Proper Body Mechanics For The Massage Therapist

Proper body mechanics are important for massage therapists, whether you are doing table or chair massage.

Using correct stances and movements can mean the difference between pain and feeling great after being on your feet for hours at a time.

Also known as biomechanics, using proper body mechanics is just using the correct techniques of posture to give massage therapy to your clients efficiently and with the least amount of injury and physical stress to the massage therapist. This reduces stress and muscle tiredness which minimizes pain and helps to prevent injuries that occur due to repetitive motions.

Massage therapists use a great deal of upper body strength, over and over, all day long. If the massage therapist is standing incorrectly or a part of his/her body is positioned incorrectly, there will be stress on his/her joints. This will result in repetitive stress injuries. A repetitive stress injury will result in a shorter career for the massage therapist.

Pay attention to the proper body mechanics postures and stances that you are/were being taught in massage school. These can make or break your career and longevity in the field of massage therapy. You cannot work comfortably and give of yourself to heal others when you are in pain.

To insure a long career in the field of massage therapy and to avoid injury, practice healthy stances when performing massage.

The bow stance, also known as the lunge position and the archer stance, is best when you are performing effleurage and point to point strokes along the length of your client's body. Your lead foot points straight ahead in the same direction as your face with your knee slightly bent. Your other foot points off toward the side at a 30 to 50 degree angle.

The warrior stance, also known as the horse stance in martial arts, is useful for short distance massage strokes like petrissage and friction.

Both feet are placed on the floor, hip distance apart, with your toes pointing forward. Don't lock your knees.

Proper body mechanics also include having the massage table at the correct height for the massage therapist to work comfortably on the client. This allows you to use your weight for pressure, instead of relying solely on the strength of your hands.

Wear supportive shoes with low or no heels and make sure your arches are supported. Flip-flops are not good for massage therapy.

Warm up your muscles with stretches prior to giving massage.

Use many different strokes during the massage so one particular set of muscles is not fatigued.

Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor and never lock your knees. A slight bend is best. Shift your weight from one foot to the other according to where your hands go on the client's body. Relax your shoulders. Keep them down. Do not raise them. Keep your arms close to your body and not stretched away from it as much as possible. Keep your wrists, fingers, and thumbs in proper alignment while working.

Keep yourself healthy and fit by eating right and exercising. Stretch between sessions with clients. Breathe properly and deeply to provide needed oxygen to your muscles. Keep your body movements flowing smoothly as you practice proper body mechanics during massage sessions.

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