Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

Winter 2025 • 49

along the arches and heels, working slowly to release any accumulated tension. This can help increase circulation to the lower extremities and facilitate better postural stability. To perform ankle mobilization, use your thumbs or knuckles to rotate the ankle joint gently, moving it through its full range of motion. This action promotes mobility in the ankle joint and helps stabilize the pelvis, which is key to maintaining postural alignment throughout the body. Once you have addressed the posterior body, transition to the supine position for more specific work on the core, hip flexors and abdominals. These often-ignored areas are essential for maintaining postural alignment and pelvic stability—key factors in relieving tech neck symptoms. Hip Flexor and Abdominal Work Hip flexor release. Begin by applying myofascial release techniques to the lower abdomen, anterior hip surface and edges of the iliacus, as well as surrounding hip flexor muscles. Use your thumbs or forearms to apply pressure gently, targeting tight areas that contribute to increased lumbar lordosis. Use the anterior superior iliac spine to find the attachment of the quads group and apply steady, slow pressure to release the quad tendon just below it. Hold trigger points in the hip flexors for 15–20 seconds, allowing the muscle fibers to relax and release slowly. As the hip flexors begin to let go of tension, pelvic alignment can improve (especially when coupled with targeted aftercare exercises), which is crucial for counteracting forward head posture by helping to correct imbalances all the way up to the cervical spine. Abdominal release. Work through the abdominal muscles using myofascial strokes or soft kneading. Focus on restrictions in the attachments of the diaphragm and the abdominals to enhance core stability and improve posture. Apply slow, circular motions using your palms or forearms. This gentle pressure encourages core engagement, which stabilizes the lumbar and cervical regions. You may guide the client through

diaphragmatic breathing before or after this work, encouraging deeper awareness and engagement with the diaphragm muscle and enhancing its physical release. Quadriceps and IT Band Release Quadriceps. Begin with broad, light strokes across the quadriceps to release tension. Gradually increase the pressure as you focus on tight areas near the hip flexors and IT band. This progressive pressure allows for a thorough release of tension in the quadriceps, which can help alleviate strain on the pelvis and lower back. Try petrissage techniques to work the quadriceps group, ensuring that you’re not overstimulating the tissue. Very gentle skin rolling can be effective here, too. Take your time to move through the entire length of the quadriceps, from the hip flexors down to the knee, attachment to attachment.

Petrissage and light skin rolling can be very helpful in managing lower body dysfunction.

IT band release. The IT band often tightens due to prolonged sitting, especially when combined with poor posture. Apply palmar or forearm pressure to the IT band, working from the hip down to the knee. Move with slow, controlled strokes, ensuring you are applying enough pressure to break up adhesions along the lateral thigh. This technique helps reduce lateral tightness, improve spinal alignment and promote better posture.

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