MFR vs Deep tissue

[faerie]

I have been licensed for just over one year and I am finding that I am most drawn to therapeutic modalities as opposed to spa modalities or simple Swedish massage.

I had a fairly extensive course on myofascial release in school and enjoy using it, but I have never done a full session of MFR.

I have started applying at therapeutic style massage businesses, but I feel a little overwhelmed. Should I be working out some kind of routine which includes only MFR? Any suggestions what this should include? Other than what the client mentions of course!

I am also wondering about "deep tissue" work. We did not cover this in school. I have the money to purchase one CEU program right away, and I don't know if I should invest in more MFR teaching or start learning deep tissue. I intend to study both in the future, just don't know where to start. Especially when I see job ads stating "deep tissue ability prefered".

I'm still searching for my voice, but slowly discovering it.

Thanks for any help.
Andrea

 

[Ace of Clubs]

You may want to check out http://www.deeptissue.com . The site has both deep tissue and MFR dvd's w/ sample clips you can watch. I, also leaning toward therapeutic, have invested in both.

 

[Lilgoldfish]

You may do well to get a few therapeutic treatments from several MTs. Ask them about what they do and their training, and pay attention to the experience from start to finish and then the aftereffects.

I've never had identical massages from two different MTs, even when they followed a similar routine. Pressure, pacing, and connection varies, and in therapeutic work I've noticed many more differences. In my own practice, I've noticed that my style has changed dramatically over the last year as I've incorporated more effective ways of treating various issues. I would much rather receive my current work than the work I used to do.

Something else to consider: what do you want to work on? Anything in particular, or just something more challenging than relaxation? Let this guide your choices as you explore options for continuing ed.

Last, try to find in-depth continuing ed courses that are taught IN PERSON. At this seforum.xxxe, I doubt that home-study courses are what you need. First-hand experience gained in a class is invaluable and really helps clarify the fine points that books and DVDs don't seem to cover.

Good luck in your search!

 

[delhiris]

I completely agree with having a few treatments by different therapists in the modalities you're interested in. I do both MFR and deep tissue, they are two distinctly different treatments with different benefits and some people prefer one or respond better to one over the other.

I wouldn't invest a lot of CE money until you know what you want to study and for what reason.

Good luck!

 

[kisseslikepearls]

Thank you all for your replies.

Empathic Heart - For the fact of what you said about some people responding better to one over the other I think that I will make it a point to learn deep tissue, but for now I think that I will look for more hands on classes in MFR.

Trying out different MTs is a good idea. It seems that I've been giving a lot of massages to MTs lately because I've been applying to work at a few different places. I sure wish that they'd reciprocate. It would be a very good idea for me to know the style and calibre of the person I'm working for.

 

[Nick A. Please]

MFR vs Deep Tissue

In Florida, a pole was taken of MTs. It found that the most requested style of massage is Deep Tissue, and many of them charge more for that. I feel part of the huge number of requests is not because people want killer pressure, but because their last massage was Fluff and Buff. So they got a light massage, they feel that they need to request Deep Tissue when they simply want to feel their massage.

I do MFR, having taken three of John Barnes courses. I feel MFR is used mostly when needed, and I do full sessions. Doing MFR in the JFB style means coming up with your routine based on what your client needs. You figure out what your client needs based on postural analysis. You see where they are not aligned, and see where you need to work to bring them back into alignment. But one also keeps in mind that if the client is feeling something in one place while you are working in another, that is their body directing you where to work next no matter what plan you have come up with. Keep in mind that this is done without oil. Once you get oil on the client, you can't do this style of MFR.

As far as Deep Tissue goes, for the most part it is more pressure. Yes you can do compressions and dig in excruciatingly deep, but mostly people just want more pressure. Learning how to use your body better can help you get the pressure you need. Keep your hands in front of you, in your center. This is where you are strongest. Learn how to get your body over your arm so you can use the weight to get in deep. Learn how to use your forearms rather than your hands or elbows. (Aunty Margaret's Lomi Lomi is a good teacher for this.)

As far as one or the other, if someone needs a massage, they get Deep Tissue, if that is the pressure they want. If someone has pain, and they are out of alignment (as most people are), I suggest MFR if I feel it would be a better thing for them. I can always add some Lomi compressions to stretch the muscles with either style, but I treat them like day and night.

 

[vballnut153]

Deep tissue massage, soft tissue mobilization (STM), and myofascial release are usually considered separate, though there may be quite a bit of overlap between the first two. The STM I learned during my MFR training was very deep and forceful. It filled a few hours of the intro MFR class and we were told that we will seldon use it, since MFR was so effective. Despite this, when I observed MFR treatment as a part of the training, STM was used quite often, and as usual, was very deep and forceful.

When it comes to being treated, I'm pretty much a wimp. I don't like STM. So, I really was never comfortable performing it on my clients either. Over the years I morphed STM to a point of what I now term MyoMobilization™. It is a blend of MFR and STM; going deep without being painful. Holding the deeper barriers without trying to force my way through them. I see better results in terms of mobility and pain resolution with much better comfort on the part of my clients. I've also begun to incorporated MyoMobilization™ training in my seminars.