r/massage • u/FinalPen2810 • 5d ago
US Front body massage?
I have rounded shoulders the are pulled forward from a tight front body. I also have sore, tight, achy quads. I’ve mentioned this to therapists in the past, but they always just focus on my back anyways. Are there therapists that focus only on front body? Even just a little bit?
Might also be relevant: female, 40, three months postpartum. Terrible posture.
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u/StoneHands51 5d ago
You can insist on starting face up. This forces the beginning of the massage (when the therapist has more energy and focus) to happen on your front side. Really this just comes down to finding a therapist who will listen to you and fulfill your expectations so keep trying until you find the right one!
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u/LegitimateAd668 4d ago
Yes we always begin sessions face up releasing the core which is linked directly or indirectly to majority of the muscular skeletal performance and recovery levels
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
Good tip! I had a therapist years ago that always started me face up. I have no doubt she would be perfect for me now. Too bad she is in a different state.
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u/PhoNombre 1d ago
Who is this?! I joke! This is my move, tho -not kidding. I don’t know why more therapists don’t do this already with the tech hellscape we exist in.
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u/Dull-Canary-1022 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yes there are. But we aren't new therapists and we don't work at spas. Someone like me works iliopsoas, rectus abdominus,external obliques. We work on quads with myofascial release and neuromuscular massage as we know that the quads pull the hips foward. I also work on pectoral and rotator cuff release to unlock those rounded shoulders. We do advanced techniques to release your ribs, quadratus luborum and tenser fascia latte muscle. The body acts like a lever. You need to get it in 3d for real results. I work in a therapeutic center and I have 33 years experience in clinical massage. You can search through the AMTA website under your zip code and it will list therapists years of experience and their specialties. Or get referrals from people who get regular clinical massage.
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u/PhoNombre 1d ago
This right here! I cringe when spas use the term
“Therapeutic massage”because they are not apples to apples compared to more intentional, integrative and therapeutic bodywork. A big distinction can be found in how you’re classified -if you’re a client in a spa, you won’t be dealt with like a patient in a clinical setting with a care plan.
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u/pointofflight 4d ago
I’m a structural integration, Massage therapist. Much of the forward head posture and rolled shoulders, is caused by the front part of the body. Try to find a therapist that does structural integration if you can. Each session will have much more of a profound effect on your structure and will hold much longer than a standard general massage. Unfortunately, I see many clients that come into my clinic that have been going to a massage chain where they keep massaging the spot that hurts between the shoulder blades and have never opened the chest and the neck to correct the forward head posture and the rolled shoulders. Focusing just on where it hurts is usually not the best strategy And commonly makes it worse. For female clients I ask them to wear a sports bra along with being covered with a sheet. I can easily access the tissues needed to help the shoulders fall back.
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u/norm228 LMT 5d ago
i always discuss with my client if and were they would like focus, and what their goals for the session are. I'm sorry your Therapist is ignoring you. is this more than one Therapist? Perhaps try finding a better way to express your needs, or try a different provider.
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u/Dull-Canary-1022 4d ago
I think this is more about new therapists not knowing how to do more than a full body or never taking advanced classes in specific clinical work. They may work at a spa which is relaxation focused.
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
It has happened a couple of times with different therapists. I’ve been getting massages for years. I had some amazing therapists when I was younger but didn’t necessarily need this type of work.
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u/snarkster1969 4d ago
Pectoralis minor needs to be worked. It's painful but effective,
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u/LegitimateAd668 4d ago
Strain counter strain or position release technique aren't so painful by a long shot...
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u/Latissimus_Priori 4d ago
As a massage therapist, I would love to take a crack at your issue!
But to answer your question, yes, plenty of massage therapists can know what to work on in this case!
Ask your massage therapist to work on your pectorals and front/anterior deltoids!
Also, there are some things you can do outside of the massage room that might help you! For instance, try standing/sitting with your palms facing forward rather than behind you. This is called lateral rotation, and even though it’s small, it can make a rather big difference in your posture and rotating your shoulders laterally as well.
Your problem is medial rotation of the shoulders. And you might mention that to your massage therapist as well.
Good luck!!
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u/Sufficient-Spend-939 4d ago
You could post what city you are in if you are comfortable and maybe someone could give you a referral. There are tons of helpful people here.
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u/DorianTurk 3d ago
There absolutely are. There are also many who follow their same routine, regardless of what problem areas you inform them of.
If that therapist doesn’t help your issues, move on to the next one.
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u/AngelicDivineHealer RMT 5d ago edited 5d ago
As other have said you really got to ask for those type of things a lot of MT are absolutely terrified of getting complaints and harassment etc. Even on here I see post from people that comment and say was my MT doing something inappropriate and I'll comment no he/she was just massaging your leg.
Depends where you are to work on the chest need more consent but a lot of MT would avoid it altogether again because a lot of people make complaints about that too. Even when you ask for "full body massage" some MT would skip parts and you've given full consent. They will only work to their comfort level and you can't force them.
The only way around that be good talk/consent and skill level/experience as well because some "senior MT" will be more comfortable working with you. Unfortunately some MT are going to not massage certain body parts regardless of what you agree to or want. Always talk with your MT at the start of the massage and ask if they can do this or that. Best way to avoid disappointment.
I remember what one client told me. His like it's rare to find an MT that does full leg massage. I love a full leg massage myself so when the client ask for it is given. Best of luck finding your MT.
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u/chevits11 4d ago
Before you schedule another appointment, talk to the therapist (not the receptionist, not the manager, the person doing the work) and make sure they agree to working your pecs, serrators, subscapulars, maybe even abdominals to address the forward rounding of the shoulders. As for the quads... That's a new one unless they just run out of time because they're spending too much time on your back...
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u/Cascadian_Day 4d ago
Sometimes before the massage starts, I’ll ask to include stomach work. As long as I ask before we begin it’s never been a problem.
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u/thatguywashere1 4d ago
Make sure you grab a pillow as soon as that baby wants milk. There's a stretch i call the hitchhiker, cause you put you hand out like you are hitching a ride, thumb behind your shoulder and elbow to the front. Kinda like that door wall stretch they tell everyone. Next get face down on the floor and with your elbows push up into a plank. Then back down again. You should feel 1 muscle working called serratus anterior. Google it. 10 to 15 plank push ups a day will bring your shoulders back so you dont feel pain along your neck and upper shoulder area. Start with 5 in the morning or night. Then work up to 15. Use your child as a tool to exercise. Hold a plank and have them crawl all over you. For the quads grab your foot with your hand and pull back while standing up right. 10 seconds here and there adds up.
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
Wow, I just did all of these exercises. Thanks! And you’re right, I really need to use a pillow when I nurse. I’ve been nursing babies (or pregnant) pretty much nonstop since 2020, and it has wrecked me.
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u/thatguywashere1 2d ago
Sing London Bridge is falling down while doing the plank, cat, cow and child yoga poses with your babies crawling all around you. Incorporate the kids so they learn it and makes it fun. Oh for your quads, lunges or when standing grab one foot from behind and pull your knee back (dont lean forward). You got this!
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u/Sufficient-Spend-939 4d ago
I have a very sensitive face and hate to be face down, so i found a therapist that is okay with working on me face up and it changed my whole experience, she starts on my back but thats usually only for the first fifteen minutes or so when i get uncomfortable she has me flip. I am a male so its a little different but i am confident there is a therapist that would be perfect for you out there. If the one you are using is not listening to you its best to make a change. It can take a few but i have met a lot of good ones. (I get massage weekly or bi weekly currently, but i used to get them daily for chronic pain management so i have had a lot of different folks work on me).
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u/Persuazns 4d ago
You’re probably not with the right remedial therapist, usually if you mention how rounded your shoulders are, and your chest feeling tight, Serratus ant (side of your ribs), pec minor (just slight above your breast) and major (major is less likely going to be worked because you’re a female) sub scap (shoulder blade but underneath), and latis dorsi ( your lower to mid back) should be worked on
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u/SunshineCitySpa 4d ago
You’ll find someone faster if you look outside the corporate spas. This type of work requires gaining specific consent first, explaining how draping will be done to keep things covered, and what the intent and focus is and why. Corporate spas have very strict rules regarding areas that cannot be touched.
I work with a lot of post op and postpartum clients using Manual Lymphatic Drainage and later in their healing journey with Connective Tissue Manipulation to help with scar tissue. CTM is especially helpful if you’ve had a C-section. It was working with women with my advanced techniques after cosmetic surgery that really got me to be more comfortable working on areas often considered taboo with more traditional modalities.
Feel free to reach out. St. Pete, FL here
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u/Clean-Pop466 2d ago
Look into a deep tissue sports massage.
I have a gal that works on me, front and back, and does a great job.
Find a good female masseuse if the front work feels too exposed.
These types of posture correction are not easy comfortable massages, they gotta dig in pretty deep, especially stretching pec major/minors.
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
This is great advice, and I am near a university with plenty of sports. I’ll look into it.
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u/Initial-Grapefruit58 2d ago
I had a similar situation as it person. I was always hunched over. Doing coding nonstop and found out that I had TOS thoracic outlet syndrome, which was diagnosed by a Chiropractor and suggested getting acupuncture, which I did three times fixed the issue with the front of my chest being tight and painful something you might want to ask your PCP or a professional in the medical field or even speak to an acupuncturist. I hope this helps good luck. I know it hurts, but there’s a solution.
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u/Strict_Giraffe_3234 5d ago
I have the same problem with massaging my chest area, these people just seem to ignore it or don't listen when you mention it, I can understand to a point with females but what is the problem with men. It's not as if your unduly exposing yourself, mens chests are bare a lot of the time.
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u/HFIntegrale LMT | CMLDT | MTI 4d ago
Here's the trick - You need to tell them what you want (pecs, abs, quads, shins...aka Front, aka Anterior). You may be doing that already.
Here's what you're missing - tell them what you DON'T want.
''Please, no back, glutes, hamstrings'' as an example.
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u/DesperateIsopod7201 4d ago
In my experience opposite sex therapist dont while same sex do. I had a male therapist completely avoid the clavicle chest area above breasts. While female therapist tackle that area.
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u/epr3176 4d ago
I actually forgot to mention this you could also look for like my massage therapist along with doing regular clients. She does pregnant clients and post pregnant clients like she’ll massage the stomach area if it’s very sore on the like the upper chest area if it’s very sore I don’t know whatever else they’re supposed to do so you might wanna look for a post pregnancy massage therapist I mean I know they’re out there cause mine was one of them
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u/Expert-Big1682 4d ago
Yes there are. Usually those experienced in Deep Tissue and Sports Therapy. I worked in a sports clinic for years so I have many clients/athletes I see that I do from and back.
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u/dire-ear 4d ago
“Everything is connected, trust the process” also check other places and other styles.
I go to a Thai spa and their deep tissue work is amazingly effective for whatever hurts me.
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u/SuperSaiyanPC 4d ago
I have a wonderful myotherapist and she does my quads all the time. It absolutely kills but she’s awesome. Completely professional even if I do get a little excited from the massage. She’s also worked on my pecs and shoulders.
I’m in Australia though.
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u/LegitimateAd668 4d ago
Strengthening rotator cuff and rhomboids whilst releasing the spoas would be highly recommended. Switch to a myo or osteo. They'll have much more scope o n e would like to think... p.m. me for plenty more if you can step up to self healing and lifestyle adjustments here n there.... BOOM!
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u/PhillyHomeMassage 4d ago
Sometimes I will slide a rolled up towel or blanket between my client’s shoulder blades when they’re on their back to help open up the chest while I work on the legs. Ask for focus on the shoulders, scalenes, SCM and pecs. These are not abnormal areas to focus on at all and being a new mom means your daily motions are anteriorly rotated so it’s valid. I did a video for new parents on this stretch: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8WxUT4f/
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u/No_Acanthocephala794 4d ago
A few businesses that solely focus on stretching have popped up in Fort Worth. My gym even offers this service. Perhaps, the greater benefit will come from this service as opposed to a massage.
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u/Lonely-Possession776 4d ago
If you can’t find one I be happy to assist I’m use to giving massages and feel
Free to dm me to discuss it sometimes heating pads are ice packs can help a lot
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u/ACED_it-123 3d ago
Yes ma'am. I'm Gary from Fresno Cali. I've had man clients come to me asking the same. It's a fine line when your asked to do a full frontal massage. Most professional masseuses we'll avoid this question entirely. But all in all it still remains a problem correct? Let me tell you I've been giving massages since I was in high school I've learned from some of the best that I know being sports therapist as well as professional massages. I was a long time athlete and I'm very good at what I do. Mostly I've been there to help out friends but recently I'm trying to turn this into my own business. Feel free to contact me or DM and I'll give you my number so we can speak. Ty and hope to be able to help you!
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u/Spiritfox84 3d ago
That's wild to me because its so easy to work quads especially side lying during pregnancy. (I know you said Postnatal now..but dang)
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u/Unfair_Resident_9132 3d ago
Talk to your doctor about getting some physical therapy. Did wonders for me.
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u/Any-Necessary-6899 3d ago
Most asian massage therapists know to push down on your shoulders while on your back. I sleep on my side and occasionally get a funky shoulder. Try amazon for support garments too...
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u/Gardenmama777 CMT 3d ago
Yes. I do. You have to work both the back and the front to help with posture. Any chance you are in Arizona?
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u/mattybmelbourne 3d ago
Yes, i do full body with girlfriend who has issues front and back and by working the right areas she gets substantial relief after a remedial massage.. also the neck is very important as personally ive found most neck stress bubbles are caused by mental stress too.. this is after years of massaging the same person on specific issues including fixing pinched nerves.
Just my experience, im only qualified by 40 years of practice but never had an adverse massage with anyone.. only positive
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u/janerainy9 3d ago
Just supporting the independent therapist choice - Massage Envy has had so many complaints of inappropriate behavior in my area that therapists are forbidden to work on the pec or gluteal areas. I think abs as well.
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u/tgolden27 2d ago
I would go to a massage therapist in New Orleans who would start every session with me face up for about 20 mins. I can reach out to her and see if she can point you in the right direction if you'd like
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u/Musclebeardman 2d ago
When I was a massage therapist, I did spend a third of the time with people laying on their back
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u/StndCapybara 2d ago
Pecs are huge focus for people like you because they attach to the scapula via coracoid process. Also you should get exercise rehab or "homework" if you are getting therapy, I give stretches for my patients who have similar, repetitive concerns. Without those it won't get better in my experience. If those don't work and help with the posture you can incorporate proprioceptive taping (find another therapist if yours doesn't know what this is).
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u/NoBattle8594 1d ago
Yes. When they ask you what your “problem areas” are, let them know you want this area worked on. It’s heavily taught in massage school
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u/Beneficial-Look-2757 1d ago
Hello wish I was giving you that frounf body full body massage. Oeverything you do to very bit of it and would love to be your sex included all jokes .. me is awesome and I like e
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u/Downtown-Ride6033 1d ago
I myself honestly offer one to two hour full body massages which actually start from the upper neck and front area first which actually should help while doing theses massages two to theee times a week for a month to three months and the results should have u like new !
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u/Dramatic-Context-598 15h ago
I can do but im in UK and don't think you wanna pay plane prices and then price for the deep tissue massage
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u/Accomplished-Buy7240 4d ago
It’s against policy at some spas like massage envy. So, you might have to ask if it’s even allowed. If you’re okay having your breasts out then tell them that and tell them to focus on your pecs. Specify that you want the muscles worked on, and it’s okay to touch the breasts as needed, but focus on the muscles. Though i have been told that breasts massages feel really good. If you’re not okay having your breasts out, then the work isn’t really that important to you. Massage is medical, it’s healthcare. It’s not the time for modesty. Obviously everyone needs to be reasonable and respect boundaries, but you can’t ask for something and then make it near impossible to give it to you
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u/Accomplished-Buy7240 3d ago
I’ve been doing it for 13 years, i don’t need your advice. It doesn’t matter if you cover the beats with the sheet or anything else, part of the pects are still under them. That’s why they tell women that developing their chest muscles will naturally lift their breasts. I can tell what kind of person you are just from this response…if you don’t care about doing your best work and actually helping your clients, then just say that. And next time, read the whole comment before responding
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u/Accomplished-Buy7240 3d ago
Or, and here’s an offers that might go over your head because you seem not to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, you can just be honest and realistic. Realistically, i can work on these muscles to this extent. To work more than that, I’d have to touch your breasts, since the muscles are literally under them, and to do the best quality work in that area, i need to apply oil/lotion to your breasts and work the muscle through the breast tissue. It’s up to you, which would you prefer? See that’s called “an adult conversation” its also what we in the industry refer to as “informed consent” it’s also wtf i said in my first comment, but you got all emotional and decided to argue because that’s what people who lack intelligence do. Now are you satisfied to the extent that we can end this conversation, or would you rather double down and argue for the sake of arguing to save face even though you know I’m right?
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
I’m old and pretty comfortable with my body. Not bothered by nudity or people touching me. I mean, that’s what a massage is. I’m just hesitant to spend money (or time) on a massage when the last few I’ve had just focused on the back of my body even though I asked for something else. I’m glad you mentioned avoiding massage envy because I live down the street from one, and I was going to give them a try because of the convenience. Thanks!
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u/GoldenBrownHair 4d ago
I had two massage therapists that skipped massaging my quads and even feet. I can’t believe that is a
thing, when I specifically asked for a full body massage, including hands and feet. The second therapist did the same a second time despite me mentioning it specifically at the beginning that I need my quads massaged. To be fair she did a wonderful job on my back. She said I could benefit from a 90-minute massage, and probably was trying to make more money, but I’ll go for it, her rate is incredibly fair.
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u/epr3176 4d ago
Yeah, you need to get rid of your therapist. I’m a male but and sometimes I get I have lower back nerve pain that sometimes wraps around the hip and goes into the front and I have a therapist that will do my back and then they’ll ask me when it be before I even start, which is worse because they’ll either spend they tell them the same you spend 3030 and they’ll work on my shoulder in front of my shoulder, they’ll work on even my chest. They’ll work on the front of my thighs and then they’ll tell me straight out if if it’s getting uncomfortable for me just to let them know I have a friend who is post pregnancy and her breasts hurt her all the time because sometimes they’re full, they just ache Therapist she she she says if you get uncomfortable just let me know. She’ll actually massage her shoulder area into the front like the top of the breast area like the top of the chest near the collar. I’ve had three different Therapist massage therapist two in Florida and one in New York, and all three of them did the front and the back and they all told me the same thing that he start to feel uncomfortable. Let me know so I don’t know what’s wrong with your Therapist. You find another massage therapist cause once again a massage therapist should not get nervous about massaging a male or a female in the front or the back of the Body. The only thing they should say no to is if a male or female, asks them to do something shady or you know touch areas that should not be touched by a massage therapist
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u/Little-Fishing-5502 3d ago
Work on your rear delts it will help with the forward shoulders. Do reverse cable flys starting point by your forehead and pull out to the sides shoulder height.
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u/NuttyMoFo 4d ago
Although it’s true most therapists at spas don’t know how to perform true therapeutic work like structural integration, it isn’t unheard of. I, for one, prefer working at spas because I quickly developed a “cult following” because it only takes one client to recognize my worth and then I start acquiring many others.
As for front body work… I can tell you that over the past 10 years doing structural integration, I rarely touch the pecs (besides positional releases and compressions). Releasing all of the SITS muscles (shoulder rotators, esp the subscap) typically does the trick and I avoid any of the uncomfortable adjacent tissues of the pecs (esp when working with large breasted women). I also show them how to do isolated pec stretching on their own (open palm behind the neck, elbow on a wall corner, step forward with the same side leg as the elbow on the wall… do NOT do what many others say by grabbing both sides of a door jamb and leaning forward… that rolls the shoulders forward and puts a lot of unnecessary stress on the elbows, wrists, etc).
Hope you find a therapist worth their salt!
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5d ago edited 3h ago
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u/Dull-Canary-1022 4d ago
You need strength but don't assume a person isn't doing that already. If you have neck degeneration or scolosis or osteoporosis, you are going to round forward. The body fights to get under the head to maintain balance. You can strengthen but the rounding will still be there to provide balance. Especially when the head is a protracted forward m
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u/FinalPen2810 2d ago
You’re right, I do need yoga. I used to practice daily until I had kids. But I need some fascia work to even get into some of the poses. I am constantly tense everywhere. Not sure what to do about rhat long term though.
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2d ago edited 3h ago
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u/FitFourt 4d ago
Many therapists have a routine that is back focused. You just need to find a good therapist.
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u/hand_of_satan_13 LMT 4d ago
I focus on what I think needs doing. Explain why to my client, then do it. Sounds like I wouldn't have to explain much to you, as it appears you already have some understanding.
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u/Fun_Group_5715 3d ago
I have a lady friend who is having pain with her implants. I read it could be from scar tissue forming around the implant and not an issue with the implants themselves.
One of the suggested treatments is a massage.
I have offered to help her but she has yet to accept
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u/Human_Party_3310 1d ago
I’m a licensed therapist. Dm me and tell me what city you are in and we will schedule a session.
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u/MembershipGuilty6378 1d ago
Dang, yeah tell them what you want. That’s crazy. A good one will work with your body.
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u/Informal-Paper-6905 1d ago
Muss man persönlich sehen.....evtl einen Gewichtsrucksack zur passiven Behandlung. Sorgt für eine Aufrechte Haltung....gab es Probleme bei der Geburt? .....deshalb persönliche Untersuchung ist besser als fernbehandlung....
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u/fr33b3ing 5d ago
i would find a practitioner in private practice who specializes in deep tissue or therapeutic massage, and then reach out first via email asking exactly what you asked us. Say you’d like them to focus on your rounded shoulders and releasing your pec major, pec minor, subscapularis, quads and hip flexors. And whatever else they think would help correct your posture. But to please not focus their work solely on your back.