Massaging the Shoulder Can Alleviate Rotator Cuff Pain

The most common cause of shoulder pain is a problem with the rotator cuff muscles and tendons of the shoulder. Many clients think of the “rotator cuff” as a distinct unit, a single muscle or piece of connective tissue that can be torn or injured. Most do not realize the complexity of this joint.

Most people go to a doctor, who recommends rest and medication. While these to provide quick relief, they offer no long-term benefit in preventing re-injury. These injuries respond very well to soft tissue work, stretching and exercise. When a client comes to you with shoulder pain, you are in a unique position to offer rapid relief without medication or surgery.

Massage therapy is ideal for treating weakness in the rotator cuff and tightness in the shoulder. If you suspect bone spurs or problems with the actual anatomy of the acromion, you may not be able eliminate the underlying cause, but you can still provide improved movement and control of the shoulder joint.

How to Give a Wonderful Pet Massage

Pet massage is a rapidly growing field, and rightly so.  What better way to show our canine and feline friends that we love them than to treat them to a massage?  Massage for an animal enhances blood flow, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation.  There are many avenues to providing this calming experience for your pets.  You can learn the basics for a home massage, take your pet to a professional, or become certified yourself.

If you choose to do a pet massage at home, even if you are already a certified (human) massage therapist, you should stick with light stokes.  Deep tissue massage should only be performed by a professional who is familiar with the anatomy of the specific animal that is being worked on. 

Since chair massage is an easy, portable means of providing your services to a wide range of clients, you will want to have two or three chair massage routines that you can offer. Because the client remains fully clothed and no oil is used, you can set up anywhere and offer quick, inexpensive massage. This basic neck and shoulder massage is good for relaxation, and great for offering at corporate health fairs or as a community service. Coffee shops and retail sites would also be a good place to offer neck and shoulder massage.

If you do not have a massage chair, you may also have the client straddle a chair (seated backward), with hands folded in the lap or placed on a table in front of them.

If you’ll be doing several hours of chair massage, you will want to save your thumbs and fingers. When using the thumbs or finger pads, try not to flex or bend them, but instead use direct pressure. You can also use your forearms and fists to good effect, as shown below.

TO START: Place hands on the client’s shoulders and ask him/ her to take a deep breath in and out. Matching your breath with the client’s will help you to form a connection and help the client to relax.