I think the standard method it to try and lever them up, however I struggled with that too. I've used a small bottle jack under the bottom of the damper plate mount (on the stub axle). Lifted it no more than 2-3mm but helps to get the grease through.

1972 4/4 4 seater, 1981 MGB GT
1984 Harley Davidson Electra Glide, 1990 Kawasaki ZX10