8b
Swedish Course Outline
Class Title: Front of the Legs & Abdomen
Summary of Content
Written Swedish routine for massaging the front of the legs and
abdomen (Pa I: 24-25)
Instructional Objectives
Instructors give touch comparisons at every table, give feedback about
body mechanics, proper draping, and stroke mechanics while students
practice the written routine.
Students will learn the routine, appropriate draping, and managing
sheets for coverage as client turns over, as well as bolster placement for
knee joint.
Format
15 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
45 minutes
10 minutes
45 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
Stretching
Intro of topic
Demo
Break
Table set up
Trade One & feedback
Break
Trade Two & feedback
Take down tables
Discussion
Media to be used
Massage table
Sheets
Bolster
Powerpoint
8b
Semester One Swedish Lesson Plan
Class Title: Front of the Legs & Abdomen
Course and Hours: Swedish 3.5
Stretching Guidelines
Overall warm up with emphasis on front of legs and abdominal area
(stretches for the quads, adductors, tibialis anterior, hip flexor, rectus
abdominus, ankle rotations any relevant yoga stretches, etc.).
Encourage awareness of full abdominal movement during breathing.
Intro to Topic and Q & A Guidelines
Review power point presentation for anatomy of the front of the leg and
abdomen. Retinacula will be pointed out around the ankles and the
knees. Point out the continuity of fascia around the lower torso
(lumbar/abdomen). Introduce the necessity of working this area, while
acknowledging the sensitive nature of this area to most people. Discuss
different ways to build trust and confidence between the client and the
therapist (see draping guidelines, identify specific anatomy & boney
landmarks). Discuss the need to communicate with client about
abdominal work, and discuss options for initiating sensitive contact
here.
Demo Guidelines
Demo written routine from the packet. Assistant or student will call out
the written routine for the demo. Re-demo how to have a person turn
over while controlling the sheets to keep them covered, and replace
bolster under the knees. Refer to draping guidelines in power point.
Define the upper thigh/adductor area – approx. 1/3 to ½ of the medial
thigh - as an area not to be specifically worked, due to privacy/modesty
concerns. On second leg, the instructor demonstrates routine with little
verbal explanation to show the flow of the routine. Demo chest draping
for women and perform written abdominal routine, including the
8b
transitional stroke (gentle, sensitive melting along sternocostal borders,
and out under clavicles) from abdomen to chest.
Practical Guidelines
Instructors give touch comparisons at every table, give feedback about
body mechanics, draping and stroke mechanics while student practices
the written routine. Be sure students get comfortable draping for
abdomen and front of leg. Make sure the bolster placement is placed
behind the knees for the supine position.
Discussion Guidelines
Encourage student pairs to give appropriate feedback regarding the
sense of connection, the ease of handling of the limbs, the pressure of
the techniques, the flow of the routine, and the effectiveness and
coverage of chest draping.
Media Usage
Power Point