its a strech

[lalala]

Hi my name is jillian and i am on the short side and my body mechanics often go down the drain when working on clients with longer backs or torsos does any one have any suggestions for me?

Any techniques i could try ?

any storys of a similar situation?

 

[sreedhar s]

I believe I would bring it up in class to your instructor. I am sure you are not the only one in class that would benefit from learning some alternative ways of doing things. Have you lowered your table?
Personally, when I have difficulty reaching all the way down someone's back, I will move slightly to one side to do the stroke. Or sometimes I will go to either side of the table at the client's waist and work from that vaneforum.xxxe point. You could also use your foreram to do some long gliding strokes over each side of the back... if that is the kind of technique you're going for.
Again, pointing out your difficulties would be good for not only you, but all your classmates. Not to mention encouraging your instructor to "think outside the box." After all, there may be someone in the Next class with similar difficulties.

 

[Eds]

Just walk up the side of the table - don't try to reach it. It takes a little practice, but everything about learning to give massages does!

And yes, since you are still in school, ask in class!! Working out the details together is a huge plus in being in school.

 

[lonesome star]

Your table should rarely be much higher than the top of your knee, especially if you have a large client. Work with your instructors to find modifications that will enable you to practice with good body mechanics.

As an employer, I look for good body mechanics. Poor body mechanics impair the therapist's ability to apply pressure or utilize long strokes, and increase chances of work-related injury. Developing good mechanics now will make you a better therapist, more employable, and less likely to suffer a career-ending injury.

You may also want to look for a book titled "Dynamic Bodyuse" - an excellent reference for any therapist. For your convenience, here's an article with some good pointers:
http://amtamassage.org/journal/winter06_2journal/pdf/CEcourseWI06.pdf

 

[MeMYself]

its a strech

Hi my name is jillian and i am on the short side and my body mechanics often go down the drain when working on clients with longer backs or torsos does any one have any suggestions for me?

Any techniques i could try ?

any storys of a similar situation?

Step to the side of the table instead of standing at the head of the table. Take it from someone with a short torso who has worked through two pregnancies (ie my belly stuck WAY out there!) - you do not have to stand at the front of the head to do the long strokes.

Other suggestions include lowering the table or do what my friend does and tuck a little stool under the headrest - one of those Jane Fonda type aerobics steps.

Angela

 

[Trinity]

Hi Jillian,

I'm in school and on the short side too. I've thought about my height as an issue too, so I'm glad you asked this question. I'm so concerned about starting out with good body mechanics habits so I can keep at it for long-term and as injury free as possible.

Everyone here is so helpful with suggestions and support!
I'll let you know anything I might find helpful when I start Swedish in a couple of weeks, but the years of experience everyone has here is sooo valuable (and appreciated!).

 

[Lawrie]

Good article, JasonE, thanks for posting that link.
When I went to massage school in the dark ages, the body mechanics were pretty horrendous. I don't do a whole lot of massage these days, but that information will be very useful to integrate.