Hands that snap, crackle and pop.

[Kreerk]

Hello All.

I was curious if anyone could shed some light for me. Whenever I am doing a massage my hands, wrists and fingers seem to snap, crackle and pop. It has been like this since I started my training, it is not something that has developed along the way. It doesn't cause me any pain or discomfort.

Is this anything to be concerned about? Any insights or advice would be greatly apprecited.

 

[KELLi]

mine too... some days are better than others... welcome to the world of being an MT!!!

 

[rona]

Mine do it all them time too. I think its funny when a client goes ..was that me popping like that?

Some days it seems like ever possible place I can "pop" does.

 

[jimmy_mankoo_86]

Some days it seems like every possible place I can "pop" does.

:mrgreen:

 

[Taufiqur]

Mine do it all them time too. I think its funny when a client goes ..was that me popping like that?

t045 That's always happens to me. Sometimes I don't know who's popping! Usually get a good little laugh from the client!

Steph!

 

[bob1]

Oh yeah, that happens to me too. I always figured it was because I have loose ligaments... and it's especially bad with my fingers and hands... though my back or neck has been known to "self-adjust" when I'm in session with a client as well. Sometimes when I find it particularly enjoyable and relaxing to work on a client I know well or a family member I'll find it happening more.
But it's a chronic issue in my wrists, hands and fingers. I massage their ears and my fingers snap incredibly loud... it's sorta embarrassing! :

 

[Madison]

Yep, it happens to me too! And it feels like it always happens when I'm working on a client's neck or shoulders - so they crack right next to their ears!

 

[Da laiker]

Same here!

Wrists, neck, fingers, shoulders - I can even make my knees and big toe crack on command.

Like Maestra - I too have loose ligaments so it is pretty normal for me.
Just another cyber twin similarity. :wink:

 

[dwoodall]

Here's a pretty nice page that talks about the "popping" sounds: Is cracking and popping of joints normal?

Is cracking and popping of joints normal?

Cracking and popping of joints is usually normal and most of the time is nothing to be concerned about. Strangely enough the exact reason joints pop and snap is not totally understood. One theory is that the ligaments (tethers that hold the bones together) make these noises as they get tight rapidly when the joint is moving. In some instances, popping may be due to a tendon snapping over or around the joint. Another theory is that nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint are rapidly brought into or out of solution when the joint is manipulated, such as cracking the knuckles in the hand. These noises with movement of a joint, particularly the knee, may sound like folding stiff paper, and are called "crepitus". These noises are increased frequently after surgery on a joint, although the exact reason is not clear.

Do these sounds need to be treated?

Whatever the cause, these sounds do not need to be specifically treated. There are no long term sequelae of these noises, and they do not lead to future problems. There is no basis for the admonition to not crack your knuckles because it can lead to arthritis. There are no supplements or exercises to prevent these noises.

When should I worry about the cracking and popping of a joint?

The only time to worry about cracking or popping of a joint is if there is pain when the joint pops. Swelling is not normal and should be evaluated if it accompanies the noises. If the joint gets locked or stuck when it pops or cracks then it may indicate a joint problem that should be evaluated. If you are losing motion of the joint, if it is swelling or if you are losing function of the joint, then you should seek medical treatment.

Mine pop too.

 

[capone_italia]

Thanks for all the replies.

It's nice to know that I am not alone. All across the country there are fellow therapists cracking and popping in thier clients ears!!!

Also, thanks Texas-gal for the extra info.

 

[Mey]

Yes, I do snap, crackle and pop too! It's always around the clients neck that my fingers and wrists snap. It's weird!

 

[Dylan]

I love this forum!! Anything I have a question on or experienced and didn't know why is on this site. Awesome! So glad to know I'm not the only that snap, crackles and pops their way through a massage. I used to worry about it but it's become so normal for me that I don't notice anymore till the client says something. Most are snoring away so don't get that much. Had a lady the other day who literally only woke up long enough to turn over....they crack me up!!

 

[ladydi]

Add me to the rice crispies group! I snap crackle and pop too..

I try to remember to pop my knucles BEFORE a session, that way I can at least get through the head and neck and not pop in anyone's ears... but there are days it really doesn't matter, and I start popping minutes later...

My knees and shoulders will pop as well, and sometimes my back! :wink:

 

[massage2218]

It's always my knees! Thankfully they are well away from the client's ears, although they crack so loud you'd think I had microphones taped to them.

 

[sweetiepie_screamer]

my hips and knees are usually the ones that pop the most. :

 

[FeveDrercor]

ceral hands too

I used to have that problem too.. my wrists and hands popped too.. I started seeing a chiropractor for shoulder and carpal adjustments... I get massage on my flexors and extensors regularly.. and popping is much less..
shoulder adjustments are wonderful and doesnt hurt// i put my hand on my hips and DC braces my elbow and corocoid [process at my shoulder.. i thrist shoulder back like a chicken clucking and he braces and pulls my elbow towards him and my shoulder adjusts NICE!! of course my SITS muscles need attention as well.. and then he rotates and adjusts my carpals back into place and clicking stops.. try seeing a DC i go ever 2 weeks for maitenance...
massage is hard on the body and whatever we can do to help us DO IT.. enjoy..
k

 

[spaztastic]

WOW! Here I thought it was just me! It's so embarassing sometimes, especially with new clients.

Has anyone tried joint supplements for this? I was looking at glucosamine & condroitin or flax seed oil... would that help, or this a different situation?

 

[NeedASurgery]

LOL!!

I dont know why I havent seen this thread before!

I have very flexible fingers and wrists, always have. My fingers were like rubber when I was a child. As I grew older, they stiffened quite a bit. Now however, since I use my hands and fingers so much, ole rubber fingers is back!

Can anyone else bend their fingers back at a 90 degree angle?? It tends to make people queezy when I do it for shock value. :twisted:

 

[Tita]

yep...i crack and pop too and usually around the head while doing neck and head work... :roll:

 

[ehui]

Me too....wrists,fingers,knees,sometimes my shoulders. Gee,I am getting old!

Blessings and Light-
Johnny