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Beginner Aches & Pains
I'm about two months into my first-time working as a massage therapist out of massage school. I am having pain in my right ulnar forearm, at the carpals, and have started seeing a chiropractor. She did the Phalen's test on me, and I have pain when I fold the backs of my hands together. She said that is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
This is discouraging and scary to me, and I'd love some guidance on how to change my body mechanics to save my wrist. I've talked to a number of people who said they wrecked their body starting out, also, and had to totally change how they gave massages. They stopped using their hands as much and started using their forearms and elbows more.
Does anyone have any suggestions on some good resources I can use to learn how to change my massage style to be predominantly elbow and forearm use? Good body mechanics resources?
Thanks a bunch, and any encouragement is also appreciated. This is a tough time for me right now, because it's causing me to wonder if I'll really be able to continue massaging.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on
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http://www.mrtherapy.com/muscle_release.html
Go to that site. Get his DVD on carpal tunnel.... You can fix yourself trust me...You most likely have what I call "fake carpal tunnel".. But even if you have real carpal tunnel.. You can fix yourself.....Read his website....You can fix yourself...And after you do that.. You will know massage on a real level and be able to help a lot of people.
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Permalink Reply by Gary W Addis, LMT on
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Anne, you studied TOS, right? First, look superior to inferior for cause. You said ulnar forearm? Not enough info. Ulnar forearm, or in the carpals of wrist, or palm in the metacarpals or phalanges? Median nerve may not be your problem. Ulnar nerve runs through its very own tunnel (look up Guyton's Canal) in the hand. Hypertonia in several muscles can cause swelling of the nerves that serve the hand. From superior to inferior: scalenes; pec minor; coracobrachialis; any of the forearm flexors and any of the forearm extensor muscles. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the symptom, not the cause.
Gordon's the man: you can take whatever advice he gives to the bank! That DVD will teach you to heal your own CTS.
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Permalink Reply by Jimswife on
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I have a few questions for you. Where do you work Spa setting or medical? Do you do alot of deep work? And how many hours do you massage a day or week? Do you do any self-care?
I had problems when I first started. I hurt all over. My shoulders, neck, hands and back. Heck, I still have days where I hurt. And like you I wonder if I made the right decision. That's when I realized that my body mechanics suck. (they still do) And I need to take better care of myself. I will do work on myself (if I can or ask/pay someone to massage me) I take IBprofen, use ice and rest my body. Then the next day I work I have no choice but to pay attention to my body mechanics. I make adjustments to the way I work. I may have to adjust the way I work. Like working slower and using my forearms more and my hands a little less. I do alot of deep tissue work. I have found that I feel better if I work with a lower table. I also make sure that I do self-care. Shoulder rolls, stretch my flexors/extensors and pecs throughout my shift. Honestly, I try to do something between each client. It really makes a difference.
Right now you would probably benefit from a few good massages yourself to get your body back to healthy. I think once you start feeling better you won't be feeling so discouraged about your career choice.
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http://www.triggerpoints.net/forearm-and-hand.htm People are going to come see you for the very same problem you have now...After you fix yourself. You will be able to help a lot of people...and not only with carpal tunnel....Id buy that guys dvd for starters....Heal yourself, so you can heal others. Now you can really learn... Take advantage. The dvd is from the link in my first comment... The link in this comment, most likely shows your problem.
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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on
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I can highly recommend Val Guin's two DVD's on the Forearm Dance. They revolutionized my practice, and I can work on twice as many people with less pain.
I also, at the same time I switched to Forearm Dance style massage, bought Bamboo Fusion sticks and started using them. Those two decisions saved me, and my practice!
Make sure, when you are doing hand work, that you keep your wrists, hands and forearms in neutral alignment. If memory serves, there was a good article about that in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, if you get that. If you are a member of ABMP, all of the issues are available online.
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Oh yeah, I wanted to comment that you can trust Gordon's advice! He's been doing massage for about 30 years and has learned a lot along the way!
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Permalink Reply by Anne Vander Naald on
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Wow, thank you so very much to all of you who have responded with such helpful and substantive responses. I appreciate your time and energy in providing encouragement and pointing me in the right direction. On behalf of all newbies, THANK YOU! I hope to always learn from those with more experience, and someday return the favor to another new MT down the road.
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Gordon, I will check out both websites you sent me, and also order that dvd you mentioned. Thank you!
Gordon J. Wallis said:http://www.triggerpoints.net/forearm-and-hand.htm People are going to come see you for the very same problem you have now...After you fix yourself. You will be able to help a lot of people...and not only with carpal tunnel....Id buy that guys dvd for starters....Heal yourself, so you can heal others. Now you can really learn... Take advantage. The dvd is from the link in my first comment... The link in this comment, most likely shows your problem.
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Therese, thanks for suggesting the Forearm Dance, too. I will check it out!
Therese Schwartz said:I can highly recommend Val Guin's two DVD's on the Forearm Dance. They revolutionized my practice, and I can work on twice as many people with less pain.
I also, at the same time I switched to Forearm Dance style massage, bought Bamboo Fusion sticks and started using them. Those two decisions saved me, and my practice!
Make sure, when you are doing hand work, that you keep your wrists, hands and forearms in neutral alignment. If memory serves, there was a good article about that in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, if you get that. If you are a member of ABMP, all of the issues are available online.
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Jimswife, I currently work in a chiropractic office and a gym, however next week I am switching to only the chiropractic office. My work is primarily deep tissue, and primarily upper body. I live and work in Alaska, and man do they appreciate deep work! I didn't receive a ton of training in Deep Tissue in my schooling (just basic introductory), so I am learning on the fly right now, studying Art Riggs' book on DT. I have been receiving weekly massages since I began working regularly. Right now I average probably 12 massages per week. The most I've done is 18. I am fairly active and limber, however I'm learning that I'm not invincible (ouch on my ego!). Thank you for your encouragement and great advice.
Jimswife said:I have a few questions for you. Where do you work Spa setting or medical? Do you do alot of deep work? And how many hours do you massage a day or week? Do you do any self-care?
I had problems when I first started. I hurt all over. My shoulders, neck, hands and back. Heck, I still have days where I hurt. And like you I wonder if I made the right decision. That's when I realized that my body mechanics suck. (they still do) And I need to take better care of myself. I will do work on myself (if I can or ask/pay someone to massage me) I take IBprofen, use ice and rest my body. Then the next day I work I have no choice but to pay attention to my body mechanics. I make adjustments to the way I work. I may have to adjust the way I work. Like working slower and using my forearms more and my hands a little less. I do alot of deep tissue work. I have found that I feel better if I work with a lower table. I also make sure that I do self-care. Shoulder rolls, stretch my flexors/extensors and pecs throughout my shift. Honestly, I try to do something between each client. It really makes a difference.
Right now you would probably benefit from a few good massages yourself to get your body back to healthy. I think once you start feeling better you won't be feeling so discouraged about your career choice.
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Like Therese said, Forearm Dance is a very good DVD...and the one I suggest you buy is also very. very good...With those two DVDs.. you Might be able to Help More People then the Chiropractor you work for... lol Truth remains Hidden.
Anne Vander Naald said:Gordon, I will check out both websites you sent me, and also order that dvd you mentioned. Thank you!
Gordon J. Wallis said:http://www.triggerpoints.net/forearm-and-hand.htm People are going to come see you for the very same problem you have now...After you fix yourself. You will be able to help a lot of people...and not only with carpal tunnel....Id buy that guys dvd for starters....Heal yourself, so you can heal others. Now you can really learn... Take advantage. The dvd is from the link in my first comment... The link in this comment, most likely shows your problem.
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If I lived in Alaska I'd be making regular trips to go see Gordon!! In the summer... :)
Anne, thanks for checking back on the thread. Many of us have posted good replies to people who ask good questions, only to have them never come back and comment. It's good to know that our energies are appreciated!
Another option is Myofascial Release; there are lots of forms of MFR out there but Advanced Trainings is my personal favorite. Til Lucau is amazing, and the work is effective and simple. Here's a link to the store where you can buy DVD's; you'll see that they also sell Art Riggs' Deep Tissue DVD's. http://www.advanced-trainings.com/store/
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