Soft Tissue Work with Partner

Greg Davis · 07-10-2008, 05:14 AM

I've recently had some ART work done and am a big fan of soft tissue work to help with recovery. I'm looking for a good book/resource that I can use with my girlfriend to do some soft tissue massage work at home.

Has anyone come across anything really good to work through with a partner? I've browsed through some massage books in a few bookstores but always find them to be a bit hokey and not what I'm looking for..

sarena kopciel · 07-10-2008, 05:44 AM

I am starting now with neuromusular therapy and it seems pretty good!
http://www.neurosomaticeducators.com/html/whatisINT.htm

Think they have books.
This is also a good treatment/lifestyle protocol book from a PT (ART based) I have used and seen amazing results from!

Steve Liberati · 07-10-2008, 06:27 AM

Mike Robertson devotes a chapter to soft issue work and its various exercises in the manual "Bulletproof Knees" which I highly recommend.

Greg Davis · 07-14-2008, 11:26 AM

FYI I had a chance to ask Eric Cressey for his thoughts on this and he replied:

Quote:

Great read:

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook

Thomas Bailly · 08-18-2008, 10:57 AM

Books will only get you so far, especially when it comes to soft tissue work.
Find a therapist whose work you like ask them if they could teach you a few basics, your money will be a lot better spent.( granted you will be spending more of it).
Another option is to find a massage therapy school near you and post an ad saying" body available for work" there. It may end up being hit or miss but you will learn a lot from receiving and usually students like to talk about what they just learned. Most schools teach a lot more than your basic swedish work.

Long time reader,first time poster.
11 years as a bodyworker, specializing in injury rehab.

Steven Low · 08-18-2008, 06:02 PM

Myofascial, neuromuscular, ART are all good.

I mean, half the time just do what feels good or aim/poke around for stuff that is tight and loosen it. That's generally some of the best stuff.

In the college class I took there's also some great stuff you can do with massage of the head/face and hands. Those are some good areas to target that feel really great afterwards.

Garrett Smith · 08-19-2008, 06:43 AM

Man, I want that Ming book so bad.

Craig Brown · 08-19-2008, 08:04 AM

I'll second that tripgger point book, very helpful.

Greg Davis · 08-19-2008, 08:32 AM

I bought the Trigger Point book a few weeks ago. My girlfriend and I have tried some of the stuff and it is pretty useful. My only beef with it is that 90% of it focused on fixing pain and so it doesn't give you much to go on for the preventive side of things.

Craig Brown · 08-19-2008, 10:09 AM

Greg- well, in theory the trigger points should only be present where there is a problem...so it is somewhat reactionary vs. preventative. There should be a ton of good refeerence materials for deep tissue massage. There is a book...

http://www.wakinglifemassage.com/sho...asp?itemid=909

...that I just looked in passing (link is to a store in my neighborhood). No opinion on if it is any good, but it is on my list to spend some more time with.