Some one else asked me again “What do I do to prevent injury and still be able to work stronger with out burning out?”.
And I repeat again “Body Mechanics, Physics and Momentum”
Here are 6 tips that will make a huge difference in your work and safe your body and energy.
1. Use gravity. Gravity is free and at out disposal all the time even when working in water. By leaning forward you can use your weight to push and compress where needed. Have your legs lose to create smooth movement. And by leaning back you can use your weight to pull and cause traction to lengthen the body where needed.
2. Movement. Same is true with movement if is free to use. Use momentum it’s like buying something and getting 2 more for free. actually momentum can make our force 4 times or more stronger. Even slow rocking your body as you work will improve the quality of your work.(do not do it in a mechanical way. This become annoying to the client. Rock in a graceful free flowing manner that will relax the nervous system of the client. like rocking a baby to sleep.
3. Sit. No one is paying you to stand. Sit as often as you can. Sit especially when working the neck. You can sit while working most of the body from underneath using their body weight..
4a. More sitting. Sit or kneel on the table. When sitting If the table/body is lower than you then in this case using your body weight leaning forward to compress/push is your strong point.
4b. Did I mention sitting? You can even sit on the floor even if the client is on the table. If in this case the table or body is higher than you while sitting than leaning backwards and using your body weight for pulling/traction will be your strong point. This is great for working on limbs hanging down from the table for example the arms and legs.
WARNING: Make sure your client’s limbs are positioned so that they are comfortable and that the limbs are not being pinched against the table.
Also if your client is on the floor and you are sitting, kneeling, squatting etc in most cases you will be above the client and you will use the technique mentioned in 5a.
5. Using your feet. Your feet are great tools for deep work and will save your back and energy if done right. You can use your feet to work almost the entire body except the face.
However you do need to know what your are doing and how to keep your balance so you do not injury your client.
I teach a compete course on using your feet for doing body work.
WARNING: I repeat DO NOT massage your clients face with your feet!
Which brings us to number 6. Be aware of your body at all times. Even while sitting a strong grounded stance, relaxed full breathing and keeping a lose body will improve your work and keep you safe and energised.
It sounds like a lot to remember but it is possible it just takes practice and remembering to check in on ourselves.
I hope this was helpful. If it was please like and refer to other therapist. Also feel free to leave comments and more questions.
As mentioned in the previous post I teach all of the above concepts in all my courses because it is the driving force and essence behind how our tools (extremities) get their power/strength from with out effort or injury.
Remember working harder doesnt = better / stronger work. Remember to always observe your clients response to your pressure and verbally check in with them on how your pressure feels to them.
