05/29/2026
I had a client come in on Wednesday, with severe sacro-iliac pain. We typically do a weekly 2 hour full body session, with concentration points as needed.
However, due to the severe pain, we needed to change things, as comfort was only found laying on the right side.
This entire two hour session was performed with the client fully clothed (to reduce more movement) in a side-lying position, on the right, pillowed at the head, between the arms and between the knees.
I rarely use side-lying work, but sometimes itโs the most effective way to move forward and give relief.
Emphasis was given to extremely light but detailed work for the lower back, SI regions, glutes and the left TFL (tensor fascia latae), including myofascial release in a slow pattern with some additional Trager-esque micro-rocking.
Deeper work with thoughtful attention, was given to the neck, traps, upper back and upper left arm.
Gentle compression work, was in areas as needed.
Additionally, reflexology was applied to the feet, especially in the areas which correspond to the lower back, SI and hip regions. I am trained in the European style, which is on the lighter side. This causes the body to โlistenโ and in these instances, it will typically react positively.
When I saw my client this evening, walking was much more fluid and the pain was almost gone.
I consider this a success. ๐
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Iโm very thankful for being given the opportunity to first learn about therapeutic side-lying work from Dana Sweet, LMT, in the late 90โs.
She sub-leased space from me from 1998 until 2002.
Dana was a Structural Integrator versed in Dubbing (a specific type of work, which she acquired from William "Dub" Leigh).
Prior to meeting Dana, I had never seen massage side-lying work. I was still single-licensed as a chiropractor at that time.
And, I really disliked the application, because I couldnโt wrap my head around providing it efficiently or effectively. Boy, did I have a lot to learn.
Later, after I added my massage license to my skill-set, I learned additional side-lying techniques in a Myopractic course I took. And, then, other types of side-lying techniques for prenatal sessions.
That was the point, where what she had shown me, finally dropped into my hands and I actually *got* it.
I feel like it would have been nice to have been able to spend more time learning from her. โ But, I was young and trying to just keep my practice going (which meant a lot of time working other contract jobs in addition to my own office). So, we werenโt in the office at the same time, very often. And, sheโs since passed away.
The tag line on her card and voice mail sign-off always said: โCreate a great day.โ Itโs something I still hear in my head from time to time.
We learn from everyone around us. I was given that opportunityโฆ and yesterday, it helped someone. What more can you ask for? ๐
[๐๐ช๐ฅ๐ฆ-๐ญ๐บ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ต.]
