Orthopedic massage is a comprehensive system used for treating pain and injury conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The techniques used in this system of massage vary extensively and are chosen based on how they best address the client’s primary presentation.
One of the most beneficial and useful approaches I have found is active engagement. Active engagement techniques are most helpful when working with clients with specific pain or injury complaints, because they are highly specific. Using movement with massage intensifies the treatment in different ways and in varying degrees.
The Ladder of Intensity
Rick Garbowski, LMT, a teaching colleague from Georgia Massage School, coined the phrase ladder of intensity to describe a framework for active engagement methods. Intensity here means the level of effect of the treatment. In general, with active engagement techniques there is a continuum of effect — the less movement or resistance in a treatment, the less intensity or effect; and the inverse: More movement equals more effect and intensity.
