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Question about a bad wrist

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering attending massage school this fall. The only thing I'm worried about is I had surgery to remove a cyst on my wrist about 24 years ago. The cyst has returned a few times since then, but it's currently gone and I haven't had much issues with my wrist since. I've been doing a lot of weight training to build up muscles in my arms and chest, and I recently started doing some wrist and finger exercises. I do notice some soreness in the wrist I had surgery on after I do the exercises, but nothing horrible. Does anyone have any advise for me? Has any other therapist out there had the same issues? I'm just wondering how it affects your work. I'm 42 and otherwise in good health. Thanks for any advice.

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Permalink Reply by Laurie on June 3, 2015 at 3:10pm

Body mechanics is the key to a long, pain free massage career. Use your body properly and you should not have any issues with your wrists. Lots of therapists use forearms or lighter pressure, but they still need to practice good body mechanics. Learn to use your core muscles for massage, not shoulders or wrists. It's better for your body and actually feels better to the receiver.
Another cause for poor body mechanics is overwork or massaging when tired. It is so easy to let the good habits disappear when exhausted. And know your limits, not everyone can massage 8 hours/day for 5 days/week.
I have no personal experience with weak wrists, but one year, I was rowing, knitting and massaging everyday. Yes, I could feel the achiness & cramping in my hands and wrists. Solution, I gave up the knitting. Just an example of overworking my hands.
Good luck in your new career!

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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on June 3, 2015 at 4:06pm

Hi Tracy! I've had cysts on my wrists for 20 years (a result of being a secretary for 3 years and having a bad desk/keyboard set up for the beginning of my time there). They are ganglion cysts; I went to doctors but aside from surgery there was nothing they could do. Each cyst is on the outside of my wrist (one left, one right). The left one is larger, and both have been hard for 20 years - my guess is that they calcified quickly.

I've been a massage therapist for 7 1/2 years; I'm 45 years old. I use decent body mechanics - I'm constantly working to improve them. I have not yet had any significant issues because of the cysts; I do occasionally have the hand and wrist ache that MT's get, but I think that's a general thing.

I have also diversified into CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage and soon Visceral Manipulation - having lots of gentle-touch therapies you can use is helpful!

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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on June 4, 2015 at 8:44am

Hey Tracy!

I had an unusual doctor - he wasn't a fan of surgery for these cysts and said they'd just come back. He jokingly suggested breaking them up with a little hammer...

If I get a chance today, I'll post photos of them so you can see if they compare to what you have experienced.

The really important thing, no matter what you are doing, is to (as much as possible) keep your wrists in neutral alignment - a straight line from elbow to wrist to little finger. Also keep the alignment flat when viewed from the side - as little flexion or extension in your wrist as possible.

You may have trouble with some of the techniques taught in massage school, particularly deep tissue. However, it's not necessary (or even desirable) to continue using those techniques after school. Keep what works and throw out the rest, and keep learning new things. You'll find what works for you and at the same time does a great job for your clients!