Any other short gals/guys having to modify movements?

[Spitfire]

I was wondering if there are any other "shorties" on this forum like me (I'm 5 feet tall) that need to modifiy their massage strokes? I often have to get on the massage table in order to be able to put more pressure on the client because I don't have a long reach. It's very frustrating for me because my teacher is always pointing out that I am short but yet he doesn't even try to teach me an alternative way of doing certain strokes that need a longer reach or deeper pressure.

Any tips or tricks or even book/dvd recommendations that would be of benefit to me? I often see in my local mall very tiny Chinese women doing chair massage and many of them are even shorter than me so I know that if they can do it then there must be techniques out there geared towards us shorties.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Blondie]

I would say first get a narrow table (28" or narrower) and lower it down as low as you can. You may need to special order a table that goes 22" high or lower. Many tables only go down to 25 or 24 inches, which is not low enough. Some tables that specify that they are for "deep tissue" or "feldenkrais" go low like this.

After doing that, then see where you are and if you still need to make adjustments.

Taking some deep tissue courses will definitely give you some more tools in that respect.

A narrow table may be too narrow for some large clients so have some table extenders nearby for those folks.

I know that's not new techniques or movement modifications, but it's all I've got! Good luck.

 

[Orchid Quynh Lan]

I'm not especially short, but I found wearing clogs (or having them available) was particularly helpful if I have very tall or extra big people. The extra height gives more leverage. And I keep my table really low.
savannah

 

[Gipsy]

When I'm pregnant I definately have to adjust!

On a tall client I already have trouble doing a long stroke all the way down the back just regularly - I'm 5'4" but short torso'd and thus, not super long arms.

But when I'm pregnant!! Oh my! hehehehe.

I simply step to the side of the table - almost with one foot and the head of the table and one foot down the side (think like a fencing pose when the fighters first are starting their fight). Then I can work down the full legnth of the back more easily without twisting akwardly.

I DO get on the table at times - especially when doing a sacral release, ie guiding the sacrum down and pressing the lumbar spine up towards the head to relieve tightness in the lower back. It's a lot easier for me to just pop up on one knee on the table and then back doen again. It might not be for everyone though -

AND - if you can't do it without leaning all over the client than DON'T. I went for a massage once and the person (therapist?) was leaning on me, used me to pull themselves up, sat on the table and used me as a back rest, etc. UGH!!! It felt VERY disrespectful.

I've also been to a therapist who used one of those Jane Fonda-type step-aerobics platforms which was brilliant! Stable base, wide enough to give the therapist security when she steps up and allow them to move aroudn the side of the table a bit - not TOO tall - AND easy to store under the table. When she was moving to the other side she just scootched it under the table with her foot and then used her toe to pull it out on the other side again. Brilliant! MUCH better than flopping lazily all over your client.

Angela

 

[john h]

shiva...thanks for the tip on the table. I don't know if my wallet can afford a table with extenders right now as I am still a student. For that I will have to wait til' I save up some money. I am looking to take some continuing education courses after I get my certificate and so deep tissue is one of the classes I am looking to take...so hopefully I will get alittle better at techique this way. Thanks again.

Savannah... clogs might help me get alittle height but not with getting enough extension as I have short arms. I just need some tips, techniques to help me extend farther when I have clients that are tall or have very wide backs. Thanks.

Angela...I could not imagine trying to massage someone when pregnant...You are indeed very brave and I am imaginging you now getting on the table all glowing in your pregnancy and going sacral crazy on someone's back.

I am with you on not wanting to lean on the client and cause any discomfort... When I get on the table I make sure that I have a stepper to give me some height and I put my other foot in between the clients legs making sure not to make any contact with their body while I work their back. It works for now but is not very comfortable for me.

I really like the Jane-Fonda stepper idea... The stepper I already have is not very wide and so I will probably head down to my local Morlee's where they sell exercise equipment and see if I can find a wide stepper there. Thanks for the tips and many blessings to your baby.

 

[LANE (D)]

You actually don't have to buy a new table to get table extenders (though you would have to buy a table to get a narrower table, and they are generally cheaper than other tables). Here is the first one I found when searching:

Table Extenders for $50

I totally understand being on a budget while you're in school, and long after!!

And getting more height will actually give your arms a longer reach. That is also why lowering the table will help. It will make you "taller" compared to the table and the client and thus a bit easier to reach across.

When Angela said:

I simply step to the side of the table - almost with one foot and the head of the table and one foot down the side (think like a fencing pose when the fighters first are starting their fight). Then I can work down the full legnth of the back more easily without twisting akwardly.

I think that's the best body modification I could think of as well.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I agree on the short table. Am sending you a PM as well.

Oakworks makes a table with Worksmart upgrades that may be quite helpful in this situation.

 

[Osama]

I disagree with the purchase of a narrow table. I used one and had the arm extenders and it worked okay. But most of my clients don't feel comfortable on the smaller tables. Large people do NOT fit on thes and legs and arms are falling all over the place. I know I don't like the narrow tables and I am tiny. They just seem chintzy to me.

I am 5'2". I do a lot of work from the side of the table, I drop the table lower, AND I also used a step platform if I needed more height. I brace myself or get on the table all the time - especially for table stretches for hamstrings - clients don't mind if you are respectful of their body and space. My next table will be electric or hydraulic so I can raise and lower if I need to, with an adjustable back.

 

[ican2bpicky]

I disagree with the purchase of a narrow table. I used one and had the arm extenders and it worked okay. But most of my clients don't feel comfortable on the smaller tables. Large people do NOT fit on thes and legs and arms are falling all over the place. I know I don't like the narrow tables and I am tiny. They just seem chintzy to me.

I am 5'2". I do a lot of work from the side of the table, I drop the table lower, AND I also used a step platform if I needed more height. I brace myself or get on the table all the time - especially for table stretches for hamstrings - clients don't mind if you are respectful of their body and space. My next table will be electric or hydraulic so I can raise and lower if I need to, with an adjustable back.

Ditto to all of this. I've developed a reputation for "getting the job done" amongst some local bodybuilders. If I had a narrow table they would not be able to easily roll over to their backs. Also - a friend actually had an older, heavy set woman who rolled OFF her narrow table so I have never/will never use them.

In fact - I prefer the wider ones because I have a place to get on the table when needed. Usually only one knee is on the table when I'm on the table - the other hanging down the side of the table which gives me better balance. I am then high enough to do the myofascial release of the lower back with comfort and ease to me, and greater effectiveness to the client.

I also get one knee up on the table when doing active leg stretches/releases with some clients - especially longer legged clients! *laughing*

Angela

 

[Lovely:)]

I believe in sizing the table to the clients hip width and not the shoulders. As mentioned above with side extenders of 3" it will add 6" total. Changing a 24" table to a 30" standard width. With my table I can add and remove the width during the session without moving the client. A standard stable table might be a bit of a hassle. As well those hour glass shaped table work well.
Not disagreeing with anyone. I think it comes down to who you work on the most, wide or thin bodies, and what type of work you do. Every session I do is DT or needs some leverage. A narrow table is a must for me. Consider this....20 years from now you may be paying for reaching out and pressing down on a wide table. It'll blow your elbows up if you are not careful. Swedish or MF unwinding would be different. But a deep tissue therapist should strongly consider getting a narrow lift table with extensions. I love my Stacy Built Back Saver table. I am still doing massage 25 years later due mostly to having a table that moves for the last 15 years. A $2500 investment makes for a longer career IMO.
http://www.stacysystems.com/


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Topic review - Any other short gals/guys having to modify movements?






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Hydro4Vita






 
Post subject: 
Re: 5' nuthin" here
 













NC_kneader wrote:I'm short.I've had use of 16 different tables from 5 different manufacturers and have never met a table that didn't adjust. Only one didn't adjust low enough for a specific technique (DT), and I used a step stool to get up to rest one knee on the table. Our school had small plastic step stools, for both client and therapist use. In my own office, I would opt for a step platform like Angie mentioned because it would allow me more freedom of movement down the side of the table.I've found that side-lying position often provides me easier access than prone position, especially with "barrel" chested individuals.

Thank you for posting on your experience with steppers... I had never thought to use a side-lying position for larger/taller clients. Very good to know. Next week we will begin pre-natal massage where the side-lying position is used. I will try this out on another student in my class who is as you describe "barrel chested". Thanks again.

[quote="NC_kneader"][size=117]I'm short.I've had use of 16 different tables from 5 different manufacturers and have never met a table that didn't adjust. Only one didn't adjust low enough for a specific technique (DT), and I used a step stool to get up to rest one knee on the table. Our school had small plastic step stools, for both client and therapist use. In my own office, I would opt for a step platform like Angie mentioned because it would allow me more freedom of movement down the side of the table.I've found that side-lying position often provides me easier access than prone position, especially with "barrel" chested individuals.[/size][/quote]

Thank you for posting on your experience with steppers... I had never thought to use a side-lying position for larger/taller clients. Very good to know. Next week we will begin pre-natal massage where the side-lying position is used. I will try this out on another student in my class who is as you describe "barrel chested". Thanks again.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:13 pm














NC_kneader






 
Post subject: 
5' nuthin" here
 













I'm short.I've had use of 16 different tables from 5 different manufacturers and have never met a table that didn't adjust. Only one didn't adjust low enough for a specific technique (DT), and I used a step stool to get up to rest one knee on the table. Our school had small plastic step stools, for both client and therapist use. In my own office, I would opt for a step platform like Angie mentioned because it would allow me more freedom of movement down the side of the table.I've found that side-lying position often provides me easier access than prone position, especially with "barrel" chested individuals.

[size=117]I'm short.I've had use of 16 different tables from 5 different manufacturers and have never met a table that didn't adjust. Only one didn't adjust low enough for a specific technique (DT), and I used a step stool to get up to rest one knee on the table. Our school had small plastic step stools, for both client and therapist use. In my own office, I would opt for a step platform like Angie mentioned because it would allow me more freedom of movement down the side of the table.I've found that side-lying position often provides me easier access than prone position, especially with "barrel" chested individuals.[/size]











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:54 pm














Hydro4Vita






 
Post subject: 

 













Rose of Sharon wrote:Hydro4Vita wrote:It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.Thanks for the posts.To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.

Great to hear from another "shortie"... I have never heard of the "forearm dance" technique but will look it up for sure. I agree with you about lowering the table NOT always being helpful. There are times when if I lower the table to the last notch that I find it really does a number on my knees because I have to bend way too far down.

Thanks for describing your reach technique... very helpful. So far what seems to make sense in trying it out in real time practice is the long width exercise stepper and your reach technique which I immediately tried out by putting my mother on the dining room table. LOL The dining room table is about the same height as the one used in school.

I just need to practice, practice, practice and get comfortable as you just pointed out.

Thanks and have a great day.

[quote="Rose of Sharon"][quote="Hydro4Vita"]It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables [b][u]but I am not looking to purchase a table.[/u] [/b]I am still in school and[b] am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.[/b]I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.Thanks for the posts.[/quote]To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.[/quote]

Great to hear from another "shortie"... ;) I have never heard of the "forearm dance" technique but will look it up for sure. I agree with you about lowering the table NOT always being helpful. There are times when if I lower the table to the last notch that I find it really does a number on my knees because I have to bend way too far down.

Thanks for describing your reach technique... very helpful. So far what seems to make sense in trying it out in real time practice is the long width exercise stepper and your reach technique which I immediately tried out by putting my mother on the dining room table. LOL The dining room table is about the same height as the one used in school. :P

I just need to practice, practice, practice and get comfortable as you just pointed out.

Thanks and have a great day.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:44 pm














Hydro4Vita






 
Post subject: 

 













nolalmt wrote:Hydro4Vita wrote: I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.

It's not about sucking it up...it's about finances. I cannot afford to buy a table...I have ZERO extra dollars at the moment. Yes, my school is not preparing me as it should but I see no harm in asking for tips and techniques that I can on my own try out during practice time and if it works fine...if not then I don't lose anything.

Thanks.

[quote="nolalmt"][quote="Hydro4Vita"] I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.[/quote]Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. [b]You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. [/b]Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. [b]Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise[/b]. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.[/quote]

It's not about sucking it up...it's about finances. I cannot afford to buy a table...I have ZERO extra dollars at the moment. Yes, my school is not preparing me as it should but I see no harm in asking for tips and techniques that I can on my own try out during practice time and if it works fine...if not then I don't lose anything.

Thanks.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:37 pm














Rose of Sharon






 
Post subject: 

 













Hydro4Vita wrote:It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.Thanks for the posts.

To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.

[quote="Hydro4Vita"]It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables [b][u]but I am not looking to purchase a table.[/u] [/b]I am still in school and[b] am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.[/b]I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.Thanks for the posts.[/quote]

To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:18 pm














nolalmt






 
Post subject: 

 













Hydro4Vita wrote: I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.

[quote="Hydro4Vita"] I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.[/quote]

Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. [b]You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. [/b]Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. [b]Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise[/b]. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:20 am














Hydro4Vita






 
Post subject: 

 













It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.

... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.

Thanks for the posts.

It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables [b][u]but I am not looking to purchase a table.[/u] [/b]I am still in school and[b] am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.[/b]

I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.

... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.

Thanks for the posts.











Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 11:01 am














nolalmt






 
Post subject: 

 













I believe in sizing the table to the clients hip width and not the shoulders. As mentioned above with side extenders of 3" it will add 6" total. Changing a 24" table to a 30" standard width. With my table I can add and remove the width during the session without moving the client. A standard stable table might be a bit of a hassle. As well those hour glass shaped table work well.
Not disagreeing with anyone. I think it comes down to who you work on the most, wide or thin bodies, and what type of work you do. Every session I do is DT or needs some leverage. A narrow table is a must for me. Consider this....20 years from now you may be paying for reaching out and pressing down on a wide table. It'll blow your elbows up if you are not careful. Swedish or MF unwinding would be different. But a deep tissue therapist should strongly consider getting a narrow lift table with extensions. I love my Stacy Built Back Saver table. I am still doing massage 25 years later due mostly to having a table that moves for the last 15 years. A $2500 investment makes for a longer career IMO.
http://www.stacysystems.com/

I believe in sizing the table to the clients hip width and not the shoulders. As mentioned above with side extenders of 3" it will add 6" total. Changing a 24" table to a 30" standard width. With my table I can add and remove the width during the session without moving the client. A standard stable table might be a bit of a hassle. As well those hour glass shaped table work well.
Not disagreeing with anyone. I think it comes down to who you work on the most, wide or thin bodies, and what type of work you do. Every session I do is DT or needs some leverage. A narrow table is a must for me. Consider this....20 years from now you may be paying for reaching out and pressing down on a wide table. It'll blow your elbows up if you are not careful. Swedish or MF unwinding would be different. But a deep tissue therapist should strongly consider getting a narrow lift table with extensions. I love my Stacy Built Back Saver table. I am still doing massage 25 years later due mostly to having a table that moves for the last 15 years. A $2500 investment makes for a longer career IMO.
[url]http://www.stacysystems.com/[/url]











Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:10 am














AngEngland






 
Post subject: 

 













squash_blsm wrote:I disagree with the purchase of a narrow table. I used one and had the arm extenders and it worked okay. But most of my clients don't feel comfortable on the smaller tables. Large people do NOT fit on thes and legs and arms are falling all over the place. I know I don't like the narrow tables and I am tiny. They just seem chintzy to me.I am 5'2". I do a lot of work from the side of the table, I drop the table lower, AND I also used a step platform if I needed more height. I brace myself or get on the table all the time - especially for table stretches for hamstrings - clients don't mind if you are respectful of their body and space. My next table will be electric or hydraulic so I can raise and lower if I need to, with an adjustable back.

Ditto to all of this. I've developed a reputation for "getting the job done" amongst some local bodybuilders. If I had a narrow table they would not be able to easily roll over to their backs. Also - a friend actually had an older, heavy set woman who rolled OFF her narrow table so I have never/will never use them.

In fact - I prefer the wider ones because I have a place to get on the table when needed. Usually only one knee is on the table when I'm on the table - the other hanging down the side of the table which gives me better balance. I am then high enough to do the myofascial release of the lower back with comfort and ease to me, and greater effectiveness to the client.

I also get one knee up on the table when doing active leg stretches/releases with some clients - especially longer legged clients! *laughing*

Angela

 

[chinghanlim]

It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.

... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.

Thanks for the posts.

 

[SunniDays]

I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.

 

[tessa wessa]

It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.

... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.

Thanks for the posts.

To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

Alright, straight to the point. You ask veteran therapist about body mechanics. You will not be able to work on a table that does not fit you and learning NO body mechanics from a school that is not preparing you. Your asking for a fix that won't work. Suck it up, buy a proper table and carry that to your employers. Statistically you'll last about a year otherwise. It sounds like the real problem is your school is not teaching you what you need to know and your not willing to hear what you need to hear. Buy a Sams table for $200 and get the legs chopped by 2" or so. Easy to do and you'll have a table that won't shorten your career.

It's not about sucking it up...it's about finances. I cannot afford to buy a table...I have ZERO extra dollars at the moment. Yes, my school is not preparing me as it should but I see no harm in asking for tips and techniques that I can on my own try out during practice time and if it works fine...if not then I don't lose anything.

Thanks.

 

[Mommy to my Kailyn]

It's educational reading the posts on the varying tables but I am not looking to purchase a table. I am still in school and am not interested at the moment in going into business on my own so I have no need for my own table.

I basically just want tips and techniques on getting better extension and pressure in my strokes regardless of table width or height. That is why I asked for other massage therapists who are on the short side to give me their insight on how they deal with giving a massage to clients on various types of tables.

... because in the end it will not be my choice but my employer's choice on which table(s) I will be using to give massage treatments.

Thanks for the posts.

To extend your strokes, just walk along beside the table. Don't feel that you have to plant your feet and do a stroke from that position - work from your feet right on up to and through your arms and hands. If the table is too high (though it may not be, I'm 5'2" and lowering the table is *not* always the best answer), bending the arms and using forearms and elbows rather than hands to do the stroke will make a huge difference to your body mechanics. There is a technique called the "forearm dance" that may be helpful to learn. We didn't learn that specific technique, but our instructors did have us experiment with our forearms and elbows in class. You can experiment without specific instruction, since your school is not providing assistance with that. As far as reaching, though, you just have to go wherever you need to be to put pressure where you need to put pressure. Standing in one spot and making one long stroke is probably never going to work, regardless of what table you are using. Practice walking around the table as you massage, and it won't take long before you feel very comfortable doing it and your strokes feel just as smooth to the client as they've ever known.

Great to hear from another "shortie"... I have never heard of the "forearm dance" technique but will look it up for sure. I agree with you about lowering the table NOT always being helpful. There are times when if I lower the table to the last notch that I find it really does a number on my knees because I have to bend way too far down.

Thanks for describing your reach technique... very helpful. So far what seems to make sense in trying it out in real time practice is the long width exercise stepper and your reach technique which I immediately tried out by putting my mother on the dining room table. LOL The dining room table is about the same height as the one used in school.

I just need to practice, practice, practice and get comfortable as you just pointed out.

Thanks and have a great day.