Don’t your hands get tired?

That is probably the question I am asked most above all others.  Do my hands hurt? 

Rarely, but when they do it usually is not related to Massage.  A skilled body worker does not rely solely on one’s fingers to do the work.  In a session I will use my palms, knuckles, fists, elbows, and on special occasions-feet. 

A good Massage or Shiatsu session will also include stretches and body mobilization techniques; which are great for the client and the therapist.  They add variety as well as they are very effective.

Now that I am teaching Swedish Massage, I drill the students constantly on proper body mechanics.  Our work doesn’t come from the hands, but rather the core.  If you watch a Massage therapist work you will notice a lot of lunging.  It is from that movement that the pressure comes.

Over the last 17 years when I have had hand injuries, the culprit has often been a vigorous day in the garden or too much typing.  Rest assured your massage is not causing my hands pain.