When Less is More.

When faced with these choices before a service, what does this mean to you? Is this how much force you expect the provider to exert? Does the amount of force determine how “therapeutic” or effective a service is?

In my experience as a provider, pressure is often a more complex concept than people give credit. Consider your forearm. Have you ever thrown a disc, went climbing, done yard-work to the point that rubbing bar-soap over the forearm produces sensitivity? Now consider your calf after running a race, going to the gym, for a hike, after standing all day, do you have cramping sensations in the ankle and foot? What is appropriate pressure for these areas of sensitivity? How is that different for tense areas that are not sensitive?

Try replacing “gentle” or “firm” with “comfortable” or “edgy,” working towards the edge of comfort. As soon as one starts curling toes, making faces, holding the breath, they start guarding the area, losing the ability to relax. Using the same amount of pressure, one can shift the “angle of attack” to provide broader, general pressure, or more specific pressure. Working close to tension, muscles become more sensitive. As muscles relax, they also become less sensitive.

Want more specific pressure? Try activating the muscles being stimulated or take a deep breath; working on a forearm, make a fist. Use your fingers.

Before your service, consider what you want the end result to be? Work with your provider to always receive the experience most appropriate for you.