Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

62 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Think about: • What manual therapy techniques might work best? • How would you address lower body dysfunctions? • What self-care or ergonomic recommendations would you provide? • Would you refer the client to another professional? If so, whom? Example Answer : • Manual therapy : Focused soft tissue release for the hip flexors, including the iliopsoas and quadriceps, to improve hip mobility. • Lower body strengthening : Recommend glute activation exercises, such as bridges and clamshells, to improve pelvic stability and support proper spinal alignment. • Client education : Educate the client on maintaining pelvic neutrality while seated and provide self-care exercises to stretch the hip flexors and strengthen the core. • Outcome : Over the course of eight weeks, the client experienced a significant reduction in neck pain and headaches by addressing the underlying lower body dysfunctions. Case Study 2: Integrating Self-Care and Ergonomics Client profile: A 30-year-old client reports upper back and neck stiffness, particularly after long workdays. The client works as an accountant and uses a computer for most of the day, often leaning forward to look at the screen. Develop a treatment plan: Consider the client’s work habits and create a treatment plan that addresses ergonomic adjustments, manual therapy and self-care practices, including: • What ergonomic changes would you suggest? • What manual therapy techniques could reduce tension? • Are there any self-care exercises to recommend? Example Answer: • Ergonomic adjustments : Work with the client to adjust their workstation, ensuring the monitor is at eye level and the client’s feet are flat on the floor. 2

• Manual therapy : Focused work on the upper back and neck that uses techniques to relieve tension in the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. • Self-care practices : Provide simple stretches for the neck and shoulders and instruct the client on core engagement exercises, such as seated pelvic tilts and diaphragmatic breathing. • Outcome : With ergonomic improvements and consistent self-care, the client experienced a reduction in neck stiffness and a more neutral spine. Interactive Learning: Applying Knowledge in Real-World Scenarios To further solidify the learning experience, following are a few interactive activities that allow you to apply your knowledge to different scenarios. These activities encourage critical thinking and help massage therapists develop effective treatment strategies tailored to individual client needs. Activity 1: Creating a Comprehensive Treatment Plan Scenario: You have a client who is a 45-year old software developer experiencing tech neck symptoms, including neck pain and numbness in the right hand. The client sits for long hours with minimal breaks and has reported high stress levels related to work. Your task : Develop a treatment plan that addresses both the musculoskeletal and lifestyle factors contributing to the client’s symptoms. • What manual therapy techniques would you use? • What self-care recommendations would you provide? • What ergonomic adjustments would you suggest? • Would you refer the client to another professional, such as a mindfulness coach or physical therapist? If so, why? Example Answer: • Manual therapy techniques : Use soft tissue release for the neck extensors, upper trapezius and forearm flexors. Address any myofascial

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