Do You Warm Up Before Work?

We often encourage our clients to warm up before activity to prevent injury. But how often do we offer ourselves the same advice?

As massage therapists, our bodies are our tools. Yet many of us go straight from breakfast, school runs, or emails into a full day of treatments—no stretch, no prep, just straight to work.

And over time, that takes a toll.

Why a Warm-Up Matters for Us

Our work is physical. We use our hands, arms, shoulders, and back in repetitive and sustained ways. Just like athletes wouldn't dream of competing without warming up, we shouldn't be diving into back-to-back treatments without preparing our bodies.

A proper warm-up:

• Protects joints and soft tissue (especially wrists, thumbs, shoulders, and lower back)
• Improves posture and stamina during long days
• Reduces pain and tension in our own bodies by improving movement patterns
• Supports long-term career health, so we can do the job we love for years to come

What Should You Include in a Therapist’s Warm-Up?

You don’t need a gym membership or 30-minute routine. Just a few minutes before your first client can make a big difference.

Try:

• Wrist circles and open–close fists (to mobilise and warm up small joints)
• Shoulder rolls and chest openers (counteract forward posture and ease shoulder tension)
• Neck mobility – gentle side bends and slow head turns
• Standing cat–cow or gentle spinal twists (for spine mobility and lower back support)
• Heel raises and ankle circles (especially helpful if you stand during treatments)
• A few deep, grounding breaths to centre your mind and body before beginning

Make it yours. The goal is to wake up your body, check in with any tight spots, and give yourself the same care you’d give a client.

The difference this makes isn’t just in how you feel today. It’s in how your body holds up over months and years. Therapists who prioritise warm-ups often find:

• Fewer aches and pains at the end of the day
• Better posture and energy across back-to-back appointments
• Less risk of repetitive strain injuries
• A longer, more comfortable career in hands-on work

Final Thought

If you want your body to keep showing up for your clients, you have to show up for it too. A five-minute warm-up at the start of your day is an act of self-respect. You are your business’s most valuable asset—so take care of yourself like you mean it.

Follow this link for my Massage Therapist Warm Up Routine