Page 46 - Massage Therapy School Program

Cervical Contrast Treatment – Presentation Outline
19.
Protocol for Cervical Contrast Treatment Treatment Time:
15-30 minutes Contraindications & Precautions:
• Sunburn
• Skin conditions or open sores on the neck or shoulders
• Recent or acute injuries to the neck
• Fever or infections
Massage strokes and pressure will depend on the condition of the client
20.
With the client seated on the side of the massage table, assess the client’s active cervical range of motion (ROM) and have him or her indicate the area of most discomfort. Place the client in the supine position on the massage table. The treatment should focus on the area(s) of most discomfort. By having the client move through all cervical ranges of motion before you begin treatment, you help them relate to any soreness or restriction of range of motion. Have them repeat the cervical range of motion after treatment so they can feel the effectiveness of the treatment.
21.
Add a few drops of Prossage Heat to the palm of your hands. Rub palms together briskly to activate the product. Only use a few drops of Prossage Heat for this treatment to prevent the hands from slipping over the tissue.
22.
The first stroke is a myofascial stroke to gently stretch the skin of the upper back and posterior cervical area. Slide both hands down the client’s mid thoracic area on either side of the paraspinals and bring up slowly. Repeat three times.
23.
Feathering techniques are performed by applying pressure with your finger tips at the spinous process of C7 and moving outward to the transverse process of the posterior cervical vertebrae. Start at C7 and work up to the sub occipital area. Repeat three times.
24.
Stripping strokes are applied from the sub occipital area along the lamina groove to C7 on each side of the spinous processes. As you perform the stripping strokes you can stop at any point where a tender spot is located and hold for 8-12 seconds. With direct pressure, tenderness should change from sharp to dull as you hold the tender spot. Apply stripping strokes from occipital ridge down the cervical spine to C7. Repeat three times.
25.
Apply direct thumb pressure to paraspinals in lamina groove. This technique is done to treat the specific areas of tenderness. Hold for 8-12 seconds and repeat three times.
26.
This stroke is called the A/O release. The therapists place their fingers just below the occipital bone to soften the tissue between the atlas and occiput. If this causes client pain, skip this technique.
©March 2012, PO5507, Rev O