resets), like standing cobra, and you’re body will be happier.
Add if you layer in other strategies you’re body is going to be so happy that you’ll be able to raise your weekly massage max.
By the way, the How to Deliver Deep Pressure without Hurting Yourself course is here. It’s a 3 CEU online, home study course. It’s packed with videos and guidance. Let’s get you out of pain and keep you out of pain:-)
