Efficient body mechanics distribute work through larger body segments and reduce repeated strain on thumbs, wrists, shoulders and low back. There is no single perfect posture, but sustained awkward load and high repetition matter.
Use a stable stance appropriate to direction of force. Shift body weight rather than generating every stroke from small hand muscles. Reposition your feet instead of twisting repeatedly around the table.
When appropriate, align wrist, elbow and shoulder with the direction of force. Avoid repeatedly collapsing the wrist into extreme extension or using unsupported thumb pressure as the main source of deep force.
Adjust height to technique, therapist dimensions and client size. Lower may support body-weight pressure; higher may improve control for lighter/detailed work. One fixed height is not ideal for every technique.
Alternate palms, fists, forearms and other appropriate broad tools to distribute workload. The New Routine should be practiced as choreography for the therapist's body as well as the client's.
Self-care includes realistic scheduling, breaks, sleep, conditioning, hydration/food, emotional boundaries and early response to overuse symptoms. It is not a substitute for good workload design.
Perform the same long effleurage pass using arm-only effort, then repeat with weight transfer and foot movement. Compare perceived effort, wrist position and ability to regulate pressure.