When you have to lift your shoulders to get the right pressure over a place in a client’s body you compromise your own body. Change your body position so that your vector of force is translated through your entire body.

1. Use your whole body for each stroke.

2. Be physically grounded without being rigid. A common mistake is to plant the feet as if they were roots. This restricts free movement and can injure the back, Every time you move, your feet should reflect the movement.

3. Be aware of the sensations in your shoulder joint. If you feel yourself straining, stop, shift your position so you are using the joint to its greatest advantage. This will prevent damage to the ligaments of the shoulder joints.

-- from The Ultimate Hand Book by Maja Evans, Laughing Duck Press, 1992