Preparing the Neck and Shoulders for Deep
Work, Part III
Myofascial Techniques for the Superficial
Fascia
© 2008, Til
Luchau, Advanced-Trainings.com
Part I of this article (ÒPreparing the Neck and Shoulders for Deep WorkÓ at
http://www.advanced-trainings.com/articles/article_neck1_1.html) discussed the importance of addressing superficial layers before working deeper. Part II (ÒReleasing Superficial RestrictionsÓ at http://www.advanced-trainings.com/articles/article_neck1_2.html)
described techniques for addressing the posterior and lateral aspects of the neckÕs superficial layers. In this third and final segment, IÕll focus on ways to complete this superficial progression by releasing the anterior layers.
III. Anterior
Neck/Shoulder Differentiation Technique
After releasing the posterior restrictions of the back and shouldersÕ superficial layers, youÕll want to broaden and continue this release by addressing any surface restrictions in the upper chest and anterior shoulders.
To release these anterior restrictions, weÕll use either our palms or fingertips to anchor the superficial fascia of the shoulders, chest, and anterior neck (Figure 1). Then weÕll use our clientÕs movement to release the restrictions we saw or felt earlier. The palm is especially useful where you saw fascial layer ÒcreepÓ with head movement. When using your palm, donÕt be tempted yet to rub, slide, or massage the deeper layers of pectoralis, etc. Instead, use the broad surface of the palm to catch and gently anchor the outer layers of the chest while your client moves his or her head.
In contrast to the broad tool of the palm, your fingertips will allow you to work specific areas, and so are useful where you saw the local ÒtugsÓ in the outer layers when your client was moving. When using the fingertips, the fingers are slightly curved rather than straight, and are sensitively Òhooking inÓ to the outer layer you saw or felt moving with the head. Push with your fingertips, as if straightening out your curled fingers, to encourage superficial release away from the direction of movement.
Figure 1: An open palm or the tips of curled fingers may be used for the Anterior Neck/Shoulder Differentiation technique.
Whether youÕre using palm or fingertips, donÕt slide along the surface, and donÕt dig down to the ribs or intercostals--you want to feel a tug in the outer layers, the layers of dermis and superficial fascia that lie between the actual surface of the skin, and the muscles or bones beneath.
Movement: as in the ÒOver the EdgeÓ technique, ask you client to slowly turn his or her head away from the side youÕre anchoring. Find a direction for your pressure that gently releases the superficial layers being pulled by the head movement. Imagine that youÕre helping your client lengthen and free him or herself inside the wetsuit-like outer layers of superficial fascia.
A further option is to have your client tighten his Platysma muscle, which lies within the superficial fascias that weÕre working. Try it yourself as youÕre reading this—turn your head, and then grimace or snarl until you feel a tug from your lower lip into the pectoral fascia of your chest. By anchoring the lower end of this tug in the chest, you can snarl and relax repeatedly to release any constriction in the anterior fascia. Having your client tighten and relax the Platysma in this way while you anchor its inferior attachments can help your client focus the release into the tightest areas.
Figure 2: Active contraction of the Platysma, as in grimacing, can aid in releasing the superficial fascia of the anterior thorax.
(Video of this technique is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BZWPyYLlZs).
Finishing
Once youÕve released the outer layers of the neck and torso from the back, and front, look again as your friend turns his or her head from side to side. If youÕve been both patient and thorough, youÕll see fewer pulls and tugs in the outer layers, and more than likely, smoother and greater range of motion. Clients report that their movement feels easier, freer, or that their head is lighter and more upright.
Now that youÕve released the outer layers, the next step could be deeper work with the neck, ribcage, or spine, either in the same session as these techniques, or the next one. The deeper work will now be easier, more effective, and longer lasting. Or, instead of working deeper right away, first you might want to continue the theme of superficial release by adapting the techniques weÕve just done here to other, complimentary regions of the body, such as the lumbars, limbs, or hips. IÕll write about more about these possibilities in other articles. In the meantime, keep investigating what happens when you take time to release the outer layers of the body.