Shoulder Massage

Start by holding the upper arm of the shoulder you will be working on with one hand. With the other palm, perform friction circles on the whole scapula and the joint of the shoulder.

Then put both hands on the shoulder joint, anterior and posterior, and do friction circles.

Next, using thumbs, apply circular friction to the top of the scapula, moving about an inch at a time, all the way across, then down an inch and across in the opposite direction.

Repeat until the whole scapula is covered. At the bottom, teres minor and teres major attach. If there is tenderness there (and there can be a lot in this location), hold pressure for about eight seconds.

Now go to the latissimus dorsi which is directly behind the underarm. Put your fingers on the lateral border of the scapula and move your thumbs into the armpit. Compress in a pinching type manner but don't actually pinch the client. Move one thumb-width at a time up until you get to the humerus. Then finger knead the same tissue back down.

Next is the deltoid. Start by applying deep friction to the deltoid. Then apply finger kneading.

Perform cross fiber friction on the deltoid over to the clavicle.

End the therapeutic shoulder routine with rapid light friction using your palms.

Return from Shoulder Massage to Massage Therapy