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Step 1
Push the client's head gently to 1 side. Make a fist and roll your forearm along the client's neck, from the head out to the shoulder. Focus on using the muscle of your forearm instead of the bone, which could be painful to the client.
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Step 2
Consider performing an additional forearm roll simultaneously with your other arm. Just roll the forearm up from the client's neck, over the ear and along the scalp. The end result is 2 forearm rolls, moving in opposite directions, along 1 side of the client's neck and shoulder.
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Step 3
Move the client's head forward so the chin is tucked in to the chest. Using 1 hand, knead the back of the neck. Create the kneading motion by applying and releasing pressure with the thumb and fingertips.
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Step 4
Continue the kneading motion along both of the client's shoulders. Focus on grabbing the muscle, then kneading it, as opposed to simply rubbing the shoulders.
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Step 5
Alternate massage strokes and movements. Use the fingers to create small circles along the back of the neck and along the shoulders. Make long, smooth strokes from the neck out to the shoulders with the palms of the hand.
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Step 6
Avoid applying pressure to the client's bones, which can be quite painful.
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Step 7
Check in with the client during the massage. Ask whether or not you're applying a satisfactory amount of pressure and if there are any particular spots that need extra attention.
