Head & Neck Massage Techniques

Sternocleidomastoid: The Muscle, the Beast & a Cup of Tea

Understanding Neck Mobility, Jaw Mechanics & Tension Patterns

Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and learn about the SCM, the many movement relationships connected to this complex neck muscle, and the tension patterns and dysfunctions that can develop around it. From posture and jaw mechanics to neck mobility and upper body compensation patterns, the SCM has its hands in more things than most people realize.

Pick the learning style that works for you... or pick them all, from anatomy education and technique tutorials to podcasts and CE opportunities. All designed with your growth, curiosity, and enjoyment in mind.

Levator Scapula: How We Perceive Pain

Rethinking Pain, Tension & Shoulder Mechanics

How do we fix something that can’t be fixed? We can’t. But a closer look at the levator scapula gives us insights into pain perception, neck tension, shoulder mechanics, and the stories our clients’ bodies may be telling us.

Join Allison in pondering this powerful muscle through anatomy tutorials, technique education, podcasts, CE content, and a few musings on pain along the way.

Scalenes: An Attachment Disorder

Understanding Thoracic Outlet Mechanics, Neck Tension & Breathing Patterns

Learn about the posterior triangle of the neck and explore the scalenes, their role in thoracic outlet syndrome, breathing mechanics, neck tension, and the big responsibility they shoulder throughout the upper body.

Enjoy a podcast or two, musings on pain, a CE course, and, as always, excellent tutorials on techniques and anatomy. While you are here, keep an eye out for Spiderman.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Dismantling TOS

Working with Thoracic Outlet Compression, Neck Tension & Nerve Entrapment

The portion of the neck and shoulder that defines this outlet is the narrow passageway between the clavicle, pectoralis minor, and the first and second ribs. The vessels trying to get through include the subclavian artery, vein, and nerve... structures that generally prefer not to be compressed, crowded, or annoyed.

The scalenes also play a role, in the same way a chef might over-knead dough before putting it through the machine, but they are not technically part of the outlet itself. Explore thoracic outlet syndrome anatomy, compression patterns, movement relationships, and bodywork strategies through tutorials, podcasts, anatomy education, and CE content. All for free.

TMJ: A Joint with Personality

Jaw Mechanics, TMJ Dysfunction & Facial Tension Patterns

Of all the joints in the human body, the jaw has got to be the best. And I mean the best. It’s strong, weirdly elegant in its architecture, responsible for a surprising amount of expression and communication, and the only moving joint in the skull. I mean, our noses can get disjointed, but that’s different.

Explore TMJ dysfunction, jaw mechanics, facial tension patterns, anatomy, and bodywork techniques designed to better understand movement, pain, and the complicated relationship between the jaw, head, neck, and upper body. When tapped into, this joint can bring a whole new life to its owner.