Do you finish a massage and feel pain in your thumb joint? Later on you notice redness and inflammation?
As a preventive measure, make sure you are utilizing cryotherapy. If you perform more than 3 or 4 massages a day I would ice my arm up to the elbow in ice water for 15 minutes. If the area is inflamed perform ice massage locally on the area for a few minutes. Next, take a look at your massage routine. How much are you using your thumbs specifically as a tool? It should only be for a few minutes a massage. I know it is hard not to use your thumbs as a tool but once you wear out that joint, the harder it is to do massage. Also, excessive petrissage can be hard on that joint. I have been there and had to evaluate what I was doing with each stroke as I massaged. Also, it is ok to use tools if they are used properly. Another thought to help prevent injury to your hands is to use t spheres aromatherapy massage balls. I love them and they really save your hands and thumbs. I have video classes and live classes that teach self care and how to use them in session. Constant body awareness and Massage Therapy continuing education are important steps in preventing RSI and healing any injuries. Let me know how I can be of further assistance.
