Body Mechanics

Other than quality of touch, the most important skill you can possess as someone practicing massage is body mechanics. This is the component that determines how long you can perform and practice massage. If you want to be capable of giving a massage longer than 5, 10, or 15 minutes you must have a firm grasp of how to optimize your techniques, so that each massage is magical for everyone involved. 

The following is not an exhaustive list, rather it serves as an introduction. When we meet in person, we will discuss in detail about how to hold your hand, position your body, and to consistently check in with yourself to ensure everything feels good. The core of what I teach in regard to body mechanics is there is no one size fits all method. Instead, it is an exploration of what works for you.

Whether you are a professional massage therapist or someone seeking to have a sensational quality of touch, these core principles of body mechanics will you help others without hurting yourself.

The Ten Core Principles of Body Mechanics:

1. If it hurts don’t do it. If you perform a technique that hurts twice, you will do it one thousand times. Remain alert and refrain from doing what burns so you can prevent your body from hurting.
2. Practice makes perfect. Find some time to experiment on someone who is honest and ask them for critical feedback.
3. Do not sacrifice your health to help someone. If you are suffering, you cannot help others feel heavenly.
4. Use tools to save your fingers and to explore your creativity.
5. Conserve your energy, sit, and stand when needed.
6. Know your pressure limitations and communicate them to your client when you have reached your maximum threshold of force.
7. Do not allow anyone, including yourself, to ever use greater pressure than you are physically capable of applying.
8. Avoid overworking yourself. Even if you have the best body mechanics in the world you won’t use them when you are tired.
9. Use the basic stances as a guide, they are not universally effective. Explore what your body needs by avoiding stances and techniques that are uncomfortable.
10. Take care of yourself when you are not performing a massage. Avoid activities that exacerbate the aches and pains you feel throughout your workday. Develop healthy routines, eat and sleep like your body needs, and search for ways to live peacefully.

Schedule a session with Shawn White to receive his Inspirational Guidance.