In my years as a Massage Therapist, I have learned more about myself by helping other people. I have also learned that I have to care for my own body so I can give to others. I have been in the field for over a decade and have owned my own spa, been a massage instructor, and worked at a spa on the strip in Las Vegas.
The physical part of my job is what drove me but it also led to burnout and injury. I was working full time at the spa and writing the book Creating Peace with your Hands. I was performing many deep barefoot massages, in addition to various other types of massage, and my feet started tingling and going numb. I continued doing massage instead of taking a break. Eventually, I had to stop doing any type of massage because the symptoms persisted. I guess the universe wanted me off my feet so I could finish the book.
I literally could not walk for a year of my life. After 20 months of ankle surgeries, physical therapy, and low back decompression I am able to walk. I am proud to say that I completed my book and now want to share it with everyone in the massage community.
I believe that education about self-care and injury prevention should start as your foundation. Constant awareness of your body should be used with this physical occupation. Even veterans in this field need to be reminded about body mechanics and self-care techniques. I also think that massage therapy continuing education is essential to the improvement in your technique. You can always learn no matter how long you have been doing this.
You can create peace in other people’s bodies when you care for yourself first. This balance is one of the toughest parts of the job. My mission is to educate and inspire therapists to care for their own body and prevent injury.
To prevent physical burnout:
• Stretch and warm up before you start your day of massage
•Stretch your arms and hands between each client
•Change up your working tools
•Fuel your body with the proper nutrition
•Utilize cryotherapy after your day of massage
•Receive massage weekly or bi-monthly
•Clear your body’s energy daily
Get In Touch offers quality massage therapy continuing education. Visit www.igetintouch.com
