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Sore Elbows- Seeking Advice

Hello,

I'm hoping to get some guidance from this group. Recently (within the past month or so) I have started to experience really sore and tender elbows (both) although more on my right. As well as an increase in pain in my hands and I'm not sure where to start to get this under control.

A little about me, I've been practing since 1995, I took about 8 years off professionally and just practiced casually. Last year I started my practice again. I only practice 2-3 days a week since I work a full time job M-F. a I will admit that on some occasions I over booked myself to try and fit my regulars in. I can afford about 2, 90 min massages a month, and I also see a chiropractor monthly as part of my maintenance. I know only see three people maximum a day at the most, to avoid over straining myself.

About two months ago, I purchased the Auth Method dvd (great videos, quality, and techniques). I was excited to try anything that was new and would help me save my hands. I admit that it probably took me a bit of time to adjust to using more forearm and less elbow since that was something I was used to.

So know whenever I extend my arms (by the way my elbows are double jointed) or I apply pressure with my elbows they hurt.

I love being a massage therapist and my goal is to transition into a full time again. I just want to be able to practice for years to come and not injure my body. I really need suggestions on what I should do, what I can possibly be doing wrong, how do i treat it, who's help i should seek etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Teresa

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI on October 12, 2012 at 3:35pm

Hmm, that's tough. I haven't run into anyone who's elbows hurt.

What type of work do you do in your other job? How much time do you schedule between your appts each day? And I'm surprised that your elbows began hurting AFTER beginning to work with the Auth techniques.

I would also wonder if your table height is set right for both you--for your average clients--and adjusted according to your client's size also. That may be playing into what's going on.

You may consider strengthening your arm MMs to give your elbows greater stability and support as well.

Hope this helps.

Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI

http://www.rslmt.com/SaveYourHandsCEWorkshops.html

Permalink Reply by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB on January 21, 2013 at 2:39pm

Contact Lauriann Greene and read her book, Save Your Hands. This will help tremendously.

Do some weight training to build your strength.

Take some Lomi Lomi classes so you can use your forearms more than your hands.

Find a massage therapist who specializes in issues such as your's. Hire someone who is skilled in Medical Massage and Rehabilitative massage.

Get Art Riggs' Deep Tissue Massage DVD to learn some new techniques. Take a course with Art.