Leaning into table.

[Stephen T]

I guessing that this is a really bad habit, so will someone please yell at me so I will change it! (I can be stubborn).

When I do a massage, I have always had a habit of leaning my legs into the table. Sometimes I do this when I lean over the client, but I will catch myself doing it when I don't need to be.

A rear-end MVA several years ago left my low back more fragile, but mostly it just aches after standing a lot (not necessarily doing massage).

Is it really possible to massage someone without leaning over them at all? I'm trying, but any pointers would be great.

Thanks!

 

[Miss Smith]

We were told to switch sides and/or sink lower while keeping our backs straight... also, asking the client scoot to one side of the table and then the other once during a session isn't usually a problem.

 

[Blueberry Head]

Thanks Ego. I have a couple massages scheduled today, I'll have to keep paying attention.

I think that sometimes I forget that I CAN sink lower with my legs, but now that I'm finally doing massage full-time, it will probably be really apparent if I don't practice good body mechanics.

 

[auckerman01]

NEVER LEAN OVER YOUR CLIENT!!!! SAVE YOUR BACK!!!!!

(yelling over now)

Please, raise your table. I also have a hinky lower back, and I have raised my table between 3-4 inches from what I was used to while in school. Massage never, ever bothers my back. (now, if someone could just design a car seat that doesn't cripple me after more than 2 hours in the car)
The key is keeping your back straight, not hunched. Take a couple steps away from the table, or farther down or up the table from where your hands are. If/When doing deep pressure moves and/or using elbows, move your bottom half away from the table in order to keep your back straight, and to use the power of your legs and energy of the earth. (you don't have to be directly over the top of your client to do deep work)

I also second egomagickian, keep back straight, and bend knees if necessary, and don't be lazy about running to the other side of the table.

I don't think it is any big deal to lean into the table once in awhile, although I think you lose your grounding connection. It probably is a bit of a bad habit, which hasn't hurt you yet.

Good luck,
Noel

 

[Epinions Reviewer.]

Seekingequanimity, you were SO RIGHT!

I really thought that my table was high enough, but I raised it & I'm not leaning anymore.

Thank you! My back feels MUCH better!

Whew!

 

[Hawt Chiq]

Very glad my suggestion helped.

Noel