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.
