Asymmetry in Massage Assessment

ART is an orthopedic assessment method that stands for asymmetry, restriction of motion, and tissue texture abnormalities. In this post, we’ll briefly discuss asymmetry.

Humans are born asymmetrical. The structure and location of the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular systems all require us to be asymmetrical to some
degree. Regardless of whether we are right- or left-handed, most of us are right-motor dominant, and the resulting weight imbalance is often reflected in asymmetrical postural patterns.

For example, research has found most people bear more weight on the right motor dominant leg, causing it to be nearly 5 percent larger in volume! Over time, uneven loading of the dominant leg may result in leg-length discrepancies, pelvic-bowl rotations, and spinal compensations.

ART reminds us to watch for asymmetry as soon as a client enters the office. Be on the lookout for posturofunctional deviations, such as loss of cross-patterned gait, upper and lower crossed syndromes, and unleveling of the head and tail. The myoskeletal alignment goal is to establish balanced symmetry of the head on the neck and the lumbar spine on the sacrum (head on tail).

Massage therapists, bodyworkers, and manual therapists check out Erik Dalton's unique course "Pain Detectives in Ireland". Join Erik Dalton and Aubrey Growing as they apply ART to quickly identify clients’ pain generators. You’ll sharpen your physical assessment and clinical reasoning skills to unravel the complex mystery of client pain and choose effective techniques that bring clients relief. Visit erikdalton.com/courses.

Pain Detectives in Ireland
4 NCBTMB-Approved CE Hours
Erik Dalton and Aubrey Growing
Erikdalton.com/courses

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