Warm up extremely well on those days when you feel any tightness, stiffness, or pain. Also, make it a habit to stretch before and after each client, in order to keep your hands and arms loose. An especially important time to apply [your hand maintenance] routine is the day after a heavy load of massage, in which you may need extra time. Applying this routine daily is an excellent way to maintain your body for a lifetime as a massage therapist.

—from Hand Maintenance Guide for Massage Therapists by Shogo Mochizuki, Kotobuki Publications (1999)