Being a MT...How hard is it on your hands?

[JoHannes(2)]

I am considering Massage Therapy school. I've done a lot of research and I think I've found a place that could be a good fit for me.

I am concerned because I have a mild case of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment from when I was a manicurist years ago. I truly have a passion for massage and I think I would really enjoy helping people feel better. Do you think through good body mechanics/positioning I could realistically do this without aggravating my pre-existing condition?

I am not planning work as an LMT full time.

What has been your experience with pain from giving massages?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Being a MT...How hard is it on your hands?

You may want to ask yourself if you have healed or if you are still living with a diagnosis that is not currently problematic. Kind of like... I had the flu.... I don't have the flu. That may give you better insight as to the issues surrounding it. But, only you know.

Not ever having any major issues with my arms/hands since I've been in practice, I can't really comment. But, as with any injury, you may experience periods of exacmassageplanetation and remission, depending on how you use your body. Much of it will depend on your particular body frame, strength and the way you are taught.

 

[IReallyDunno]

Being a MT...How hard is it on your hands?

Where is your nerve entrapped? What has been done to resolve it?

Is there any way you can get mentored or take a short course to see if you can do an hours' worth of massage? Have someone walk you through it. There are many ways to use your body and many different parts you can use. If your body tells you doing a certain technique hurts, stop. Do something else.

You may want to get someone knowledgeable to work on your neck/shoulders/pecs/forearms and do regular self-care. You could call around and ask therapists or other professionals if they have taken (anatomically-based) continuing education that may help you. Ask what they would do and listen. If the answer seems too general, call elsewhere.

 

[punchinf4fun]

Being a MT...How hard is it on your hands?

I feel like it is still an issue but a fairly mild one. It seems to be very small specific moves that make it flare up. (Such as gripping a frying pan with my left hand while doing the dishes.) At least it is my non-dominant hand and it only effects my ring and pinkie fingers.

I don't remember ever getting a more specific diagnosis about where the nerve was entrapped. I had a few sessions of physical therapy which included massage and a small machine that was hooked up to my forearm and ran a mild electric current through it. Neither was especially helpful.

I feel confident I could work around this but I really wanted to hear others thoughts about it.

When it does flare up, which is rare, I experience a tingling sensation that I would classify as unpleasant but not outright painful.

Thanks for the suggestions, jdcan. I'll look into seeing what is recommended as far as self-care.