When you are in a field you love, career longevity is something service providers strive for. What massage therapists know is that body mechanics are essential to performing our jobs; they're also the self-care secret to maintaining your own body while working on others. All beauty and wellness professionals should learn these skills. So, let me help you!
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When you are in a field you love, career longevity is something service providers strive for. What massage therapists know is that body mechanics are essential to performing our jobs; they're also the self-care secret to maintaining your own body while working on others. All beauty and wellness professionals should learn these skills. So, let me help you!
Basics of Body Mechanics
Body mechanics are the way the body moves, stands and performs daily activities, while maintaining proper posture and using the least amount of energy. These techniques are used with the expectation that delivering a service does not cause pain or strain to the practitioner.
It involves the coordinated effort of muscles, bones, joints and the nervous system to achieve efficient and safe movement. Proper body mechanics are essential for preventing injuries and promoting overall musculoskeletal health.
Proper body mechanics are determined by three things: table height, client positioning and provider positioning. Importantly, these elements dictate whether your body is in alignment or not while you are working.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Longevity Programs
Proper Positioning
Be sure to check the height of the esthetics or massage table you will work on, as the height of the table will determine how much bending you must do to complete a task. When the table is too low, it will cause excess strain to the neck, lower back and possibly the wrists. Conversely, a table that is too high will prevent you from accessing the client's body comfortably, because you must adjust your body to accommodate that height, ultimately impacting your neck and shoulders.
Often, your posture can be compromised by sitting incorrectly when you work. You want to sit with both feet on the floor and your bottom toward the edge of your seat. Be extra careful not to slouch, as that adds stress to the neck and between the shoulder blades—and can result in other posture issues later down the line. Proper body mechanics will force you to sit up straight and use your core muscles while supporting better breathing.
Consider how your arms are positioned as well. Ideally, your arms and wrists will be in a neutral position where they can rest on the table comfortably and provide adequate support for your forearms. This also ensures your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows are by your side, rather than extended out and adding stress to your shoulders.
This positioning will help combat carpal tunnel syndrome because you aren't adding additional strain by over-flexing your wrist. Remember to keep your elbows in and forearms in as neutral a position as possible.
You also likely spend a lot of your time standing, which can cause tightness in the back. The muscles from the lower extremities work to support your muscles and spine to keep you standing upright. Standing on a mat or a cushion will help relieve that pressure and reduce the overall impact of being on your feet.
Another way to address body mechanics and give attention to yourself is through stretching! Stretching will relieve muscle tightness caused by providing spa services, and it plays a large role in minimizing the potential for repetitive strain injuries, like carpal tunnels, tendonitis, lower back pain or neck strain. Stretching the lower body, including back and hip movements, will also help you loosen tight muscles caused by standing for long periods.
Finally, prioritizing body mechanics reinforces the idea that you are worthy of time and attention, in addition to being a key step in career longevity. Consistent self-care habits contribute to long-term health benefits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, all ultimately promoting career longevity. As a professional, it is not a luxury but a necessity for overall longevity, health and happiness.
Joi Bass is a Dallas native with more than 20 years in the health, wellness and beauty industry. She is a licensed massage therapist, massage therapy and CPR instructor, continuing education provider and doula. Bass has extensive training in techniques including prenatal massage, manual lymphatic drainage and Thai yoga massage.
