If Your Work Feels Hard, You're Doing It Wrong
If Your Work Feels Hard, You're Doing It Wrong
"If your work feels hard, you're doing it wrong."
That's what my Myofascial Release (MFR) instructor told me, and it changed everything about how I approach bodywork—and how I've survived 24+ years in this career.
I went to massage school in 1999-2000, and I don't remember what they taught us about body mechanics.
What I do remember is learning in continuing education what proper body mechanics actually means: keep your shoulders down, lean in with your body for leverage instead of straining your hands, wrists, or shoulders.
MFR taught me that bodywork is about listening—to your body AND your client's body. Locate the restriction, sink into the resistance, and hold until the tissue releases. When you work this way, you're not fighting. You're collaborating with the fascia, and your body doesn't pay the price.
What Actually Works: My Body Mechanics Toolkit
After 24+ years in the treatment room here are some tips . . .
Find Your Stance
The stances I regularly use are a regular squat or sumo squat when I need to get lower. I also use a warrior stance depending on the angle I need.
Here's the key: your body needs to be both stable AND fluid. Think less "perfect posture" and more "responsive dance." If your body hurts, readjust and find a different position.
For neck work when my client is supine, I sit down. I position the client's head about a forearm's length from the edge of the table so I can rest my forearms while my fingers perform sustained holds in the cervical region restrictions. This saves my shoulders and lets me work without strain.
Table Height Matters More Than You Think
If you're constantly reaching down or hunching over, your table is too low. If you're lifting your shoulders to apply pressure, it's too high. Some therapists are blessed with electric adjustable tables and can adjust with ease—the rest of us have to be more strategic about our positioning and stance.
And don't forget your desk height when you're working on your computer. Poor desk ergonomics between clients can undo all the good body mechanics you're practicing on the table.
Stop Destroying Your Thumbs
If your thumbs hurt, you're overusing them.
Try forearms for broad pressure, straight fingers with one hand on top of the other for extra support and precision, elbows for deep work, and yes—sometimes thumbs, but only when your wrist is neutral and you're letting your body weight do the work, not your tiny thumb muscles.
When the Problem Isn't Where You Think It Is
I'm right-handed, and I started noticing weakness in my left hand grip. My first thought? I must be overusing my hands.
Wrong.
I went to a Mackenzie-trained physical therapist who did muscle testing and found the weakness was coming from my neck, not my hands.
This is a perfect example of what we see in the fascial trains—the site of the pain is not necessarily the cause of the pain or dysfunction.
Your Body's Warning Signs (Listen Before It's Too Late)
Your body doesn't go from "fine" to "career-ending injury" overnight. It whispers before it screams. Here are some early warning signs:
Stiffness in the morning that takes more than a few minutes to "warm up"
Needing to stretch the same area multiple times a day
Adjusting your grip or position mid-session because something feels "off"
Avoiding certain techniques because they "don't feel good anymore"
Pain that shows up during specific movements (like opening jars or typing)
Feeling more tired after sessions than you used to
If you're experiencing even one of these, your body is asking you to change something NOW—not next month, not after you "get through this busy season."
What Actually Helps
I'm not going to tell you to "just use better body mechanics" like that's simple. Here's what actually made a difference for me:
Build strength and flexibility outside the treatment room. You need a regular strength and stretch routine to stay in shape and work muscles other than your "massaging muscles." If you're consistently practicing squats and warrior poses in yoga, it's easier to sustain those positions during a massage because your legs are conditioned. It makes your job easier.
Try one adjustment at a time. Don't try to fix everything at once. This week, maybe focus on your table height. Next week, pay attention to your stance. Small shifts compound over time.
Get bodywork regularly. I've made it a goal to receive a professional massage each month so I don't get burned out and I'm taking care of my body. You can't pour from an empty cup, and you deserve the same care you give your clients.
Your Next Step
If you're reading this and recognizing yourself in these warning signs, don't wait. Your future self is begging you to take action now.
Join me at Preventing Burnout: Self-Care & Body Mechanics for Massage Therapists on November 22nd. We'll work hands-on with body mechanics, practice the adjustments that actually prevent injury, and you'll leave with tools you can use immediately.
Early Registration (through Oct 31): $75 for 4 NCBTMB-approved CE credits
Tomorrow we're talking about The 5-Minute Pre-Client Ritual.
What's one body mechanics adjustment you're going to try this week? Share it in the comments—I'd love to hear what resonates with you.
Already hurting and can't wait until November? Schedule a Goddess Healing Experience and let me help you address those fascial restrictions before they become chronic injuries. My blend of Myofascial Release and Pendulum Alchemy is specifically designed to help bodyworkers heal.
Wendy | LMT 24+ years | Co-Author of Bod-E-Nomics: Your Body is Your Business
