Technique Archives - Science & Soul Education for Massage and Movement Professionals

Thai Massage Hip Flexor Stretch Video

by Vanessa H | Jul 19, 2018 | Classes, Technique, Thai Massage, Uncategorized, Video

This is a brief clip from my Thai Massage Level One class in Philadelphia, PA. It shows how to perform a hip flexor stretch.

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Since 2005, I have been helping folks to reduce chronic and acute pain, decrease stress, improve athletic performance, restore range of motion, and simply relax while hiding from the kids and in-laws. In short, I help you be resilient to whatever life throws at you!

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Skill Building for Thai Bodyworkers Series: Four Common Foot Conditions

by Vanessa H | Dec 20, 2017 | Anatomy, Technique, Theory

Hello Healers!
Welcome to the second installment Skill Building for Thai Bodyworkers Series, featuring four common foot conditions. In this blog we will discuss:

Anatomy of the lower leg and foot
Common conditions you may encounter with clients
Thai massage foot techniques

As you go through this blog series, I encourage you to palpate the muscles and bones on your own body.

Quick Foot Facts

Each foot has:

26 bones in each foot, 56 in total
The bones in the foot make up about ¼ the amount of bones in the human body
33 joints and 107 ligaments
The foot has the highest amount of nerve endings per square centimeter than any other part of the body.

Depending on the individual, there are 19 or 20 muscles that control the foot. Some of these muscles originate on the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and insert onto the foot via tendinous attachment sites. These muscles have several functions, which include:

Enabling the foot and ankle to move on various planes
Supporting the arch
Providing stability to support the rest of the body

Problems in the feet and ankles can contribute to pain the low back, hips, knees, and affect spinal alignment.

Common Foot Conditions

Pes Planus (Fallen Longitudinal Arch)
Flattening of the longitudinal arch of the foot. This occurs when the bone structure of the foot no longer supports the longitudinal arch. It affects gait and soft tissues of leg and foot.

Pes Cavus (High Longitudinal Arch)
This is the opposite of pes planus. It is an increased or exaggerated longitudinal arch of the foot. Tightness in the plantar fascia and the soft tissues on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot draw the ends of the foot closer together.

Bunion
This can occur over time when there is an increase of external friction on the distal metatarsal; causing a callus to form. The bursa (fluid filled sac) located at this metatarsal head becomes inflamed. In severe cases, a bone spur will form as well.

Plantar Fasciitis Inflammation of the plantar fascia- the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Inflammation occurs through chronic overuse. Increased stress due to high or fallen arches also causes inflammation of the plantar fascia. Pain is likely to be worse when weight is suddenly put on the foot after periods of rest. Pain may be particularly intense at the heel bone and the balls of the feet.