I have qualified in Massage, Reflexology, Counselling, and Hypnotherapy. The Massage came first in 1989 and I still practice today with little toll on my hands. I don't know if this is because I have a lower client level in this field as Portsmouth is a poor area, but I think that being trained to use the whole arm plus bodyweight has kept the injury rate down.
Lots of massage therapists seem to over-work the saddle joints of the thumbs, and use purely arm strength to do the treatment no wonder they only last five years or so! Also many psychotherapists neglect their own psychological health not having supervision, which should include counselling when necessary.
In any clinics I work in I always encourage my fellow therapists to set up mutual exchanges to experience each others therapy. Not only does it help keep them healthy but also they can cross-refer to each other if they feel the client will benefit.
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Ian - Pagan Editor
"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."
"With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world. "
Dalai Lama