Deep Massage and “Low Back Pain”

by Keith Vencill

Many of the people I see for the first time complain of “low back pain”. Massage is rarely the first thing that they try. Over-the-counter pain relievers are cheap, easy to come by, and may be effective. However, clients become frustrated as symptoms return when the drugs wear off. They think there must be a better, longer-lasting answer.  There is!

Our clients want 1) for the pain to stop and 2) for the pain to never return. As body workers, we know that postural and/or lifestyle changes are often required to completely eliminate the problem. This obviously does not happen in one session. How do we get a client to return until the problem is resolved? Simply, we must be, generally, more effective and predictable than a pill.

Deep Massage: the Lauterstein Method is the best way I have found to address pain in the lumbar area and will be the primary focus of this workshop. Included will be a hands-on review of the relevant musculoskeletal anatomy, the foundation principles of Deep Massage the Lauterstein Method, and some great techniques.

Anatomy: The muscles of the back, sacroiliac ligaments and gluteal origins will be reviewed and palpated. The relevance of gender differences in pelvic orientation will be explored.

The fulcrum, one of the foundation principles of the Lauterstein Method, is a way to intentionally contact both structure and energy simultaneously. I refer to it as a “cheat code” for the nervous system: getting past or around reflexive defenses surrounding a held or damaged area held in stasis by splinting or protective compensations. Yes, we’re doing a kind of brain software surgery – ultimately the client’s change depends on a changing message from the nervous system..

Techniques will be general and specific, with a focus the muscles and fascia and on information (“working signs”) we can gather from the client’s neurological response. These signs will inform our pressure, pace and effectiveness. You’ll have somatic conversations with your client’s subconscious, introducing the possibility of real, lasting change.

Learn more at the Anatomy and Deep Massage for Lower Back workshop with Keith Vencill on Sunday, February 1, 2015. CLICK HERE to register today!