A few years ago, I designed another continuing education course with my fellow massage therapists in mind. Save Your Hands with Forearm Techniques was inspired by licensed massage therapists who were requesting a class that would help save their hands for career longevity, offer new techniques to enliven their sessions, and help them give better pressure for their clients.
In this 7 hour NCBTMB Approved course students will learn a new full body therapeutic massage sequence using forearms as the only massage tool. This will be a flowing sequence, a “forearm dance”!
This course is intended to help massage therapists broaden their techniques to include use of forearms on any area of the body, enliven their massage practice by learning a completely new sequence, and also save their hands from repetitive use injuries.
Elements of this course can be added to any massage sequence.
These techniques are generally for clients who enjoy firm pressure and deep tissue massage, however pressure can be modified as needed.
Why Use Forearm Massage Techniques?
The forearms are a bodyworker’s most prized tool: they are more durable than the hands, fingers or thumbs, so you can work longer on your clients with less wear and tear on your body. This means increased career productivity and longevity. Using the forearms as the primary tool in performing massage minimizes the risk of carpal tunnel, thenar problems or pain anywhere in the hands, simply because you are asking less of your hands. Forearms are also less “pointy” than the elbows, so the massage work you do on your clients will be smoother and more relaxing.
Here are 8 great reasons to learn the “forearm dance”!
1. More leverage. Massage is a laborious profession; it’s very physical. To maintain a busy practice, it is essential to work efficiently. One way to do this is to use your body weight instead of muscular force to massage your client. By using your forearms, you’ll have a steady, strong base of contact to lean onto.
2. Increased career longevity. Many massage therapists leave the profession because of wrist or hand injury. By using your forearms, you’ll be able to protect the fragile joints of the hands.
3. Greater surface area. With an increased surface area of contact, you can work on more of your client in less time, making your practice more efficient. Your clients will feel like they are getting more for less.
4. Increased durability. A stronger tool lasts longer. The forearms are larger and less fragile than the fingers or thumbs, so your massage practice will thrive longer.
5. Effortless deep-tissue work. Because you’ll have more leverage when working with your forearms, the deep-tissue work you do on your clients will be less demanding. You’ll be able to work deeper on your clients, with less fatigue.
6. Satisfy the needs of larger clients. The forearms are a big tool capable of doing a big job. This makes them ideal for working the larger muscle groups of any of your clients.
7. More contact. Clients come to massage therapists for contact. By using the forearms, you increase contact with your clients. This contact is comforting to your clients.
8. It feels good. Forearm massage is just as soothing as massage with the hands. It might take time to develop sensitivity in the forearms, but the sensitivity is there. Listen to your client’s body; it will tell you how fast and how deep to go.
Course dates, times, and registration: HERE
Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you.
Steffie Ellis, LMBT7685, NCBTMB-AP1014
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