Massage-a-thon!
So this past week I got to participate in the massage-a-thon and it was so much fun. Our class only covered the event for an hour, and in that hour we had around 10 clients split between 4 of us. In the short amount of time I only had 2 patients back to back for 30 minutes each and my hands were already crying for help.
I began to realize just how important body mechanics and the orientation of my fingers are. I was constantly trying to be aware of my finger orientation and trying to prevent my IP joints from locking, but it kept happening!
All I could think about was how strong manual therapists' hands must be. I began to think the same thing while practicing for my upper extremity orthopedics practical. It seems as though the simplest things caused discomfort. We have been working on a lot of cervical examination and mobilization techniques, and I clearly underestimated the weight of the head (~8-10lb).
I was happy to find out that I was not the only person in class who experienced the pain, discomfort, etc. I know that it will become easier for me with more practice, but I think I will start on some hand strengthening techniques just in case.