What muscles should I strengthen as a massage therapist?

Question

I have been doing massage therapy for 10+ years and am very toned with the muscles I use giving massage. I feel that much of the pain I feel is from an imbalance of muscles. I have started working out at the gym and would like to focus on the muscles that I don't work so much with my profession.

I should know the answer to my own question, as I know the muscles of the body very well, but I feel a personal trainer or physical therapist would be better qualified to give me some instructions. Thank you.

I am also a massage therapy instructor, and lecture (as well as practice religiously) on rotating sides of the massage table as I work...

My concern is more so that I need to strengthen the back muscles since the front is contracted so much etc.

I also do take a variety of toning aerobic classes 5 days a week, so I was looking more for specific muscle exercises.

Answer 1

First, if you are having pain, I would suggest you acutally see a physician or physical therapist. Without knowing more about your pain and medical history, it would be unethical for anyone to advise you at this time without actually examining you.

Sometimes, it's not a matter of "weakness" or "muscular" imbalance, but could be an alteration of joint position that requires correction...or heaven forbid an underlying medical condition.

As a wild guess, you are probably most prone to develop a "postural syndrome"...meaning the positions you are assuming are producing abnormal stress on otherwise normal tissues. It might not be a matter of changing sides of the table, but also how you position yourself, your client, height of the table, your body mechanics, etc. A PT can help you determine the best way to ergonomically correct this.

Another possiblity that you are subject to is a "derrangement syndrome"...prolonged abnormal stresses on the body have actually caused an altered position of the tissue (such as a bulging vertebral disc as an example)...in this case, corrective maneuvers are required. Yet, it requires a good examination to determine what techniques/exercises.

In short, one cannot really give you good advice without first examining you.

However, if your problem is postural in nature, there is no other cure other than correcting your body mechanics...it has nothing to do with muscular imbalance or "weak" muscles, it has more to do with your positioning...in essence, there is no better exercise for your posture other than simply practicing good posture and body mechanics. However, some people feel that they get a better awareness of their posture by taking yoga, for example.

...but don't be afraid to see a PT. We respect what you know as an MT, and can help share our knowledge to make your job less painful.

Answer 2

I have Back Massages for ten years! I have noted that the therapist tends to favor one side of the couch for the massage and wonder if this might be the problem? Perhaps you should try to alternate? Failing that I suggest Pilate's as this will really tone you up and you will use all your muscles.

Answer 3

Set up massage aria, massage, clean up massage aria. And sometimes, keeping records of clients. Massage therapy is an art and a science. A branch or subset of physical therapy. If a client wants some-other kind of "therapy" they need to go someplace else.

Answer 4

The best muscle to strenghten is our heart muscle -- LOL!

I say that because it really is true -- the more we open our heart and work from source, the less physically we have to work -- so that's the key!

(I'm still working on it myself.)