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Susan Farhat

This Hands-on Video takes you step by step to a full-body stretch. Using traditional Thai massage techniques made simple to be used on a massage table or floor. You will learn to easily stretch someone in 4 positions. Prone, supine, seated, and sidylying. You will learn passive stretching, compression and thumb presses. Thai Massage is sometimes referred to as the "lazy man's yoga," Traditional Thai massage is normally performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable clothing. The therapist uses compression with her hands, feet, knees, and elbows. All muscles get passively stretched and moved through a full range of motion. With this video, you can use a massage table or the floor to achieve the same results. You will be given tips to help your body perform without stress on you and give the receiver the maximum benefits. The routine that is taught on this video works the entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yoga stretching. This routine, when performed properly, can feel like a 90 minute deep tissue massage. The receiver will leave the session feeling boosted energy levels, lowered stress, and overall well-being. If you are a licensed Massage Therapist you can also receive Florida Board of Massage CEU's and/or

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The benefits of simple passive stretching and compression will be explored
  • The benefits of rocking and shaking upper and lower limbs will be explored
  • Techniques designed to benefit the receiver without stress on the giver will be explored
  • Techniques will be taught in 4 positions: supine, prone, side-lying and seated

Syllabus

Understanding the considerations before working on someone with Thai techniques
Considerations
Considerations before beginning the routine
What to consider before beginning
Read more
Step by step instructions for stretching in the supine position
Step by step instructions for supine
Step by step instructions for supine continued
Step by step instructions for stretching in the seated position




Foot work/fist and thumb presses

Ankle stretch and compression on Achilles

Flexion each leg/ankle flexion and plantar flex

Each/Both legs/quad stretch/assisted (or Psoas)

Flexed Knee hamstring compression

Jostling glutes

Glute work

Thumb press back/thumb chases thumb

Pushing away from spine

Triangle arm/work scap

Thumb presses in LB/traction Sacrum

Step by step instructions for Seated position

Client seated comfortable/Lean against therapist

Press each shoulder/thumb press from C-7 along supraspinatis

Shoulder work/hand behind back

Angel Stretch/Arms clasped behind head

Holding arms feet in low back

Arms across body/knees in back

Client either straight legs or cross, push forward

Quacking/Brush off

Step by step instructions for stretching in the prone position
Step by step instructions for prone position
Step by step instructions for Prone position
Step by step instructions for stretching in the side-lying positon
Step by step instructions for side-lying position
Step by step instructions for side-lying
Instructions for Supine
Step by Step instructions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches techniques that can be integrated into existing massage practices, potentially expanding the therapist's repertoire and attracting a wider range of clients
Explores passive stretching and compression, which are valuable skills for promoting relaxation, increasing flexibility, and relieving muscle tension in clients
Focuses on techniques designed to benefit the receiver without stress on the giver, which is crucial for longevity and sustainability in a physically demanding profession
Offers CEU credits for licensed massage therapists in Florida, which is a valuable benefit for those needing to maintain their licensure and stay current with industry standards
Requires access to a massage table, which may be an additional expense for some students who are just starting out or do not have access to one
Emphasizes a sequence of movements similar to yoga stretching, which may appeal to learners interested in incorporating elements of yoga into their massage practice

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Thai Massage on the Table with these activities:
Review Basic Massage Techniques
Reviewing basic massage techniques will help you better understand the compressions and stretches used in Thai massage.
Browse courses on Friction
Show steps
  • Watch videos demonstrating basic massage strokes.
  • Practice these strokes on a willing partner.
  • Focus on proper body mechanics and pressure.
Read 'Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the history and principles behind Thai massage.
View Thai Massage on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on history and principles.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Practice Supine Stretches
Practicing the supine stretches from the course will improve your technique and build muscle memory.
Show steps
  • Review the supine section of the course.
  • Practice each stretch on a partner, focusing on proper form.
  • Repeat the sequence several times.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Cheat Sheet
Creating a cheat sheet will help you consolidate your knowledge of the Thai massage sequence.
Show steps
  • Review the course materials.
  • Create a concise cheat sheet outlining the key steps and techniques for each position.
  • Include diagrams or illustrations to aid memory.
Explore 'The Concise Book of Muscles'
Understanding muscle anatomy will help you better target your stretches and compressions.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Review the muscles involved in the stretches taught in the course.
  • Use this knowledge to refine your technique.
Develop a Table Thai Massage Routine
Developing your own routine will solidify your understanding of the techniques and allow you to personalize your practice.
Show steps
  • Review the course materials and your cheat sheet.
  • Select a sequence of stretches and compressions that you find effective.
  • Practice the routine on several different people.
  • Refine your routine based on feedback.
Offer Free Thai Massage Sessions
Volunteering will provide valuable experience and allow you to refine your skills in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Offer free Thai massage sessions to friends, family, or community members.
  • Gather feedback on your technique and adjust accordingly.
  • Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Thai Massage on the Table will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist uses touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. This course helps equip one to become a massage therapist. A core skill for massage therapists is using manual therapy techniques to relieve pain and promote wellness. This course in particular helps build skills in Thai massage techniques applied on a massage table, covering positions such as prone, supine, seated, and side-lying. By learning passive stretching, compression, and thumb presses, a massage therapist gains additional tools to offer clients. One who takes this course may have interest in Thai massage. The course emphasizes techniques that benefit the client while minimizing stress on the therapist, which is crucial for longevity in the field of massage therapy.
Chiropractor
A chiropractor focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine. While a chiropractor typically requires a doctoral degree and licensure, this course helps complement a chiropractor's existing knowledge. Chiropractors often employ manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and improve function. This course explores Thai massage techniques, including passive stretching and compression. By learning these techniques, a chiropractor can expand their therapeutic toolbox and provide additional options for patient care.
Somatic Therapist
A somatic therapist focuses on the relationship between the mind, body, and emotions, often using body-centered techniques to facilitate healing. Since touch is frequently part of the work of a somatic therapist, this course may be useful for a somatic therapist. This course focuses on Thai massage techniques that involve passive stretching and compression and covers techniques in different positions. Learning these techniques enables practitioners to provide care for most clients.
Yoga Instructor
As a yoga instructor, one guides students through various yoga poses and breathing techniques. While this role typically requires certification through a yoga school, this course may complement a yoga instructor's existing knowledge. A yoga instructor leads students through poses that promote flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. This course introduces Thai massage techniques, sometimes referred to as 'lazy man's yoga,' and demonstrates how these techniques can be adapted for a massage table or floor. The course will be helpful to a yoga instructor. It explores passive stretching and compression techniques that can deepen one's understanding of body mechanics and flexibility.
Physical Therapist Assistant
A physical therapist assistant helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Much of being a physical therapist assistant consists of implementing treatment plans and assisting patients with exercises. This course may be helpful for a physical therapist assistant. This course showcases Thai massage techniques, including passive stretching and compression, which align with the goals of physical therapy. By learning techniques applicable in positions like prone, supine, seated, and side-lying, a physical therapist assistant can broaden their skill set. This course can assist one to better understand the benefits of stretching and compression.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach guides clients toward healthier lifestyles by providing support and strategies for behavior change. While this may require additional training, this course may be useful for a wellness coach. This course explores a full body stretching routine that boosts energy levels, lowers stress, and promotes overall well-being. By understanding the principles of Thai massage on the table and its effects on the body, a wellness coach can better inform their clients about complementary therapies. A wellness coach who takes this course may also better understand passive stretching, compression, and the mind-body connection.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of their clients. This may require further training, and this course may be useful for a recreational therapist. Passive stretching, compression, and other massage techniques may be some of the activities they use. Recreational therapists often work with individuals who have physical limitations or disabilities. This course helps learn Thai massage techniques adapted for a massage table, making it accessible for a wider range of clients. It will also improve understanding of passive stretching and compression techniques.
Acupuncturist
An acupuncturist practices traditional Chinese medicine by stimulating specific points on the body, often with needles, to alleviate pain and promote healing. Acupuncturists often employ other techniques such as massage, and this course may be useful for an acupuncturist. This course explores Thai massage techniques, which involve passive stretching and compression. The course emphasizes techniques that benefit the patient while reducing stress on the practitioner, and this aligns with the acupuncturist's desire to provide compassionate care.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer specializes in preventing and treating athletic injuries. Athletic trainers often use manual therapy techniques to help athletes recover. This course may be useful for a athletic trainer. This course offers insights into Thai massage techniques that emphasize passive stretching and compression, which can complement an athletic trainer's skill set. This course specifically covers techniques applicable in various positions which can be integrated with an athletic trainer's approach to injury recovery.
Reflexologist
A reflexologist applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears to promote relaxation and healing in corresponding areas of the body. Since massage can complement reflexology, this course may be useful for a reflexologist. This course introduces Thai massage techniques that involve passive stretching and compression. The course emphasizes techniques that benefit the client while reducing stress on the practitioner, which aligns with the reflexologist's goals.
Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist helps patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Someone who is an occupational therapist helps patients improve motor skills, and this course may be useful to them. This course introduces techniques in Thai massage, covering positions such as prone, seated, supine, and side-lying. Understanding the principles of passive stretching and compression can inform an occupational therapist's approach to improving a patient's range of motion and functional abilities. This course can help build a holistic approach to patient care.
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist designs and implements exercise programs to improve patients' health and fitness. Since exercise programs include stretching, this course may be useful for an exercise physiologist. This course focuses on Thai massage techniques that involve passive stretching and compression, and knowledge of these techniques adds to a holistic approach. Covering techniques in different positions, it enables practitioners to provide care for most patients. Taking this course can add to your overall skill set.
Dance Therapist
A dance therapist uses movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. This course introduces Thai massage techniques, which can complement a dance therapist's approach. This course explores Thai massage techniques, which involve passive stretching and compression. By understanding how these techniques affect the body, a dance therapist can develop a greater appreciation for the connection between movement, touch, and healing. Taking this course will help build a well-rounded approach to therapy.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer designs and implements fitness programs for individual clients. This course may be useful for personal trainers, who frequently design stretching programs. The course introduces Thai massage techniques that involve passive stretching and compression, and knowledge of these techniques adds to a holistic approach. This course may complement a personal trainer's existing knowledge. Covering techniques in different positions, it enables practitioners to provide care for most patients.
Esthetician
An esthetician specializes in skin care treatments, such as facials, body wraps, and waxing. While an esthetician primarily focuses on skin care, this course helps complement their existing knowledge. This course explores Thai massage techniques, which involve passive stretching and compression. It is useful for estheticians who want to broaden their service offerings or enhance their understanding of holistic wellness. The esthetician who takes this course will gain the ability to relax the body.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Thai Massage on the Table.
Provides a comprehensive overview of traditional Thai massage, covering its history, philosophy, and techniques. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of Thai massage, offering a deeper understanding of the energy lines and pressure points used in the practice. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and historical context of Thai massage, enriching the practical skills learned in the course.
Provides detailed anatomical information about muscles, including their origins, insertions, and actions. Understanding the muscles involved in each stretch will help you perform Thai massage more effectively. While not strictly necessary, this knowledge will enhance your understanding of the body and improve your ability to target specific areas. This book useful reference for massage therapists of all kinds.

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