Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

50 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Lower leg and ankle. Address tibialis anterior and the peroneals to bring circulation to the lower leg compartment. Be sure to also work on ankle mobility and circulation with any friction or jostling techniques that you like. Finishing the whole-body stretch via passive dorsiflexion and plantar flexion can help subtly reeducate the client, reminding them that the entire back body, from soles of feet to base of skull, is connected. The prone and supine protocols described in this section offer suggestions and reminders for incorporating lower body, pelvic and torso concerns into a comprehensive tech neck treatment plan. Even if you spend more time on immediate issues like neck and shoulders, integrating work on the lumbar spine, hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, IT band, calves and abdominals (at a minimum) into your session can help better release tension, promote naturally healthier posture, and reduce secondary strain on the neck and upper body. An integrative approach addresses the root causes of tech neck, offering both immediate relief and long-term improvements in posture and spinal alignment to counter the progression of symptoms and encourage the restoration of balance. Adapting Techniques for Side-Lying and Seated Postures While the protocols described here have primarily focused on prone and supine positions, it’s important to keep in mind that your hands-on techniques can be adapted for use in side-lying and seated positions as well. These alternative postures can be beneficial for clients who may struggle to maintain comfort in a prone or supine position, for those with limited mobility or for chair massage clients. Side-lying posture. In the side-lying position, you can target many of the same areas covered in the prone and supine positions. For example, when working on the glutes or hamstrings, you can perform compression and myofascial release along the iliac crest and posterior thigh while ensuring the client is properly supported with pillows for comfort.

Side-lying also allows for more access to the lateral aspects of the body, such as the IT band, lateral hip and quadratus lumborum, and you can also address abdominal and deep hip flexor tension in a modified manner by applying gentle pressure to the lateral abdominal wall, using a lighter touch to work through any muscular restrictions. These muscles will be softened, and some will be shortened (depending on leg/hip positioning), so access is increased. Seated posture. Seated positions can be especially effective for addressing tension in the lower back, hips and shoulders. While seated, you can apply targeted compression along the lower back and glutes. A seated posture also allows for convenient assessment and guidance on correct ergonomic alignment during the session, helping clients become more aware of their posture habits. You could create a mini tech neck protocol for corporate chair massage events or blend them into a collaborative workshop with other health care professionals. Self-Care Practices: Stretches, Exercises and Ergonomic Tips To further improve client outcomes, massage therapists can recommend various stretches and exercises to address the specific areas most affected by tech neck. Tech neck syndrome isn’t just an issue of poor cervical posture—it’s a full-body concern. Poor ergonomics, particularly when it comes to how we use technology, play a crucial role in the development and perpetuation of tech neck symptoms. Massage therapists are lucky to be in a unique position to assist clients in identifying and correcting these ergonomic issues so further musculoskeletal dysfunction might be prevented. Practical Ergonomic Tools • Chair and seating options : Proper seating is essential for maintaining good posture throughout the day. Encourage clients to use ergonomically designed chairs that support

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