I had just went to a hand specialist . we discussed cortisone shot, and surgery. I didn't want to do either one so he told me to keep wearing the brace I bought and doing the hot and cold presses that I had been doing. He said I may feel better by Jan. I did this treatment and a couple hours later had almost full range of motion. A couple more times and no pain at all. Thank you so much. So glad I found this video.
I'm s o glad I found you. It took 9 days to realize why I had/have terrible pain in my lower thumb areas and down my non dominant arm. I walked a wheel chair bound stroke patient up and down gradual hills just once to and from the library maybe a mile in toto. Now you showed me exactly what I had done wrong. Two weeks later still pretty bad and will begin your ice bowl treatment and wrap the worst hand/arm. In my early 40's this was a piece of cake with my parents at 69 not wheel chair pushing any longer. Youpresented your techniques wonderfully for us. Thank you.
What a incredible useful video; I have recently finished a Thai Massage course and one of my thumbs start to feel so much pain and of course, travelling travelling around the city I was which I didn’t get the change to see a Doc. Your video Ian, came to me as from heaven. 😊
I am completely grateful for this Ian. You know I follow a lot of your content and think you’re an amazing instructor. Thanks for this video and teaching.
LMT for over 22 years specializing in CHAIR, no injuries. 3 months of table and bam! Sudden onset about an hour after only 3 hrs of table. Thank you, I needed to hear that it’s an injury so I slow down. Sometimes we just plow through. And I need to give advice to myself like I would a client. Thank you for your voice of reason to bring me back to reality! You’re the best! Off to ice!!
Just remember that your chair experience can be really useful on the table, IF you've got a low enough work surface in front of you. I talk more about that here: ruclips.net/video/DGIkIU_1Bns/видео.html You can use all of that stance shifting and bodyweight power that you're used to using on an upright client, but just at some new angles. Play around with it, and be kind to yourself as you do so!
Thanks for this video, I tell you with months of thumb pain, this really took away my thumb pain! Instant relief and rang of motion! Thank you again!!!
Wow! I had my first major flare-up of what I'm reasonably sure is arthritis at the base of my thumb and everything you suggest here makes perfect sense to me (and I've watched several other videos, too, that weren't as clear and concise). I'm out of ice cubes but I'm on my way to get the bag of peas out of the freezer! Thanks!!
Thank you from a non-therapist for this video. I started this and the pointers appear to be helpful. Also, thank you for your calm, relaxing manner without the testosterone-infused gym scene with obligatory head-banger heavy metal anthems! Your voice and manner are very soothing.
YES, YES, Ian Harvey, You are the BEST, the BEST INSTRUCTOR that I have reviewed yet. I had a serious horrible fall and fractured my right wrist (doctor) said in 5 places. I tripped & hit the concrete ground (HARD) walking outside & it felt like I was going 20-30 miles an hr. when I hit that ground & also cracked my front tooth. I refused operation, then later on I did get the operation & Doc placed a titanium plate & 8 screws inside by my wrist. Had therapy session. (Hand/Fingers were swollen like crazy) It's been 3 months now & I'm able to move fingers around abit but thumb and pinky fingers -- not too much. HOWEVER, I want to get these screws & plate out ASAP. BECAUSE now I'm feeling sharp, quick, striking pain like a huge shock which hurts like HELL ONLY around my wrist. The pain comes every now & then and even when I'm not doing any movements either. My surgeon refuses to take out the plate & screws. She said give it 2-3 more months. BUT I truly believe its the hardware that's giving me this pain & want it taken OUT. (My job calls for typing & writing all day). Your tips are excellent and I am trying out everyone of them. As I said this pain is horrible. BUT, BUT, BUT not as bad as DeQueven's pain. Because I did have DeQueven's about 30 yrs. ago -- & I think no no no Pain is more painful then DeQuevens. OMG ! However, I do not think what I have now is DeQuevens now, but your exercise is helping me. But I still want this hardware taken out of me & I'm sure that pain will stop. I'M GOING TO CHECK OUT & FIND ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND PUT THEM TO THE TEST. Do u think the plates & screws should be removed ? ? ? Thank you for your Helpful advise.
Massage Sloth, your vids are the greatest. Never stop making them. I've been an LMT for less than a year and your videos have been a Godsend. I appreciate your chill (and appropriately goofy) demeanor, and you clearly know what you're talking about. Thank you so much (and my thumbs thank you too).
Thanks Stephanie :) It's comments like these that keep me going, so thanks for taking the time. Let me know if there are any topics you'd like to see me cover!
Thank you for sharing. I’m currently a martial arts instructor and I’m going back to school for massage therapy. I found after massage my clients today, I had this subtle pain in my thumb and unsure of how to encourage it to heal. My hands are very vital for my work and school. I will take this information and let my thumb heal and help prevent injury re-occuring.
Right on Becca, I hope it's been going well! If you'd like to troubleshoot this going forward, join us on the forum by searching "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" on Facebook.
Thank you, this video is helpful. This marks 11 years in practice and the first day of an official thumb vacation! In 3 weeks I'll watch it again and begin the stretching. I appreciate your candid approach to admitting injury, declaring the break, and really rehabilitating. Your advice is right on in this video, thanks again.
Fantastic video thank you for this. As a practice owner I'm always looking for ways to facilitate my therapists to look after themselves. I've added this to part of our induction and annual training. Thank you very much.
thank you so much for your videos. binging them all right now and doing the massages. i feel soooo much better just 10 mins in. i cannot thank you enough for uploading these!! i will do these every day omg
Thank you very much. I have been suffering from hands pain for more than 6 months now. I have a little bunny who puts his head under my hand most of the day, furthermore I believe I have been overusing the keyboard. I already used ice for some weeks but I never put my finger " on vacation " as you said, I will do what you suggest because I have incredible pain in all my fingers, soft tissues and even tendons.
thanks for the uploading ,Ian; i'm a masseur of 13 years and have had ongoing pain in my thenar muscles and joints creeping up on me slowly,recently. I was worried about getting thenar muscle atrophy as those muscles are not as developed as they were. i stretch my hands everyday and use essential oils to warm and soothe muscles at the end of each day, which helps but its less effetive now than say 6 months ago. I'll take your advice here and start to implement these ice techniques, and see my GP, too.
Super video for those non-professionals who want to understand their injury. Calm, methodical, explanatory approach helped me stay tuned throughout the video and even rewind through some parts. Thanks Doc!
I'm here because I'm on the computer all day for work. Started developing a sore thumb from gripping the mouse. During stressful times at work I found myself gripping the mouse super hard, causing a lot of discomfort in my thumb. Dont' know why I didn't think of wrapping it up. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of rest.
Sure thing! And keep in mind that there are loads of ways to alter your workspace to keep your thumb happy. That might mean switching to a different mouse (a vertical mouse or trackball mouse would be likely to reset your habits) or a trackpad, at least during stretches when your thumb is hurting. It might mean switching chairs to one with an adjustable arm rest height, or to one without an arm rest for a while. You can even do the unthinkable and switch to left-handed mouse use for a few weeks while you recover. Just be prepared for perplexed looks from colleagues :) Oh, and if your workplace is large enough to do ergonomic assessments, definitely take advantage of that. Ultimately this will be a matter of breaking the gripping habit, which will be a matter of mindfulness. You might set yourself a timer and assess your grip whenever it goes off (followed by shaking your hands out and taking a break), and give yourself a mental pat on the back whenever you notice that excessive grip and allow it to soften. If your pain persists, consider seeking out an occupational therapist. Good luck!
You are my (nerdy, massage therapist) HERO! THANK YOU!!!! I had not been paying attention to my pain until I realized, "Wow, I can't move my thumb in any way without wanting to scream. Hmm that's not right." I thought about a thumb-vacation and torturing my trigger points...The thumb-vacy has helped. The trigger points made it hurt more at first...I hadn't even thought about icing. Doing it now. . . .
Awesome! If you want to talk more about thumbs and massage, join us on the message board: facebook.com/groups/1793289647583837/ And as always, if your pain persists or worsens, do see your doctor for a check-up. Hope it goes well!
Was so happy to see this video. A hand doctor has told me I have bone on bone CMC osteoarthritis and may need surgery in my right hand, which sounds like such a pain in the rear. I've always been the family massage person and have had very strong hands; not having a strong thumb is really affecting my negatively. I guess these techniques won't recreate cartilage, right - ha. Still, they will help. Thank you.
I am a relatively new therapist and have been trying to pick up good tips and techniques from reputable instructors. I have to say that you are one of the best sites that I visit. Thank you for the down to earth approach to what we do!
I woke up one morning and my thumb hurt I don’t remember hitting it, no accidents however , I’ve been dealing with the pain for 2 1/2 months, You are Soooo awesome 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼thank you for giving detail instructions you help me so much.....You are a amazing “Teacher” Bree😃
@@userpansa4110 sorry for the long response have not been feeling good but feeling better now. Yes it’s arthritis, actually went away when I got to the doctor thought I was going to get a shot of Cortizone in my hand however, he said the problem is in my back along my spine L4 and L5 that is the problem degenerative arthritis or pinched nerve.
Love your sense of humor. I'm not a MT, but this was great advice for the layperson. I have developed MCP and CMC pain in both thumbs, as well as pain in the muscles of the thenar eminence by just living my non-MT life. LOL Your techniques will be really useful for me! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Love your humor. :) Great explanation, thank you. I do not use my thumb overly, but it still does get tired from trigger point work. Will follow your instructions!
never ever thought I could give my thumbs a vacation! I will try this, see how it goes because I can't imagine n o t using them. But they are injured, as I learned from you, I thought this was normal after all these years. Thank you so much, you are so good.
I hope it goes well, Atami! And if your pain persists or worsens, do consider seeing a doctor for a possible referral to a physical therapist or occupational therapist. You deserve happy thumbs.
VERY helpful. I've been caring more about my clients pain than my own but it's gotten to the point that I'm turning people away. The whole reason I do my job is to heal others. If I'm down I can't do that!
I work for starbucks and, after some research, feel like I've injured the flexor pollicis longus some where. I've had a lot of forearm pain that's mostly subsided after about a week. Initially I thought it was tennis/golf elbow and used compression and heat along with stretching, but my thumb still feels tight, occasionally painful, and a little numb. Going to try icing and wrapping the hand next, thank you for the good info!
Thank you Mr Sloth. I suffered from Trigger Thumb when I started in massage many years ago and had to send the suckers on a vacation. I managed to evolve a technique similar to the one you show here. They came back tanned and nice and strong and have been better ever since. (Don't know where they went) I use a myofascial stretching technique every day and the old Ice Pack (no towel though) wrapped around the base does the trick. Thanks again for your professionally presented video. Gene (from Adelaide South Australia)
Massage Sloth Hi Ian thanks so much for your awesome videos,, just discovered them,and loving them,your voice so soothing,and love your hands,from Cape Town,South Africa
When I had Skier's thumb on my right hand I had my thumb inmovilised and I had to keep working. I learned to use my index finger as a thumb for many things, and I could hold light things and even use my right hand to eat with a fork. It hurted though when I forced it to hold heavier stuff, but it saved me from getting economically broke. I also had to learn how to hold a pick for playing guitar again, which I did by holding it between the nail of my index and the rest of my finger tips,
i totally needed this. I am in massage school right now half way done and my right thumb is hurting and feels tight. thanks so much. I need all the tips I can get!
Like Neil N. I too play guitar and have recently started having thumb plain. Between playing and holding dishes as I wash them, can you guess what will win? Haha. Thanks a lot for the help. Ice here I come.
I just worked a fully booked day in thumb vacation mode, and got mad huge tips! I wish I didn't have to learn everything the hard way, but I think my little injury is forcing me to level up my technique and body mechanics! 😂
I'm not a massage therapist but am in architecture school and am finding a lot of thumb pain from drawing and modeling. I think this could be really useful. Unfortunately I can't take a thumb vacation yet as I have drawings due in 4 days! Thanks for the video
Hey Ian Thank you for your awesome videos. I have so much difficulty building solid clients as a male therapist. Could you please make a video about that and how to do a perfect treatment plan. Thank you again
I just love your videos! Thank u for all of your helpful tips. U have helped me to become a much better massage therapist w not only the techniques, but how to work smarter not harder. Thank u so much for all of your videos. They r VERY much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
first ive watched this ,briliant 4dec 22 im in sheer agony as have osteoarthritis severe in both hands but my left thumb was pushed back to my wrist yrs ago and is now deformed ,seen surgeon last yr but just after lung surgery so said dont want surgery,but as yr has went on its much much worse ,finally got apt for 21st of dec 22 ,all stuff given n apt by physio waste of time n energy gp gives me movelat regular n last got ibuprofen ,sanctuary heat balm helps better ,but ive done little exercises with you n helped ,so thanks this surgeon said he couldnt do all fingers but maybe the thumb n said complications after it ,,i dont know if i can last till 21st of dec so much agony n pins needles , so thank very much from scotland ...
Wow! Your presentation,without annoying music in the baground, is EXCELLENT. Hmmm "thumb vacation" Don't I wish! Doing the massage according to your advice is definitely a method I will try,especially without using the thumb.Aha! Now I know how to correctly bandage my thumb.. Your video is wonderful.
I'm braced,and,strapped up,and,determined to let my thumb enjoy a "Thumb vacation". Doc's advice was a cortisone injection which, cowardly,I balked at for the moment. Your advice will suit me fine for now.
Hey Ian! Just wanted to stop by and say thanks so much for all the videos you post! I can honestly say I've become a better and more confident massage therapist from watching your videos. I have watched them over and over and continue to do so. I look forward to a ton more videos in the future! :)
Great advice. I hurt my thumb skiing.I don't believe I have a torn ligament, I can still play guitar with the hand.But it has been kind of painful for a few weeks. It is getting better ever so slowly. I think this is going to help me.
+Maggie Noffke Kudos to you! It'll be difficult at first, but you'll discover (and rediscover) techniques that you'll keep in rotation long after your thumb has recovered.
Excellent info. I’m an L.M.T., and my thumbs are killing me right now. Will start icing when I get home. I’ll start using the techniques you shared to substitute the thumb while massaging my clients. Glad I found this video clip.
Thank you for the great tips. I just had trigger fingers surgery and can't move my fingers but this is great tips for me to exercise. Thank you so much for take time out of your life to help people.. God bless...
Sorry about that Colby, that may have been a video that I had had on my mind but that never reached production. Really, everything that I do for my thumbs is contained in my thumb self-care video: ruclips.net/video/agCn_kTltcU/видео.html
Thank you for the video. I use kinesio tape which helps and will follow what you provided in the giving my thumb a "vacation." The years of massage are finally catching up....
Best of luck! And if you'd like help troubleshooting as the weeks pass, please feel free to join us on the forum (search "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" on Facebook)
I’m a nail tech and I get this type of pain on my thumb from the pincer grip I have on the nail drill 😭 it’s been a learning curve trying to figure out how to alleviate these sort of things
Super helpful thanks. I am a guitarist not therapist but the explanation you give is exactly the problem I have since increasing my daily playing time.
Great video. I'm a physio also doing lots of non-massage activities, but manual therapy is part of the job. How would you do trigger point therapy, especially upper trapezius without thumb and especially if using elbow is too intense for the client
I think the circumduction is the best thing since sliced bread! I've been to Occupational Therapy for my wrist and thumb, and they had me work with putty. They also recommended using a golf ball between your hands and massage your thenar eminence- your method is so much better! Thanks again! Do you have one for the wrist?
Best of luck! It will be difficult at first. The alterations you make may be extra fatiguing, and they may feel awkward. Start slow with your changes and stick with it until the style change becomes easier. You'll be able to reintroduce your old techniques eventually, and you'll have extra tools to work with when you do :)
So glad to have this video and You! Thank you! Starting out in Massage Therapy and have overworked my thumb (tsk tsk)...submerging my hand as we speak! Looking forward to your other videos!
I want to follow this man and try to be attentive in listening,but at the same time I found myself very sleepy listening to his talking which has a lullaby voice.I had to keep opening my eyes several times and keeping awake,or was it afternoon?
My right thumb usually hurts me if i do the duck grip while injured. It has happened twice before. I decided to let it rest and then ensured that i had proper bone alignment and support from my other thumb/hand when i use it. Worked rather well but if it happens again i will try the icing and wrap as well.
That sounds like a good plan, and a good alteration to the duck grip! It's possible that that particular hand configuration isn't right for your unique structure, so consider replacing it entirely. Definitely hold off while your hand and thumb are in a compromised state. Thanks for commenting!
Massage Sloth Thanks for actually taking the time to really break this stuff down. I'm a LMT who also has some basic John Barnes MFR training so i like how you approach things from a myofascial perspective.
I wish this had been part of the curriculum in massage school. We definitely needed more self-care. Thank you so much!
Part of the curriculum now, we aren’t missing out anymore :O
Came here from the link from school :D
I had just went to a hand specialist . we discussed cortisone shot, and surgery. I didn't want to do either one so he told me to keep wearing the brace I bought and doing the hot and cold presses that I had been doing. He said I may feel better by Jan. I did this treatment and a couple hours later had almost full range of motion. A couple more times and no pain at all. Thank you so much. So glad I found this video.
I'm s
o glad I found you. It took 9 days to realize why I had/have terrible pain in my lower thumb areas and down my non dominant arm. I walked a wheel chair bound stroke patient up and down gradual hills just once to and from the library maybe a mile in toto. Now you showed me exactly what I had done wrong. Two weeks later still pretty bad and will begin your ice bowl treatment and wrap the worst hand/arm. In my early 40's this was a piece of cake with my parents at 69 not wheel chair pushing any longer. Youpresented your techniques wonderfully for us. Thank you.
What a incredible useful video; I have recently finished a Thai Massage course and one of my thumbs start to feel so much pain and of course, travelling travelling around the city I was which I didn’t get the change to see a Doc. Your video Ian, came to me as from heaven. 😊
I am completely grateful for this Ian. You know I follow a lot of your content and think you’re an amazing instructor. Thanks for this video and teaching.
LMT for over 22 years specializing in CHAIR, no injuries. 3 months of table and bam! Sudden onset about an hour after only 3 hrs of table.
Thank you, I needed to hear that it’s an injury so I slow down. Sometimes we just plow through. And I need to give advice to myself like I would a client. Thank you for your voice of reason to bring me back to reality! You’re the best! Off to ice!!
Just remember that your chair experience can be really useful on the table, IF you've got a low enough work surface in front of you. I talk more about that here: ruclips.net/video/DGIkIU_1Bns/видео.html You can use all of that stance shifting and bodyweight power that you're used to using on an upright client, but just at some new angles. Play around with it, and be kind to yourself as you do so!
Thank you! This helps me with my arthritis. It’s not just for a young massage therapists.
Thanks for this video, I tell you with months of thumb pain, this really took away my thumb pain! Instant relief and rang of motion! Thank you again!!!
Wow! I had my first major flare-up of what I'm reasonably sure is arthritis at the base of my thumb and everything you suggest here makes perfect sense to me (and I've watched several other videos, too, that weren't as clear and concise). I'm out of ice cubes but I'm on my way to get the bag of peas out of the freezer! Thanks!!
Thank you from a non-therapist for this video. I started this and the pointers appear to be helpful. Also, thank you for your calm, relaxing manner without the testosterone-infused gym scene with obligatory head-banger heavy metal anthems! Your voice and manner are very soothing.
YES, YES, Ian Harvey, You are the BEST, the BEST INSTRUCTOR that I have reviewed yet. I had a serious horrible fall and fractured my right wrist (doctor) said in 5 places. I tripped & hit the concrete ground (HARD) walking outside & it felt like I was going 20-30 miles an hr. when I hit that ground & also cracked my front tooth. I refused operation, then later on I did get the operation & Doc placed a titanium plate & 8 screws inside by my wrist. Had therapy session. (Hand/Fingers were swollen like crazy) It's been 3 months now & I'm able to move fingers around abit but thumb and pinky fingers -- not too much. HOWEVER, I want to get these screws & plate out ASAP. BECAUSE now I'm feeling sharp, quick, striking pain like a huge shock which hurts like HELL ONLY around my wrist. The pain comes every now & then and even when I'm not doing any movements either. My surgeon refuses to take out the plate & screws. She said give it 2-3 more months. BUT I truly believe its the hardware that's giving me this pain & want it taken OUT. (My job calls for typing & writing all day). Your tips are excellent and I am trying out everyone of them. As I said this pain is horrible. BUT, BUT, BUT not as bad as DeQueven's pain. Because I did have DeQueven's about 30 yrs. ago -- & I think no no no Pain is more painful then DeQuevens. OMG ! However, I do not think what I have now is DeQuevens now, but your exercise is helping me. But I still want this hardware taken out of me & I'm sure that pain will stop. I'M GOING TO CHECK OUT & FIND ALL YOUR VIDEOS AND PUT THEM TO THE TEST. Do u think the plates & screws should be removed ? ? ? Thank you for your Helpful advise.
Massage Sloth, your vids are the greatest. Never stop making them. I've been an LMT for less than a year and your videos have been a Godsend. I appreciate your chill (and appropriately goofy) demeanor, and you clearly know what you're talking about. Thank you so much (and my thumbs thank you too).
Thanks Stephanie :) It's comments like these that keep me going, so thanks for taking the time. Let me know if there are any topics you'd like to see me cover!
Massage Sloth Wow super impressed that you replied, Ian. You're adorable, thank you 🤗
Thank you for sharing. I’m currently a martial arts instructor and I’m going back to school for massage therapy. I found after massage my clients today, I had this subtle pain in my thumb and unsure of how to encourage it to heal. My hands are very vital for my work and school. I will take this information and let my thumb heal and help prevent injury re-occuring.
Right on Becca, I hope it's been going well! If you'd like to troubleshoot this going forward, join us on the forum by searching "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" on Facebook.
Fantastic explanation. Thank you!! They help me heal my insured thumbs. I clean houses and use repetitive motions to now have insured my thumbs.
Hi Ian. Thought I would have to retire. Thank you so very much for this! See you in Orlando next n March. I have so much to learn!🙌❤️
Thank you, this video is helpful. This marks 11 years in practice and the first day of an official thumb vacation! In 3 weeks I'll watch it again and begin the stretching.
I appreciate your candid approach to admitting injury, declaring the break, and really rehabilitating. Your advice is right on in this video, thanks again.
Awesome! Thank you so much. I'm a pianist, and I've been struggling with the base thumb joint. This is very helpful. Blessings to you.
Jim, I am new to learning piano, my Thumb is veey painful. Always wondering if I did something wrong?
Thank you, Ian. A very useful video and well presented. It's helped with the thumb problems in my massage, which often feel quite stressed.
As a new massage therapist that just started working with clients, this video is a God send. Going to give my thumbs a vacation 👍 thank you!
Fantastic video thank you for this. As a practice owner I'm always looking for ways to facilitate my therapists to look after themselves. I've added this to part of our induction and annual training. Thank you very much.
thank you so much for your videos. binging them all right now and doing the massages. i feel soooo much better just 10 mins in. i cannot thank you enough for uploading these!! i will do these every day omg
Thank you very much. I have been suffering from hands pain for more than 6 months now. I have a little bunny who puts his head under my hand most of the day, furthermore I believe I have been overusing the keyboard. I already used ice for some weeks but I
never put my finger " on vacation " as you said, I will do what you suggest because I have incredible pain in all my fingers, soft tissues and even tendons.
Outstanding video. My thumb pain is fading to zero. Thank you!
Good explanation with demos that show clearly what you are explaining about the thumb therapy.
thank you for your advice 🙏 from Trinidad 🇹🇹
thanks for the uploading ,Ian; i'm a masseur of 13 years and have had ongoing pain in my thenar muscles and joints creeping up on me slowly,recently. I was worried about getting thenar muscle atrophy as those muscles are not as developed as they were. i stretch my hands everyday and use essential oils to warm and soothe muscles at the end of each day, which helps but its less effetive now than say 6 months ago. I'll take your advice here and start to implement these ice techniques, and see my GP, too.
I' ve got a ligament thumb, this is very helpful, thank you very much. you are very kind to upload this video. thanx again.
Super video for those non-professionals who want to understand their injury. Calm, methodical, explanatory approach helped me stay tuned throughout the video and even rewind through some parts. Thanks Doc!
Definitely not a doc, but glad to help! :)
I'm here because I'm on the computer all day for work. Started developing a sore thumb from gripping the mouse. During stressful times at work I found myself gripping the mouse super hard, causing a lot of discomfort in my thumb. Dont' know why I didn't think of wrapping it up. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of rest.
Sure thing! And keep in mind that there are loads of ways to alter your workspace to keep your thumb happy. That might mean switching to a different mouse (a vertical mouse or trackball mouse would be likely to reset your habits) or a trackpad, at least during stretches when your thumb is hurting. It might mean switching chairs to one with an adjustable arm rest height, or to one without an arm rest for a while. You can even do the unthinkable and switch to left-handed mouse use for a few weeks while you recover. Just be prepared for perplexed looks from colleagues :) Oh, and if your workplace is large enough to do ergonomic assessments, definitely take advantage of that. Ultimately this will be a matter of breaking the gripping habit, which will be a matter of mindfulness. You might set yourself a timer and assess your grip whenever it goes off (followed by shaking your hands out and taking a break), and give yourself a mental pat on the back whenever you notice that excessive grip and allow it to soften. If your pain persists, consider seeking out an occupational therapist. Good luck!
You are my (nerdy, massage therapist) HERO! THANK YOU!!!! I had not been paying attention to my pain until I realized, "Wow, I can't move my thumb in any way without wanting to scream. Hmm that's not right." I thought about a thumb-vacation and torturing my trigger points...The thumb-vacy has helped. The trigger points made it hurt more at first...I hadn't even thought about icing. Doing it now. . . .
Awesome! If you want to talk more about thumbs and massage, join us on the message board: facebook.com/groups/1793289647583837/ And as always, if your pain persists or worsens, do see your doctor for a check-up. Hope it goes well!
Was so happy to see this video. A hand doctor has told me I have bone on bone CMC osteoarthritis and may need surgery in my right hand, which sounds like such a pain in the rear. I've always been the family massage person and have had very strong hands; not having a strong thumb is really affecting my negatively. I guess these techniques won't recreate cartilage, right - ha. Still, they will help. Thank you.
I am a relatively new therapist and have been trying to pick up good tips and techniques from reputable instructors. I have to say that you are one of the best sites that I visit. Thank you for the down to earth approach to what we do!
Kelly Jacobus Truly appreciated, Kelly, and glad I can help! Let me know if there are any topics you'd like to see me cover in the future. Thanks!
Massage Sloth Your massage videos are by far the best on youtube. Will there be any chance of seeing any videos on pre natal massage?
Hydroxoid Hey, thanks so much! I definitely plan to make one in the not-too-distant future.
dye
I woke up one morning and my thumb hurt I don’t remember hitting it, no accidents however , I’ve been dealing with the pain for 2 1/2 months,
You are Soooo awesome 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼thank you for giving detail instructions you help me so much.....You are a amazing “Teacher”
Bree😃
Hi Brechele..same here..woke up one morning with thumb pain...thought it would go away...have you figured out a solution that works?
@@userpansa4110 sorry for the long response have not been feeling good but feeling better now.
Yes it’s arthritis, actually went away when I got to the doctor thought I was going to get a shot of Cortizone in my hand however, he said the problem is in my back along my spine L4 and L5 that is the problem degenerative arthritis or pinched nerve.
Excellent video! I like, “treat yourself like you would a client” - very true. I just had my first pain from a massage I must have been lazy about.
Love your sense of humor. I'm not a MT, but this was great advice for the layperson. I have developed MCP and CMC pain in both thumbs, as well as pain in the muscles of the thenar eminence by just living my non-MT life. LOL Your techniques will be really useful for me! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Love your humor. :) Great explanation, thank you. I do not use my thumb overly, but it still does get tired from trigger point work. Will follow your instructions!
Same here will be putting them to work today shift 9 to 7
never ever thought I could give my thumbs a vacation! I will try this, see how it goes because I can't imagine n o t using them. But they are injured, as I learned from you, I thought this was normal after all these years. Thank you so much, you are so good.
I hope it goes well, Atami! And if your pain persists or worsens, do consider seeing a doctor for a possible referral to a physical therapist or occupational therapist. You deserve happy thumbs.
@@MassageSloth can I use ice cooling for one month?
very soothing voice, no crazy music, thanks for sharing your ideas♥
Thankyou for all the tips. I have just started getting the pain in my thumb and now its getting worst and i feel less grip . Hope the video helps me
VERY helpful. I've been caring more about my clients pain than my own but it's gotten to the point that I'm turning people away. The whole reason I do my job is to heal others. If I'm down I can't do that!
I work for starbucks and, after some research, feel like I've injured the flexor pollicis longus some where. I've had a lot of forearm pain that's mostly subsided after about a week. Initially I thought it was tennis/golf elbow and used compression and heat along with stretching, but my thumb still feels tight, occasionally painful, and a little numb. Going to try icing and wrapping the hand next, thank you for the good info!
Thank you Mr Sloth.
I suffered from Trigger Thumb when I started in massage many years ago and had to send the suckers on a vacation. I managed to evolve a technique similar to the one you show here. They came back tanned and nice and strong and have been better ever since. (Don't know where they went) I use a myofascial stretching technique every day and the old Ice Pack (no towel though) wrapped around the base does the trick.
Thanks again for your professionally presented video.
Gene
(from Adelaide South Australia)
Thanks so much Gene, glad to hear you've had success with a similar strategy!
im an adelaideian too and my thumbs buggered, help me out bro ahahaha
Massage Sloth
Massage Sloth Hi Ian thanks so much for your awesome videos,, just discovered them,and loving them,your voice so soothing,and love your hands,from Cape Town,South Africa
When I had Skier's thumb on my right hand I had my thumb inmovilised and I had to keep working. I learned to use my index finger as a thumb for many things, and I could hold light things and even use my right hand to eat with a fork. It hurted though when I forced it to hold heavier stuff, but it saved me from getting economically broke. I also had to learn how to hold a pick for playing guitar again, which I did by holding it between the nail of my index and the rest of my finger tips,
i totally needed this. I am in massage school right now half way done and my right thumb is hurting and feels tight. thanks so much. I need all the tips I can get!
Very helpful video. That whispering quote is stuck forever in my brain "be nice to your thumbs". 😊👍
Like Neil N. I too play guitar and have recently started having thumb plain. Between playing and holding dishes as I wash them, can you guess what will win? Haha. Thanks a lot for the help. Ice here I come.
I'm suffering from thumb and wrist injury. This helps a lot and my doctor is surprised with the rapid recovery. Thanks for this wonderful video
Thanks for guiding me I have pain in my both thumbs
Thank you for the knowledge you share, very helpful for brand new LMT😊 like me.
I just worked a fully booked day in thumb vacation mode, and got mad huge tips! I wish I didn't have to learn everything the hard way, but I think my little injury is forcing me to level up my technique and body mechanics! 😂
Yes!! I had that same experience. As tough as the process was, it was also an opportunity to break out of my routine. Nice job!
I'm not a massage therapist but am in architecture school and am finding a lot of thumb pain from drawing and modeling. I think this could be really useful. Unfortunately I can't take a thumb vacation yet as I have drawings due in 4 days! Thanks for the video
I have a trigger thumb at the moment. Will try the massage and ice soak. Thank you for unselfishly sharing. God bless you.
Hey Ian Thank you for your awesome videos. I have so much difficulty building solid clients as a male therapist. Could you please make a video about that and how to do a perfect treatment plan. Thank you again
Thank you so much man you have no idea how much this helped me.
This video is great for my thumb pain.
I just love your videos! Thank u for all of your helpful tips. U have helped me to become a much better massage therapist w not only the techniques, but how to work smarter not harder. Thank u so much for all of your videos. They r VERY much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa Calabrese That's fantastic, thanks Lisa!
Lisa Calabrese ya
first ive watched this ,briliant 4dec 22 im in sheer agony as have osteoarthritis severe in both hands but my left thumb was pushed back to my wrist yrs ago and is now deformed ,seen surgeon last yr but just after lung surgery so said dont want surgery,but as yr has went on its much much worse ,finally got apt for 21st of dec 22 ,all stuff given n apt by physio waste of time n energy gp gives me movelat regular n last got ibuprofen ,sanctuary heat balm helps better ,but ive done little exercises with you n helped ,so thanks this surgeon said he couldnt do all fingers but maybe the thumb n said complications after it ,,i dont know if i can last till 21st of dec so much agony n pins needles , so thank very much from scotland ...
Wow! Your presentation,without annoying music in the baground, is EXCELLENT. Hmmm "thumb vacation" Don't I wish! Doing the massage according to your advice is definitely a method I will try,especially without using the thumb.Aha! Now I know how to correctly bandage my thumb.. Your video is wonderful.
I'm braced,and,strapped up,and,determined to let my thumb enjoy a "Thumb vacation". Doc's advice was a cortisone injection which, cowardly,I balked at for the moment. Your advice will suit me fine for now.
Thank you for helping with soreness of my thumbs
this video helps a lot.
I do sculpting and have started using a stiffer medium of clay...I have aggravated something...I will take this advice...thanks...
Hey Ian! Just wanted to stop by and say thanks so much for all the videos you post! I can honestly say I've become a better and more confident massage therapist from watching your videos. I have watched them over and over and continue to do so. I look forward to a ton more videos in the future! :)
Victor Bedolla Awesome! That's great to hear, and a little humbling :) If you think of any topics you'd like to see me cover, give me a heads up!
Excellent explanation and video. Thank you soo much. Most helpful!
Thank you. My thumb has been killing me. No idea why. You helped. Thanks.
Thanks for this info. Helpful for my wife who is an LMT. She loves your channel! Keep up the great work and thanks again!
+Leandro Di Lorenzo That's great to hear!
Great advice. I hurt my thumb skiing.I don't believe I have a torn ligament, I can still play guitar with the hand.But it has been kind of painful for a few weeks. It is getting better ever so slowly. I think this is going to help me.
Is your thumb fully healed now?
Awesome! Today is day 1 of my thumb vacation.
+Maggie Noffke Kudos to you! It'll be difficult at first, but you'll discover (and rediscover) techniques that you'll keep in rotation long after your thumb has recovered.
Excellent info. I’m an L.M.T., and my thumbs are killing me right now. Will start icing when I get home. I’ll start using the techniques you shared to substitute the thumb while massaging my clients. Glad I found this video clip.
amazing video!
I am not experiencing any pain but it I will do this for maintenance and prevention.
thanks I love all your videos!
Thank you for the great tips. I just had trigger fingers surgery and can't move my fingers but this is great tips for me to exercise. Thank you so much for take time out of your life to help people.. God bless...
You promised another video on stretching the thumb. It was earlier, but I cannot find it anywhere. I have been through every video on your channel.
Sorry about that Colby, that may have been a video that I had had on my mind but that never reached production. Really, everything that I do for my thumbs is contained in my thumb self-care video: ruclips.net/video/agCn_kTltcU/видео.html
So much better! Thank you for your videos, especially this one
Thank you for the video. I use kinesio tape which helps and will follow what you provided in the giving my thumb a "vacation." The years of massage are finally catching up....
Best of luck! And if you'd like help troubleshooting as the weeks pass, please feel free to join us on the forum (search "Massage Sloth Clubhouse" on Facebook)
Great video!! Can you make a current video on body mechanics!
wow this video is so helpful and that makes it unique. thank you!
very insightful, thanks Ian!
I’m a nail tech and I get this type of pain on my thumb from the pincer grip I have on the nail drill 😭 it’s been a learning curve trying to figure out how to alleviate these sort of things
Super helpful thanks. I am a guitarist not therapist but the explanation you give is exactly the problem I have since increasing my daily playing time.
I injured my thumbs during a cycling trip about a year ago, and your tips helped very much. Also, you have a very relaxing voice. Thanks very much!
thank you, it's working for my piano playing, messaging overworked thumb!
Great video. I'm a physio also doing lots of non-massage activities, but manual therapy is part of the job. How would you do trigger point therapy, especially upper trapezius without thumb and especially if using elbow is too intense for the client
Phase 2, didn't really feel anything, but the last one(wrist grip), extremely tight, think I found my problem.
Great video!
I think the circumduction is the best thing since sliced bread! I've been to Occupational Therapy for my wrist and thumb, and they had me work with putty. They also recommended using a golf ball between your hands and massage your thenar eminence- your method is so much better! Thanks again! Do you have one for the wrist?
Not yet, but it's on my short list! Glad you found this helpful!
Excellent video and instruction!!!
So enjoy your gentle style and demeanor in your teaching, Ian. I will recommend your site to our new massage students this semester.
How cool, thanks for that Julie!
Dude, that was banger!!! Thanks for the content!!
Thank you for this. After 12 years of 7-9 clients a day, I have pain in my left thumb and right shoulder. I need to ease off!! Very good video x
Best of luck! It will be difficult at first. The alterations you make may be extra fatiguing, and they may feel awkward. Start slow with your changes and stick with it until the style change becomes easier. You'll be able to reintroduce your old techniques eventually, and you'll have extra tools to work with when you do :)
Thankyou this is brilliant! Very helpful as are all your videos👍
So glad to have this video and You! Thank you! Starting out in Massage Therapy and have overworked my thumb (tsk tsk)...submerging my hand as we speak! Looking forward to your other videos!
👏👌👏 thanks a lot, for your clever and effective tipps and tricks !!
I want to follow this man and try to be attentive in listening,but at the same time I found myself very sleepy listening to his talking which has a lullaby voice.I had to keep opening my eyes several times and keeping awake,or was it afternoon?
thank you, this is well said and helpful
Excellent video. I have a trigger thumb since two months. Can you suggest it is good for me. What should i do initially
Excellent information. I have watched a couple of your videos now and they are very informative. Thank you
Thank you very much for this useful information.
Thank You, these techniques have been very very beneficial..
Very helpful
Thanks so much for this useful video! Your tips will save me from wrong self massage techniques and wrong thumb position during a massage!
My right thumb usually hurts me if i do the duck grip while injured. It has happened twice before. I decided to let it rest and then ensured that i had proper bone alignment and support from my other thumb/hand when i use it. Worked rather well but if it happens again i will try the icing and wrap as well.
That sounds like a good plan, and a good alteration to the duck grip! It's possible that that particular hand configuration isn't right for your unique structure, so consider replacing it entirely. Definitely hold off while your hand and thumb are in a compromised state. Thanks for commenting!
Massage Sloth
Thanks for actually taking the time to really break this stuff down. I'm a LMT who also has some basic John Barnes MFR training so i like how you approach things from a myofascial perspective.
Thank you do much this is helpful. I feel better already 👍🏿
This video has great suggestions, thanks for making it!
Would you consider making a similar video for wrist pain?
+lemondirgopie A darn fine idea!
@@MassageSloth can i use ice cooling for one month?