Side-lying Therapeutic Techniques for Shoulder and Hip

Hi massage therapist friends! Let’s talk about side-lying position in massage therapy.

I designed an entire CE course all about therapeutics for shoulder and hip in side-lying because I was hearing from my fellow therapists that they do not use the side-lying position in their practice.

I feel like side-lying is an amazing position for accessing all angles of these major joints! It offers so many more possibilities for treatment to relieve many of the issues clients have with the shoulder and hip.

With side-lying you have access to the entire joint, anterior, posterior and you can cradle the entire shoulder joint with the client on their side.

If you’ve been a massage therapist for any length of time, you’ve probably had clients who could really benefit from a different approach to their treatment. And you know what? Finding that different approach doesn’t always mean learning a whole new technique. It could be as simple as switching up the equipment you use, trying different lotions or oils, or focusing on a particular area a little more. Ultimately, figuring out how to cater to each client’s unique needs during their session is key to providing top-notch service.

One cool option you might not have tried yet is incorporating side-lying positioning into your practice. This isn’t just for certain groups of clients (though it definitely helps pregnant clients, elderly folks, or those recovering from surgery) – it can actually help you connect with a whole new set of clients as well. Keep reading to find out why this positioning could be a game-changer for both you and your clients, plus how it might even help you grow your business.

Why Bother?

Now, I get it. Learning a new way to position your clients might seem intimidating at first. Maybe you’ve even tried side-lying before and had a hard time making it work. But trust me, there’s a lot to gain here. When you master this positioning, you’re not just improving comfort for your clients, you’re also opening the door to new opportunities and markets.

Let’s break down some of the perks you’ll get from incorporating side-lying:

Comfort: You know how some clients start sniffling and struggling to breathe after a back massage? That’s usually because they’ve been lying face down for a while. With side-lying, you cut out a lot of that discomfort, which is a huge win for clients with colds, allergies, or any sort of respiratory issues.
Less Pressure on Sensitive Areas: For clients with certain medical conditions or physical sensitivities, lying face down can put pressure on sensitive spots like enlarged breasts, surgical scars, or post-pregnancy bellies. The side-lying position removes a lot of that pressure, offering a much more comfortable experience.
Better Positioning for Chronic Pain: If your client has chronic back pain, side-lying can be a game-changer. It allows you to address their pain more effectively, especially in those tricky-to-reach spots, like the hips, lumbar region, and pelvis. Plus, it keeps their joints in a neutral position, which can relieve pressure and reduce discomfort.
Pregnancy Perks: For pregnant clients, lying on their stomach just isn’t an option. But with side-lying, you can still provide an amazing massage without causing strain on their pelvic joints or increasing pressure on their uterus. This way, you’re helping rather than hurting!
Emotional Comfort: Sometimes, pain and stress are linked, and side-lying can feel more emotionally comforting for clients too. It mimics the fetal position, which many people find soothing. And because there’s no face cradle, it makes communication much easier, allowing for a more relaxed session.

Making It Work

Alright, so you’re sold on the idea. But how do you actually make side-lying work for you? Here are a few tips:

Proper Alignment: The key here is to make sure your client’s spine stays in a neutral position and that they’re supported properly. You’ll need to use pillows or bolsters to support their head, hips, and legs, especially if they have a larger belly or any postural issues.
Draping: Draping is a little different in this position, but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it. You’ll want to secure the sheet in a way that gives you easy access to their back and legs but still keeps things comfortable for your client. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best.
Therapist Comfort: Don’t forget about yourself! It can be hard on your body if you’re not positioned right. Adjust your table height so you’re not bending over too much and always pay attention to your own alignment. If it starts hurting you, it’s not going to work for your clients either.

Opening New Markets

Learning to incorporate side-lying into your sessions opens up a ton of new possibilities for your practice. Not only will you be able to offer more tailored services to your existing clients, but you can also attract new ones. Here are a few markets where side-lying might really shine:

Retirement homes and skilled care facilities
Oncology treatment centers
Obstetrics and midwifery practices
Sports teams (both pro and amateur)
Chronic pain treatment centers
Mental health treatment centers (especially for PTSD)

If you’re passionate about a certain demographic – whether it’s older adults, pregnant clients, or athletes – you can tailor your marketing efforts to attract those clients specifically.

Final Thoughts

Mastering side-lying might seem like an extra challenge at first, but it’s a game-changer in so many ways. Not only does it help you offer a more comfortable, effective experience for your clients, but it also helps you expand your business by opening up new client groups. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out from the competition.

So, why not give it a try? You might just find that it’s the next big thing your practice needs!

7 Hour NCBTMB Approved CE Course

CE Boutique: Side-lying Therapeutic Techniques for Shoulder and Hip

7 Hour NCBTMB Approved CE Course

In this one-day course, students are able to explore and practice therapeutic techniques for hip and shoulder and also practice creating a full body side-lying flowing sequence.

In this course students will learn new therapeutic massage techniques for the shoulder and hip. This course is intended to help massage therapists broaden their techniques to include side-lying positioning to assist clients in relief of shoulder and hip discomfort.

Adding these new techniques and client positioning can help therapists re-enliven their typical sequence and truly help their clients feel their best.

These techniques can help clients find relief from discomfort by working from unique angles and utilizing new therapeutic massage techniques.

Please let me know your questions. I am all ears and looking forward to hearing from you.