Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists: A Functional Approach to Self-Care

If you are a therapist, of any kind, you must buy this book. I use mine almost everyday to help keep myself injury free - and so far, so good. I also use the "client education tips" regularly to education my clients. The book also has helpful "practice tips" which help me to remember good body mechanics when at the table. I love this book - so will you!

This new edition is hot off the press. When a friend of mine received a review copy, she called and said "you've got to get this book - it will change the way you do massage." She was right. Though I haven't had the book for long, it has, in this short amount of time, changed my body mechanics. And for sure, it will save me from "burnout". I wish this book had been around when I was in school, but I'm happy to know students today will have the opportunity to use it. If massage schools are smart, they will require every student to read it. As for me, I'm spreading the word to fellow massage therapists!

For years I've heard from so many therapists with occupational pain. Back, neck, arm, hand, and others. And now there is finally a book that can really help. Yes, there are other books which address hand pain, but this book covers the whole picture. Not only are the hands and arms addressed, but how to use the feet, knees and lower legs for massage is included as well. It's about time! The text goes into great detail on how to make functional movements, such as bending, lifting and applying pressure, effortlessly and skillfully. These are the important movements for therapists to learn to prevent muscular pain, injury - and burnout. It's about time! I highly recommend this book to all practicing therapists, and to every student of massage and bodywork.

Where was this book when I went to massage school? I was not taught proper body mechanics when I went to massage school. Consequently, I developed poor movement habits. I had back and hand pain and, after only 2 years, was ready to close my practice. Around this time a friend told me about this book - and thank god she did. It saved my back, hands and my career. I am now working without pain and am happy to say that I plan to have a long and prosperous massage practice!

Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists by Barbara Frye is a must for all massage therapists, physical therapists and others doing manual bodywork. I would even recommend it for those doing less physical work, like Reiki and Polarity practitioners. The book is well written, practical and easy to use.In her book, Ms. Frye covers movements that all practitioners do repetitively. Through diagrams, exercises and awareness checks, she effectively guides you to discovering ways to do your work with less physical exertion. This means less tension in your body and more clients on your table. Ms. Frye's work can help you significantly increase the number of clients you see in a week by helping create ease of movement that increases stamina. I have used this book in 3 ways: (1) I have improved my body mechanics in my work and other areas of my life.(2) I have used it as a teaching tool in classes I teach for both beginners and for advanced massage training.(3) I have used many of the awareness techniques with my clients.My clients have benefitted greatly from this work. By sharing the awareness techniques and movement pieces with them, they are better able to retain the benefits of bodywork sessions.Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists is a reference book you will refer to throughout your career. It's practical immediately as well as in long term care of yourself and your clients. I love it.