Hit 500 facials this month and my hands started cramping up

I do a lot of extractions and massage work, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but last Tuesday I had to take a break after my third facial of the day because my right hand just locked up. It was a mix of pride and panic, like oh wow I am actually booking this much but also my body is screaming. Has anyone else hit a crazy milestone and realized you need to change your setup or routine to keep going?

3 comments

3 Comments

alicecraig1mo ago

Two Sundays ago I had to ice my right hand while my partner finished loading the dishwasher for me. It's wild how our bodies just start sending warning signals in ways we ignore until something straight up stops working. I've noticed the same thing with people who do a lot of repetitive stuff like crocheting or even scrolling on their phones for hours, then suddenly their thumb is killing them. My sister hit 60k steps on her Fitbit during a trip and her feet were numb for two days, but she kept going until a blister popped. It's like we're all waiting for a big crash before we admit our routine needs a tweak. Maybe try switching hands for small tasks or getting a cushioned grip for your tools, because once the cramps start they don't just quit.

west.casey1mo ago

Once the cramps start they don't just quit" is way too real... I learned that the hard way after ignoring my wrist for weeks until I couldn't hold a coffee mug. Switching to an ergonomic mouse and taking five-minute breaks every hour helped more than I expected, but honestly the biggest fix was just forcing myself to stop before the pain started. A little prevention beats trying to recover once your body's already screaming at you.

kim.nina1mo ago

My dad was a carpenter for 30 years and he always said your body gives you three warnings before something breaks. He ignored all three on his elbow and ended up needing surgery to get bone spurs removed. I still think about that every time I feel a little twinge in my shoulder from carrying groceries. What's the longest you've put off listening to a body signal?