A client has a noticeable hypertonic rectus femoris and is wincing in discomfort from deep pressure, What is the best method of treatment?
a. Work as deep as necessary and explain, "no pain, no gain"
b. Apologize for causing pain and avoid the area
check c. Lighten your pressure and work within pain threshold of client
d. Alternate between light pressure and painful pressure
Explanation: The number one rule of massage is "do no harm". Forcing a client to work beyond their pain threshold is counterproductive and can often lead the client to transfer the tension to another area within the body. However, avoiding the hypertonic muscle does not help either. The best approach is to work within the client's pain threshold.