As a therapist new to Myofascial Release, one of the greatest physical challenges I recall was my lacking the ability to hold the necessary finger position for a sub-occipital release. At first, I could hold the extended finger position for about a minute at best. Over time, my fingers strengthened and I had less difficulty. But I still encountered those clients who had an upper neck like leather. Using the occipital pivot helped greatly and is an invaluable asset to treatment and home treatment.
Over the years I envisioned some sort of a support for my fingers, molded to my hand as I perform the suboccipital release (the mind wanders a bit during treatment!). One day, I needed to perform this technique, but I felt my fingernails were a bit long for my client’s comfort. I placed a pillowcase over my fingers, in an attempt to pad my nails and I noticed an interesting result. I had slid my hands under their head and the pillowcase was pulled taut along the back of my hands. The tightness gave my fingers support! If the case was too slack, it did nothing. But, if I purposefully allowed the case to be pulled and trapped by my wrists, the tightness of the fabric gave additional support to my fingers.
As most of you probably have noted, it seems that just around the time that the sub-occipital area begins to give way is right about the time your fingers are starting to scream. Using the pillowcase gives me extra minutes in comfort, with better results. .
I’ve shown the basics below; excuse the poor quality photos (and only one hand involvement – I had to hold the camera!). Let me know what you think.
I have used very thin rolled pillowcase to provide traction to this area and then used the manual fingertip position
I like your idea about the pillowcase, I also use a very comfortable cervical release device called “Dr Riter’s Real Ease” I have gotten at Relax The Back Store. My clients find it super comfy and often get one of their own for self treatment (less work for me). The concept is to cradle the occiput creating a fulcrum for the weight of the head to provide a release. I find I can work on other areas as this device releases their occipital area. This device also gives me an opportunity to release the sacrum more specifically while there is gentle traction in the system.
Hi Walt,
Great idea with the pillow case and definitely will try this! I can’t relate to the fingers getting tired .
Martha
Have your wife take the photo 🙂 Another idea is to show this technique in a class and have a student take the photo.
The timing just was not right!
Have you ever used an occipital fulcrum device? This was recommended by a CST teacher at the Upledger Institute. I am looking to purchase one (not expensive…about $35) and was wondering if you had any luck with them.
Hi Kimberly, I have used the Occipital Pivot for many years and often recommend them to patients. While I do not believe the claims made by many in the CST and MFR community as to what the tool is accomplishing (or our fingers), the pressure placed in the suboccipital region that this tool supplies is often helpful.