This technique is to help restore shoulder mobility for hand behind back movements. The hand behind back movement is comprised of three movements, shoulder extension, shoulder adduction and shoulder internal rotation. These movements are often limited after shoulder surgery and injury due to pain, stiffness and guarding. This is a simple technique using a towel or stick to help stretch the shoulder in those ranges to improve shoulder hand behind back flexibility.
Another technique to help you get better shoulder flexibility without pain. This a body on arm movement technique, where the arm stays stable and you move the body to stretch the shoulder. This is especially effective in the acute stage after an injury or after surgery when you have pain and severely restricted shoulder mobility. Very effective technique to restore your shoulder range of motion for lifting the arm overhead.
This video is to help improve shoulder mobility after and injury or surgery. It will help you improve shoulder flexion and shoulder abduction for lifting your arm up and reaching overhead. Lifting your arm up after an injury or surgery can be very difficult due to pain, tightness and swelling. This is a easy technique to work on shoulder passive range of motion, active assisted range of motion and active movement without putting too much stress on the shoulder.
During the course of my 28 day Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation), I received various treatments that are unique Ayurvedic therapies practiced in Kerala, India. In two earlier posts I shared treatments I received during the first 14 days – Pizhichil (herbal oil massage) and Shiro Dhara (stream of oil, milk or buttermilk poured over the forehead).
For the second half of my Panchakarma I received Kizhi/Potli treatment. Potli is a therapeutic technique that uses a small poultice filled with various herbs or specially prepared rice which is warmed in milk or medicated oils. These are used to massage and provide heat to the whole body or specific areas like the low back, neck and joints.
My first set of Potli treatments were using specific herbs to improve circulation and stimulate the whole system. The therapists would dip the poultice in hot oil and then tap the poultice on the joints. This was followed by rubbing the poultice up and down the entire length of the body. The herbs in the poultice, the hot herbal oils, the tapping and rubbing actions are all meant to improve circulation, relieve pain, improve mobility, reduce stiffness and tone the skin. I found this type of Potli treatment to be less relaxing than the second Potli treatment called Navara Kizhi or Shashtika Pinda Sweda.
Navara Kizhi uses special rice that is cooked in a decoction of the herb Bala and milk. This cooked herbal rice is placed in the poutice and massaged all over the body. The fomentation and soothing effect of this Potli is effective for various neuro-degenerative conditions, weakness, muscle wasting, low back or neck pain, Sciatica, etc. I preferred this treatment better than the herbal Potli treatment I received initially. Felt much more relaxed and stronger after the Navara Kizhi treatment.
After the poultice massage I was asked to rest for one hour before taking a shower. While I was resting a warm herbal paste was applied to the the neck and wrapped in bandages (addressing some old injuries from years of wrestling and other sports)…more on this in another post.
Benefits of Potli:
1. Pain relief
2. Improves circulation
3. Build Muscle Without Weights
4. Relieves stiffness
5. Opens the fine channels within the body
I would highly recommend anyone to experience this treatment. The sense of well-being and a settled feeling in the nervous system is quite amazing.
Share one thing that you want to learn about Potli massage to help you recover from your injuries, build strength or improve your health.
Cheers, and here’s to an amazing 2015 for you and your health! Happy New Year!
Update on Kerala Ayurvedic Hospital Panchakarma (Ayurvedic Detoxification and Rejuvenation) trip…Today I’m at half-way point. The first 2 weeks the treatment involved 3 main therapeutic methods. I’m going to share with you one of these treatments in this post.
Pizhichil (Thailadhara) – This therapeutic massage is a combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is bathed in streams of warm herbal oil with simultaneous massage. The warm oil and massage opens the pores and drives the herbal oil deeper into the tissues.
