into a massage session, where they increase therapeutic results and client satisfaction. Quick Self Fixes that are rooted in massage, stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or craniosacral techniques are well within the massage therapist’s scope of practice, as are those rooted in reflex, acupressure and neurolymphatic points. Sometimes a muscle will need more than one fix, so multiple fixes overlap areas. Often fixes will need frequent repeating over time for the body to learn how to stay strong. While the fixes are designed to be self-treatments, many can be incorporated seamlessly into a massage session, where they increase therapeutic results and client satisfaction. Strengthening latissimus dorsi is a great, quick fix for combating hunched-over postures, and it is very important for maintaining good body mechanics. Sometimes I use it midsession to re-enable strength. I also find it can temporarily relieve some upper trapezius discomfort. 4. Shoulder Fix. This fix stems from a chiropractic adjustment and is not in the scope of massage therapy to perform on someone else, but it is a safe selfstretch of the rotator cuff insertion tendons. It strengthens muscle tests for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. Hold the fully bent arm of the targeted shoulder close by your ribs and use the other hand to hold under the elbow. The targeted arm’s hand may rest on your chest or opposite shoulder. Use the hand holding the elbow to softly push the targeted (passive) humerus up into the acromial joint, taking out all slack in the rotator cuff. Hold in that place to make sure there is no pain, then use the hand on the elbow to make a very small, extra lift of the targeted humerus straight up into the glenohumeral joint. There is very little actual movement in that final lift, yet it can relieve a lot of shoulder dysfunction. Some people may even hear a click. If the lift is both needed and successful, the shoulder will immediately feel a lot freer and show increased range of motion. 5. Liver Fix. This fix stems from visceral massage and osteopathic techniques. Manual stimulation of the liver may stimulate its detoxification activity, and particularly strengthens pectoralis major and middle trapezius muscle tests. Because of its bodywide function, the Liver Fix often strengthens other muscles, too. If you have fragile ribs, osteoporosis or osteopenia, do not do this fix. While standing or lying down, use the left Continued from page 49 | www.massagemag.com | September 2015 | MASSAGE Magazine | 51 Read “The Synergy of Quick Self Fixes and Targeted Muscle Testing: A Case History,” by Barbara Sharp, L.M.T., at massagemag.com/synergyqsf. hand to pin up and under the right rib cage to hold the liver stationary. Curl the fingers of your right hand to make a soft air pocket over your palm. From a height of about 6 inches, rhythmically tap your right hand over your lower right rib cage and liver in a diagonal approach for 10 to 15 taps. Each tap should create a resonating vibration in your liver. Be gentle and do not cause pain. A free e-book and video of these five fixes and their associated muscle tests targeting the shoulder are available at quickselffixes.com. I often tell clients, “Your body may need 100 fixes to hold this new strength, but only one from me and the rest from yourself.” Because Quick Self Fixes are both quick and portable, the client is more likely to perform them herself. Muscle testing clients before and after the fix shows clients whether the fix works for them. The one caveat is that no fix (or test) should be done to the point of pain or in cases of acute trauma. If all the possible fixes fail to strengthen the area, have the client consult a doctor. Barbara Sharp, L.M.T., is a licensed massage therapist in Marietta, Georgia, with 21 years of experience. She found Targeted Muscle Testing, Quick Self Fixes (quickselffixes. com) and assisted yoga postures from Thai massage so helpful that she expanded her class note-taking skills into writing three full curriculums to help others have a written resource to learn from and reference. Quick Self Fixes and Targeted Muscle Testing are approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork for continuing education. M —Barbara Sharp, L.M.T. 52 | MASSAGE Magazine | September 2015 | www.massagemag.com | M| New Products & Services DISCOVER CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY FOR LONGEVITY AND SENIORS BROCHURE Upledger Institute International Written in easily understood language by Michael Morgan, L.M.T., C.S.T.-D., this brochure educates your clients about the history and value of CranioSacral Therapy, how it is performed and its effect on the body’s functions. With space for your name and contact information, it can be used as a tool for expanding your business. Discover CranioSacral Therapy for Longevity and Seniors Brochure costs $30 per set of 100. Contact Upledger Institute International, (800) 233-5880 or upledger.com. new on the scene FACE COOLIE Unique Spa Products The Face Coolie gel pack is a removable, reusable gel insert for use on a massage table’s face cradle. The pack conforms to the contours of the face and gives your massage clients a cool, comfortable place to rest their heads. It can also help relieve sinus pressure and inflammation. The Face Coolie gel pack costs $28. Contact Unique Spa Products, (561) 285-7676 or