BM016 Perform Manual Massage Treatments – Front Of The Leg Massage

This module will show you how to perform a front of the leg massage. We suggest you watch the video clips several times and then practise on your family and friends. You may purchase student insurance with the Guild if you need to.

Introduction

Perform Manual Massage Treatments

Before you commence any massage treatment you should ensure that the client is comfortable and well supported. You should explain the treatment to the client so that they know what to expect, and you should maintain their modesty at all times. Always sanitise your hands thoroughly before beginning.

Remember to be led by your client. Many clients want to relax and switch off – so after a few minutes of explanation to put your client at ease, refrain from too much talking. If your client seems more at ease talking always be aware of sticking to appropriate topics of conversation and refrain from discussing certain topics or contentious issues.

Front of the Leg Massage

Begin the massage with superficial stroking using alternate hands from the top of the thigh right down to the tips of the toes in order to apply the massage oil. Repeat this four times.

Effleurage with both hands coming up either side of the leg, taking care not to press too firmly on the knee, round the patella and up to the thigh, increasing the pressure as you move upwards. Use a light stroke to travel back to the foot. Repeat this four times.

Use the same deep effleurage movement just on the thigh six times.

Lift the tissue from the inside of the thigh to the centre, using alternate hands. Repeat this four times. Repeat this four times.

Palmar knead across all the muscles in the thigh, working from the inside to the outside.

Place one hand either side of the thigh then wring the muscles by lifting and squeezing them. Change the hands over with every movement before bringing them back to their starting position. Repeat this ten times, ensuring your movements are more vigorous than previous kneading.

Perform hacking, cupping and pounding movements, ensuring that you cover the entire thigh.

Deep stroke with one hand either side of the leg from the quadriceps towards the top of the thigh. Bring your hands forwards and back down to the knee. Repeat this four times.

Use both hands to perform deep stroking around the patella, four times. Use the thumbs or fingers of both hands to knead around the patella.

Perform deep effleurage movements with both hands to the lower leg from the ankle to the knee four times. Keep your hands together on the upstroke and then part them on the downward stroke. Ensure that you do not apply too much pressure to the tibia.

Thumb knead the tibialis anterior muscle on the lateral aspect of the lower leg. Work downwards from the top of the lower leg to the ankle using alternate thumbs before sweeping back up to the starting position. Repeat this twice.

Support the lower leg by placing a bolster below the leg, just above the ankle. Use the fingers or thumbs of both hands to knead around the Achilles tendon.

Thumb knead around the anterior of the ankle joint.

Perform deep effleurage movements with one hand on the bottom and one hand on the top of the foot from the toes to the top of the ankle and back again. Apply more pressure on the upstroke, keeping the movement superficial on the downward stroke. Repeat this six times.

Use your thumbs to knead in between the metatarsal spaces on the top of the foot.

Use the palm of your hand to stroke firmly into the sole of the foot, down to the heel and back up to the toes. Use the other hand to support the toes. Repeat this four times.

Thumb knead down the arch of the foot, from the toes to the heel, with both thumbs before stroking back to the starting position. Repeat this twice.

Use the edge of your hand to stroke firmly into the arch. Work down towards the heel and back up again. Repeat this four times.

Position your hands with the fingers on top of the foot and the thumbs underneath the foot. Use the thumbs to perform scissoring movements down the sole of the foot.

Once you reach the heel, link the fingers together and squeeze back up the foot to the toes. Repeat this twice.

Briskly rub the medial and lateral aspects foot with one hand on either side.

Effleurage the whole of the leg from the foot to the top of the thigh and back down. Repeat this four times.

Sandwich the foot with one hand on the top of it and one hand on the bottom of it and hold for a few seconds before covering the leg. Repeat the massage on the other leg.