You’re tired, sore and have a bad back…you could be on the verge of massage therapist burnout. Here are five ways to avoid massage exhaustion.
Look after number one
It’s so easy to get caught up in looking after other people, but if you don’t take care of yourself as well, burnout could be an issue. Your client might be relaxed, but you’re actually doing a lot of physical exercise when performing a massage. So eat healthy meals and snacks, stay well hydrated and take regular breaks throughout the day.
Stretch
Just as you would before a gym session or run, it’s important to stretch your muscles before massaging a client. Concentrate on your arms, wrists, fingers and legs, and pay attention to your back and torso, which can easily be pulled when leaning over a client.
Perfect posture
Keep your posture in check while you’re performing a massage. Your legs act as a counterweight so they’re working hard, and your core will be getting a workout too as it stretches and works to balance the body. When massaging, always try and keep stomach muscles engaged to prevent injury and keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Hand love
Your hands are your tools so look after them. Many therapists complain of sore fingers, wrists and forearms. While this can go with the territory, if you take a few minutes before and after each session to stretch and kneed your own hands, they will feel a lot better after a day of massaging clients.
Book a massage
Yes, you! Like the gourmet chef who eats fast food because he can’t be bothered to cook his own dinner, don’t think that because you perform massages, you should solider on without one. As you know, massage is a great stress and pain reducer. Win. The other advantage is, it allows you customer perspective; if you have regular massage, you’ll be up to speed on what a particular massage feels like, what techniques work, what doesn’t. Double win.
Have your say: How do you stay at your peak?