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Dislocated finger and being a massage therapist

I dislocated my left hand middle finger about six months ago and it is still swollen and a little stiff. I will be starting massage school in Aug and am worried that my career may already be over due to the damage the finger endured. Is it possible to continue as a massage therapist after breaking or dislocating the hand/finger(s)?
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on June 15, 2017 at 11:06pm

If you are open to other modalities, you can have a good career. CranioSacral Therapy comes to mind (although there is one key technique that may still be a bit of a challenge).

You can also learn how to do different kinds of massage, like Forearm Dance by Val Guin.

You still have to get through massage school though, which is possibly difficult.

Do you have someone you can go to to get it treated? Someone who does Myofascial Release or CranioSacral Therapy might be able to help it heal more fully.

Kind of stream of consciousness, but it's late! :)

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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on June 16, 2017 at 3:27am

Without knowing the exact nature of your injury, it might actually be of benefit? It may force you to think and adapt. Giving your massage something different and unique?
I have heard of therapists that are totally blind. I would personally find it much easier to go through massage school with a dislocated finger, then to go through massage school blind.
I've injured my hands and fingers in the past a few times. Painful. I adapted ,found new ways Of doing things, and learned how to heal myself.
I'd go for it.

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Permalink Reply by Laurie on June 17, 2017 at 2:35pm

You dislocated your finger before starting massage training. What if it happened half-way through school, after graduation or 5 years into your career? How would you approach your injury in those situations.

Last year, I broke my ankle. I took a few weeks off for the non-weight bearing period, but returned to work as soon as I could stand on two feet. Over 10 years, I have also broken a finger, lacerated fingers, suffered through poison ivy and Lyme disease, and had numerous other ailments, yet continued to work. We adapt. In reality, our hands connect with the client, but most of the work comes from our core. A good lesson to learn sooner than later.

Yes, it may be initially difficult to practice some massage strokes, but you may also develop a better knowledge of anatomy with slower, more focused work. Good luck with your decision.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy Murray on June 17, 2017 at 3:30pm

Thank you!

Laurie said:

You dislocated your finger before starting massage training. What if it happened half-way through school, after graduation or 5 years into your career? How would you approach your injury in those situations.

Last year, I broke my ankle. I took a few weeks off for the non-weight bearing period, but returned to work as soon as I could stand on two feet. Over 10 years, I have also broken a finger, lacerated fingers, suffered through poison ivy and Lyme disease, and had numerous other ailments, yet continued to work. We adapt. In reality, our hands connect with the client, but most of the work comes from our core. A good lesson to learn sooner than later.

Yes, it may be initially difficult to practice some massage strokes, but you may also develop a better knowledge of anatomy with slower, more focused work. Good luck with your decision.