Massage Tutorial: Posterior Leg and Hip Routine

This is just a quick refresher on how to massage the back of the leg and hip, first with explanation, and then in real time.
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Undraping the leg and hip
1:25 Applying oil or lotion
2:15 Body mechanics for leg massage
3:30 Working with the entire leg
4:20 Massaging the hamstrings and hips
7:18 Incorporating passive range of motion
8:30 Massaging the calf
11:18 Working with the calf and hip with a bent knee
12:30 Entire posterior leg and hip routine in real time

I start my leg massage routine by using techniques that encompass as much of the limb as possible. This warms the area and gives information about the interconnectedness of the body. Next I'll focus on the hamstring and hip, working with them as one unit, allowing my techniques to contact the ischial tuberosity and lateral pelvis muscles. I don't have a set number of repetitions, instead making sure to be comprehensive and giving a variety of stimuli.

When working with the calves, come around to the sides to contact the medial and lateral portions of the soleus and gastrocnemius. Pay attention to each head of the gastroc, and follow them to the posterior knee. Be careful not to apply too much downward pressure to the back of the knee, but don't feel like you need to completely interrupt your flow by avoiding it.

I also include gentle movement while working with the posterior leg and hip, drawing up the ankle so that I can rotate the femur during gliding and compression. I finish by placing downward pressure on the ankle while gently compressing the low back superiorly, creating some pleasant distraction at the hip.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

[stephaniejessen]

Dear Sloth Master,
With the combination of your admirable skills and the music...this video was mesmerizing! Thank you for sharing your craft and continuing to inspire us.

[DesireeStclair-qqpi]

I love your videos and watch them regularly. I think you are the Bob Ross of Massage Therapy. Thank You. 💛

[bodiewhite]

Your videos are literally saving my career and my sanity! I’ve been feeling stagnant and unchallenged in my spa job but your videos are giving me new techniques and knowledge to apply in my day to day and it’s not only inspiring but it’s bringing the zest back to my craft, so thank you so much for all of your time and dedication 🙏🏻

[mollykausch]

I'm a massage therapist whose always looking to improve my work. I absolutely love your videos and I can't wait to try this out on my clients today :)

[justlilly]

I'm a massage therapy student, I'm graduating in a month and only have six hours of clinic left out of 180! I'm trying to improve my routine as much as possible. These videos are awesome!

[IjokuWinnie]

I watched this video and practiced it on my boyfriend and he really loved it, it always keeps us together. Thank you ❤

[bdbeaudette]

This is very helpful. I’m in Massage Therapy school and was struggling with the movements for the posterior leg. Thank you!!!

[lindsayjuarez]

Lovely as always. Totally inspired me to add more movement into my leg routine, and I've never seen that stretch before and must immediately try that!

I always touch the feet at least for a minute or two while they are prone, even if I do most of the work while they are supine. Ignoring it feels too disconnected for me.

So happy to see you back at work. You're influence is a needed thing in Massageland. <3

[LisaHarmonyfire]

I love your videos too. My only request is to see some of this work done on some different body types. Larger humans? Working with those with extra adipose tissue? Big muscular hairy humans maybe? As a female lmt more of my clients are male. I would like to get your take on doing some of this work with different challenges like that.

[cozyferns]

absolutely love your videos! I just graduated from massage school and these videos are so helpful. Also, Why has no one mentioned your hilarious reference at 8:24 ?? That was TOO funny XD

[Nats_Tv]

I just started massage school. Thank God i found your channel. Sending love from jamaica

[dihohentzollern]

pls make a series of videos with every part of the body showing all the techniques effleurage, petrissage etc... thank you for the lessons

[BohoWarriorYoga]

that was such a beautiful routine. <3. I have learned so much from you as a newer massage therapist. My clients always love the techniques I learn from you and bring to them. So thank you for helping make the massage therapy profession that much more amazing and healing.

[beautifulgg]

When I get a notification from this channel I'm

[greatmindsthinkalike]

I like that you do your bodywork with understanding of the connectness of all the joints and muscles!
Wish i could book an appt with you👍

[alohaleslie]

Though this was created 4 years ago, I always love your tutorials. This one is excellent. Thanks so much!

[panussayaengwall]

Watch over and over and learn something new every time. Thank you.

[laurakitto]

I'm newly qualified in Swedish and now Deep Tissue Massage, and just working on my confidence with certain techniques. Thank you for sharing your skills and advice.

[fearnette]

I thought I was the only one who did the "shimmy" move when using a long stroke. 😂 current massage student here— I love your videos and we reference them in school a lot! Keep up the great work!

[ambersweeteye]

Thank you for this awesome video! I am currently a student and with just learning ROM, I am super nervous knocking someone out of relaxation while incorporating it with my flow. This video has definitely been my go to. Thank you!