Learning proper body mechanics, stretches and first aid for the wrist and arm can help massage therapists prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are a massage therapist, your hands are your tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome could put you out of business. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury but can also result from a single instance of trauma or excessive force -- for instance, when you work too hard trying to relax a very muscular person.
Step 1
Keep your hand in line with your forearm as much as possible. If you avoid bending the wrist when using deep pressure, you protect the carpal tunnel. Use your fist instead of your palm to apply deep pressure, as it is easier to keep the hand in line with the arm than if you use the palm of your hand.
Step 2
Use your forearm or elbow for deep massage strokes, rather than bending your wrist and putting pressure on your palms.
Step 3
Avoid gripping tissue with your fingers and thumbs, as in petrissage or kneading. Using heavy pressure while kneading soft tissue shortens the muscles in your forearm that control the fingers, thus putting pressure on the carpal tunnel. Instead, use your palms to make large, alternating circles when you want to knead soft tissue. When kneading extremities, the arms or legs, wrap your hand around the extremity and tighten your grip, keeping the hand in line with the forearm. Then use movements originating in your shoulder to move your hand, rather than moving your fingers and thumb.
Step 4
Extend your arm out in front of you with the palm up. Use your other hand to bend your hand down toward the floor, stretching the carpal tunnel and the flexor muscles in the lower arm. Do this stretch on both arms after every massage to keep the flexors of the forearm from remaining tight.
Tips and Warnings
- Learn iron palm exercises to keep your hands and wrists strong. Martial artists learn iron palm exercises, which are stretches and strengthening exercises, to keep their hands strong.
- If your wrist starts to hurt during or after massage, apply ice to reduce inflammation at the end of every workday.
References
- "Save Your Hands!"; Lauriann Greene et al.; 2008
- "Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists"; Barbara Frye; 2008
- "Iron Palm Fundamentals"; Brian Gray; 2008
- Massagemag.com: Save Your Hands -- Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists
