How to Protect Your Back From Injury in Your Barbershop

Caitlin Tinn MSk Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist at Pea Green Physio in Bicester has experience with hair industry professionals and the problems they face. Caitlin says: “Adjusting the chair to the right height for you and your client is one of the most important things you can do to prevent injury and strain. The most common problems happen in the upper neck, upper back and chest.”

Which is why, Caitlin recommends stretching to avoid strain and pain. Here are just a few stretches you can do to protect your back from injury, right in your barbershop…

Stretch 1: Lean your right ear towards your right shoulder to stretch the neck muscle. Gently apply a little pressure by reaching over your head and placing your right hand over your left ear. Repeat for the other side.

Stretch 2: Stand in a doorway and place your arm out at your side, with your inner elbow on the door frame step slowly through the door so that your arm is extended backwards. This is a great stretch for the chest muscles. Repeat with both arms.

Stretch 3: Link your fingers together in front of you and then holding your arms out gently press your palms outwards to stretch the muscles in the upper arm and shoulder.

Stretch 4: In a standing position cross your right leg over your left leg and with your arm reaching above your head lean to your left. This stretch releases tension in the muscles all the way down your side. Repeat for the other side.

Bonus tip: With your back to a wall place a golf ball in the space between your spine and your shoulder blade, gently press and then by bending your knees slightly roll the ball up and down your upper back. When you reach a particularly tender part hold and add pressure for a few seconds and then continue. Repeat for the other side. In all cases continue these exercises for approximately 20-30 seconds and do them regularly through the day.

MB says a big thanks to Caitlin at Pea Green Physio!

Looking for more barber stretches? Why not try these stretches to save your wrists?