Pain in one part of the body can be caused by problems in other parts, she says. As she works, Barbara might teach her clients about the causes of pain and explain how to remedy them with ice, heat, stretching, or exercise. Many clients are referred to massage therapists by physicians. One of Barbara s clients is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Careful massage is helping to lessen the client s pain and improve her range of motion.
Massage therapy is a physically demanding profession.
Along with extended periods of standing, massage technique requires therapists to use some of their muscles repeatedly. This repetitive motion causes problems over time. Massage therapists develop injuries to their wrists and hands if they aren t careful, says Barbara. The body breaks down under the strain. To reduce her risk of injury, Barbara uses proper body mechanics during every massage.