Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/135515
It is normal to feel some tension and mild discomfort, but avoid any positions that cause pain. Repeat the following sequence of stretches three times to warm your hands and prepare them to apply massage techniques. Work at your own pace and with your own flexibility. Anne Williams is the director of education for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and author of Massage Mastery: from Student to Professional (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012), from which this article was adapted, and Spa Bodywork: A Guide to Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). She can be reached at anne@abmp.com. Place your arms straight out from your shoulders and bend your wrists so that your fingers reach up toward the ceiling, then down toward the floor. Hold each position for 10–15 seconds, and repeat the sequence three times. For more warm-up stretches, go to the Massage & Bodywork digital edition at www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com. Place your hands in a "prayer position" in front of your body, with fingers facing toward the ceiling, then rotate your fingers toward the floor. Hold for 10–15 seconds, and repeat the sequence three times. Return to the prayer position, and push the fingers of one hand over to the side. Hold for 10 seconds, then reverse direction. Repeat the sequence three times. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 41