1. fingertips for the client
Note to massage therapists: each issue of Massage & Bodywork coNtaiNs the columN fiNgertips for the clieNt, which is
targeted to clieNts. this columN is available oNliNe at www.massageaNdbodywork.com as a priNtable file. priNt the faciNg
page, attach your busiNess card, aNd seNd it home with clieNts, courtesy of associated bodywork & massage professioNals.
30 massage & bodywork may/june 2010

2. Free Your ShoulderS
By AnitA Boser
You can counteract the effects of
eight hours a day at a desk with
just 15 minutes of movement.
Even with an ergonomically designed easier to do when standing. As you
workstation, comfortable chair, and reach to the side, let your elbow and
good posture, working at a computer wrist bend, first moving up and then
is likely to result in strain, because it as you reach to the other side, pull
requires the body to alternate between down. Reach your arms as far overhead
repetitive motion and stillness, and as is comfortable. Let your spine and
that creates stiffness and strain. shoulders roll with the movements.
Fortunately, the body is forgiving. Of course, avoid moving in a way
You can counteract the effects of that causes pain or makes your pain
eight hours a day at a desk with just worse. If a movement causes your
15 minutes of movement. Of course, neck, shoulder, or back to hurt, move
you’ll also need aerobic exercise and differently: smaller, slower, or in a
strength training to stay healthy in different direction. Don’t think that
other ways. Here’s one exercise to the pain is good for you. It’s not.
help keep your shoulders loose. As you get more comfortable
1. Lift your shoulders up toward with this series of movements, spread
your ears and hold for a couple your feet farther apart so that your
of seconds. Then let them drop. body can sway further to each side.
Repeat this a few times.
2. Lift your shoulders slightly, release, anita Boser is a Hellerwork structural
and pull them down toward your Integration practitioner with a private
hips and hold a couple of seconds. practice in Issaquah, washington.
Repeat this several times. This feature is part of her free ebook 7
3. Circle your shoulders—up, undulations to relieve office tension,
back, and down both at the same available at www.undulationexercise.com.
time, and then alternately.
4. Lean to one side. As you lean, reach
your arm out to that same side.
Come back to center. Move from your
spine first; draw your body toward the
opposite side and reach with the other
arm. Note that the following steps are
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