What is the Law of Facilitation for massage?

Answer 1

It is one of the Neurological Laws. The Law of Facilitation states: When an impulse has passed once through a certain set of neurons (known as the "facilitated section") to the exclusion of others, it will tend to take the same course on a future occasions. And, each time that impulse traverses this path, on all future occasions, the resistance will be less. It is is much like learning to ride a bicycle or learning to swim, the more times you perform a mental or physical activity the easier it becomes. When used in massage, the first thing to do is an assessment which should include verbal as well as written questions about how the client is feeling, what is their pain level, and what is their range of motion. It is even important to have them actually move their body and show you where they are experiencing tightness or pain. Then, have them prepare for the massage. That depends on which modality they've chosen. For Eastern methods and most bodywork they will keep their cloths on or change into loose garment that you have provided. Thai massage, for example, is performed on a mat through loose clothing. If your client wants a Western massage, they will disrobe and lie under a sheet or drape on a massage table.

Then after the massage session, and sometimes even during, have the client perform movements that explore their range of pain free movement. The Law of Facilitation will help them to readjust their "pain point" by the physiological effects of the massage.

Then after the massage, it is important to re-interview your client to have them reaffirm that their pain level has gone down and they have a greater range of motion. By doing this the Law of Facilitation helps them maintain the change, and continue to improve.

In a fewer words: The Law of Facilitation is something that a massage therapist should use to make the benefits of their work last longer.