Sore After Clinic

[SweetCountryLily]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the board. I had some questions for those of you in clinic. I have been in night massage school for 7 months (I work full time during the day). I started my clinic a few weeks ago, 4 clients back to back usually Swedish or DT massage. The first couple of weeks have left me tired and sore. I have asked my instructors to look at my body mechanics and they think I'm doing a good job. I also have to wonder if the stress of working and going to school is making it worse. Does the soreness ever get easier? I am worried that it I am sore every day I will not be able to keep this up as a job after I am finished with school. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Tyson&Chino]

Sore After Clinic

Where are you usually sore? Is it just upper body, arms/hands or entire body?

I found that I would be sore after a few massages too. But if I make sure to do some self-care between sessions I felt so much better. I do some stretches throughout the day. Just little things. Shoulder rolls, a quick pec stretch, leg stretches, flexor/extensor stretches, neck stretches and some self massage. I also end my day by taking a few minutes to lay flat on the floor. Just to relax while doing some nice diaphramic breathing (spelling??).

I have also found that sometimes I need to change my table height. Depending on how I am working that day.

I hope some of these suggestions help

 

[LadyCatherine]

Sore After Clinic

Personally, I think it is just like anything else. Your body has to work up to it. You are putting your body through the processes of moving and bending for hours at a time, in ways that it normally does not move and bend.

Even now, when I take a week off work, I am sore for my initial 3-4 days returning to work. I have learned not to schedule more than 3-4 people that first day back, if at all possible, just to work myself back into the groove.

It is possible that if you will take three back to back clients and then your fourth after you have rested for about an hour and fifteen mins. you may hold up better, for now.

Good luck... and please keep posting!

 

[SnuffySmith]

Sore After Clinic

4 clients; especially back to back, seems like a lot to start off with. Sounds like you have no choice. You'll have to do what you can to compensate and take care of yourself. In addition to previous suggestions, check in with yourself while doing massage and make sure your shoulders are relaxed and you're breathing easily.
Also, listen to your gut. Are you taking on too much with working full time? Is this something you can change or do you need to just focus on the goal (end result) and endure (it's only temporary.)?

 

[Right Chance Overseas]

Sore After Clinic

I will sometimes be sore after 4... especially if 2-3 of them are deep tissue. It's not uncommon for clinic or even once you are in practice. My MT school scheduled 4 massages per each clinic. (They also suggested we get a massage for every 10 that we give! Are you getting enough?)

As body mechanics don't seem to be a big issue, then look to self-care to cope. (You don't mention what your current profession is... but if it is something which tends to use the same muscles you could be experiencing a bit of over-work.)

As others mentioned, self-massage, diaphragmatic breathing, and stretches are all good.

Have you thought about taking an epsom salt soak afterwards, when you get home?

Before, during, and after clinic, are you staying properly hydrated?

On busy days at the spa where I work I will sometimes have a packet of Emergen-C to give me a little more energy to finish out my shift. I will also use essential oils on myself (often citrus oils) to give myself a boost energy wise too.

But like pueppi said, it is often the case of "building up muscle" or "stamina"... you are using your body in different ways. Your developing new habits, your body will become accustomed to it in time and you will like myself & others, find the ways to help you cope with a busy day of massage be it in clinic, or when you find employment in the field!

And please keep us posted & let us know if any of our suggestions help! :altwink:

 

[Captain Sav-A-Hooooo]

Sore After Clinic

Thanks everyone. After clinic I usually feel sore in my hips, my scapula and a bit in my ankles. I usually do some stretches in the morning and at night, but I could start doing it between clients. It'll give me something to do other than just stand there when they're getting off the table. I'll have to give diaphragm breathing a try too. I usually do Epsom salt baths and BioFreeze when I'm feeling sore after clinic. I think I'd be lost without my Epsom salt baths. I hide a big jug of water in my booth too, so I think I'm staying pretty hydrated. I may be due for some body work to. We're practicing a pretty limited modality in class. Thanks for suggestions everyone.

 

[josh k]

Sore After Clinic

Thanks everyone. After clinic I usually feel sore in my hips, my scapula and a bit in my ankles. I usually do some stretches in the morning and at night, but I could start doing it between clients. It'll give me something to do other than just stand there when they're getting off the table. I'll have to give diaphragm breathing a try too. I usually do Epsom salt baths and BioFreeze when I'm feeling sore after clinic. I think I'd be lost without my Epsom salt baths. I hide a big jug of water in my booth too, so I think I'm staying pretty hydrated. I may be due for some body work to. We're practicing a pretty limited modality in class. Thanks for suggestions everyone.

It may be that the stretches you are doing are not the ones your body needs. Instead of just doing more of the same, get some expert guidance on what may be missing from the stretching you are already doing.

 

[Stuart H]

Sore After Clinic

I would ask several instructors to give you feedback back on mechanics. Once I left school I found my mechanics changed drastically. I'm 5'6 130lbs - most of the athletes I treat are much larger. My table is less than 1ft off the ground. Pretty much 90% of my strokes are fists & forearms. I usually only do 1-2min of ART on clients. When I first started I did so much ART - my thumbs hurt!!!