Smart reflexologists are vigilant about protecting their hands, both during sessions and while involved in other activities. Staying mindful of one’s body mechanics and the ergonomics of the work environment are important if we want to eliminate the possibility of hurting our trusty hands. Afterall, our hands are our “tools”!
The joint in the hand where most force is concentrated when giving reflexology is the carpometacarpal joint (CMC). This is where the first metacarpal bone articulates with the trapezium bone. For every pound of force applied at the end of the thumb, there are 10 to 12 pounds exerted on this joint. Osteoarthritis, a common affliction in weight-bearing joints, can easily develop in the CMC joint of overused thumbs.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to ensure that this doesn’t happen. (I, for one, have been doing reflexology since 1983 and massage therapy since 1989, and have never had problems with my hands.)
To begin with, anytime you are performing small, precise movements in bodywork – as one does in reflexology – your ideal position is seated, with the table at or just above elbow height. Anything lower, over time, will cause problems in the hands and especially the CMC joint.
When applying pressure to reflexology points, keep a straight alignment through the thumb, first metacarpal bone through to the radius. You especially want a strong alignment at both the interphalangeal joint of the pollex (thumb) and the first metacarpalphalangeal joint. Become ambidextrous, using both hands during a session, and your fingers as well as your thumbs.
When applying pressure with the fingertips, you can reduce your risk of injury by using several fingers together, bracing one hand with the other, keeping your wrists straight and avoiding extension of the finger joints.
Other self-care tips:
- Wear gloves when gardening or other activities where injury to the hands is possible.
- Get into a regular habit of stretching your hands before and after giving sessions. With perfect alignment, do wrist curls (both extension and flexion) with a small weight, in order to strengthen the muscles and tendons crossing the wrist area.
- Ice your hands after giving sessions, or at least run cold water over them after washing.
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Good advice Karen…Especially about stretching one’s hands before a session. I can also attest to the wearing of gloves to help keep “our tools” in good shape, they seem to make a big difference. I work in the garden and around my house all of the time and keep several types of gloves handy depending on the type of work I am doing. It was only when I started practicing reflexology that I came to truly appreciate how valuable my hands really are. I believe in strength building in the hands and fingers as well, and I employ a couple of tools to accomplish that. Maintaining good body mechanics can never be overemphasized.
Peace,
John
would you wear gloves while doing the treatment .
I do not use gloves in my sessions.
Hi Karen:
I am starting to have serious problems with my hands. My thumb joints are painful while doing a session plus I am getting bumps on my knuckles on many fingers. I appreciate any advice you can provide as I have a busy practice that I enjoy and would hate to have to give it up.
Pat – I’m sorry to hear this. My first gut reaction was that your hand symptoms are diet-related; have nothing to do with your work (although that could be exacerbating it). Have you consulted with a holistic nutritionist? It may be that you will need to make some changes in your eating plan to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Soaking your hands in warm Epsom salts and a good-quality anti-inflammatory essential oil at the end of the day would be something I would do. Also, daily stretching of the wrists and fingers. I hope you find some answers soon!
Hi I’m really interested in doing a reflexology course, and perhaps getting certified, however I do have OA of my CMC joints – would you advise against this or is there a unique way to provide treatment to clients that I could use to not create more damage to my CMC joints?
That’s a tricky question for me to answer, Tracey, without doing a physical assessment. That said, you can do reflexology using your fingers more than your thumbs. It is also not necessary to apply a lot of pressure; pressure is simply a personal choice of individuals. Reflexology works because of the size of the nerve endings; light pressure can work.