Good Body Mechanics but...

[jrsmallz88]

Hi ya'll!! (Hope you're not tired of me asking questions yet. : )

My hands on instructors have both complemented me on my body mechanics. That's a fairly good thing. BUT my back hurts sooooooo much shortly after I start the massage. How can my body mechanics be good but my back hurts? Well I am extremely top heavy (One swift move and I'm thrown off balance t043 ). One of the assistants suggested that I use a stool. I tried it out but I'm not so much for it. I don't feel like I can really get into the work because I can't lean into it. Ya know?

What kind of exercises can I do to strengthen my back? Is there something that I can wear that will help (like a back brace or something)?

Please help!!!

 

[LuYengpo]

Good Body Mechanics but...

Are you relaxed when you are working? It is possible to have good alignment, yet not be relaxed. If your back muscles are contracting more than necessary, it would not take long for them to start hurting. Try taking a few slow, deep breaths while you are working. You could even combine your exhale with a long glide down the leg/back/arm of your client, thereby working with your own breath, AND slowing down your glide- nice for you and for your client.

 

[Lyn badz]

Good Body Mechanics but...

You don't mention where your back hurts, or where/how you start your massages?
Can you give me a little more insight and maybe I can suggest a few things for ya?

Finding the proper body mechanics can be challenging because each client is different is terms of height, shape, weight, length, pressure, etc!
It took me a while to not hyper extend my wrists, and I quit doing so much petrissage because it hurts my hands! I definitely incorporate more forearms and elbows into my sessions now. I also find that I work better on each side of the back, versus both sides at once. I can focus more pressure working from the side of the table than the front, and it isn't as far to stretch cause I'm short!! :grin: I also move the table height throughout my sessions and luckily I have a hydraulic table at work, my home table stays at about a foot from the ground.

I really need to take some pictures of my body mechanics so I can compare them with other people! LOL

 

[oden13]

Good Body Mechanics but...

Is it possible that *you* need a really good massage (and/or chiropractic adjustment)? We can look all wonderful on the outside, and yet be *screaming* on the inside, when things aren't quite right (I speak of physical things here, not referring to the OP pr *anyone's* mental or emotional state here- just for clarification! )

 

[manutd_4_life]

Good Body Mechanics but...

Another thing to consider is that not every body is mechanically the same. What is good body mechanics for one could be wrong for another. Some of us need our tables quite low, while others need to be able to STAND UP to give a massage. Try out different stances, different table heights, vary your table according to the work you are doing and the client on the table, and see what works for you.

 

[I feel better]

Good Body Mechanics but...

Another thing to consider is that not every body is mechanically the same. What is good body mechanics for one could be wrong for another. Some of us need our tables quite low, while others need to be able to STAND UP to give a massage. Try out different stances, different table heights, vary your table according to the work you are doing and the client on the table, and see what works for you.

For me I find that having my table right at my hip works perfect for me. Some of the body mechanics I was taught in school caused me more pain ( I have scoliosis, i live with constant low back pain).
I use my core (center) to give most of my pressure. When on occasion I do start to hurt while massaging,I lean on the table.

 

[Boli Loquita]

Good Body Mechanics but...

It's really difficult to imagine what your body mechanics really are without watching you in work. A great way to check yourself is to have someone video tape you giving a massage, you will be able to spot your mistakes very quickly. If you are unsure take the video to someone who knows about body mechanics. People comment that my body mechanics are good also, and I am much better than many therapists I've seen but it wasn't until I watched a video of myself and saw that my rt leg was externally rotated more than it should be--- a small thing but will add up!

 

[??????]

Good Body Mechanics but...

Body mechanics are definitely important along with keeping the table low enough. Check your footwear, as it will affect the back, especially if you're standing on hard surfaces. There was a discussion on shoes on MassagePlanetL somewhere - perhaps someone can recall the link & they'll post it for you. You want something with cushioning, which hopefully will provide you with some extra height as well. Suggested shoe/sneaker Brands: Clarks, Born, Ecco, Merrell, Rockport,
New Balance - Cross Trainers, are all good (though not cheap - but then you'll appreciate the quality) Sandals: Mesphisto, Naot, Teva, Keene, Ecco.

And don't forget that if your abdominal muscles are weak, your back isn't getting the proper support it needs. So, any good strength training you could do would very likely help you. Also, since you mentioned it - being top heavy can be an issue - be sure you've got a good supportive bra - as it may help the back! We even had a discussion on that too!!! Good sports bras are made in larger sizes & will likely help to both support & contain "the girls"...

Hope this helps & in the meantime, don't forget about using Epsom salt baths & taking magnesium to help loosen up any tight back muscles!

 

[Professor Wonderful]

Good Body Mechanics but...

One of the standard questions I ask to patients who experience back pain (low or mid back), is whether they experience pain when standing for periods of time, especially when leaning slightly (as in doing dishes or, in your case, doing massage). A positive reply will lead me to investigate hip flexor length. No matter how they stand, no matter their body mechanics, they will review that they get pain in this type of position. The pain is usually lumbar, but often occurs as a deep ache in the lower thoracic region. I am wondering if you fit into this pattern as well?

 

[BlackMamba]

Good Body Mechanics but...

It may also be that you are not inshape for massage yet. And learning how to get your pressure from your feet will help to and keep your back nice and relaxed