Repetitive strain injuries are caused by the overuse of specific body parts to perform a specific task, such as using thumbs or fingers to palpate muscle tissue. Bodyworkers and massage therapists are especially at risk for these types of injuries due to the precise nature of their work, which places a significant amount of stress on the small bones, ligaments, and muscles of the hand and wrist. Here are 10 simple exercises you can perform between sessions to counteract the negative effects of repetitive motion. Please note that there are no CE hours associated with watching this video.
As a massage therapist for 20-plus years and as an educator for 10, author Mark Liskey has observed many massage therapists teetering on the verge of injury because of poor form or decision-making. In this Massage & Bodywork article, this educator provides some common and not-so-common suggestions to avoid injury. Please note that no CE hours are associated with reading this article.
Dull ache in your deltoids? Screaming pain between your shoulder blades? Those aches and pains could be from locked-long, weak, and flaccid external rotators (infraspinatus and teres minor) and scapulae retractors (rhomboids and middle trapezius). Save your shoulders—and your career—with two simple strength-training exercises for those overburdened and exhausted muscles. Author Peggy Lamb shows you how in this Massage & Bodywork magazine article. Please note that no CE hours are associated with reading this article.
An important part of body awareness is recognizing and maintaining your flexibility. Because your work as a manual therapist is physical by nature, it is vital to dedicate a portion of time each day to a simple but effective stretching routine to prevent injury. Author Barb Frye shows you how in this Massage & Bodywork magazine article. Please note that no CE hours are associated with reading this article.
Stretching can be performed throughout the day to ease tension and relax the body. These easy-to-use stretches from author Anne Williams will help massage therapists prevent on-the-job injury in this Massage & Bodywork magazine article by Jennie Hastings. Please note that no CE hours are associated with reading this article.