I must be doing something wrong

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

To start with, Riley is fine, he has no matts or tangles.  The problem is me.  I am using the Les Poochs brush but have discovered that I now have a repetitive strain injury in my right hand which is making the whole grooming thing very painful.  I tend to brush him every day so the question is what am I doing wrong?  It must be the way I am using the brush but I can't work out what I am doing wrong.  I am very gentle with it and line brush?  Help because I am in pain!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Nicky, I am so sorry for your pain! I do not know what could be causing it. I have found that using my Les Pooches brush is much less of a strain that other brushes. I hope you solve this quickly. Brushing your sweet boy should be a pleasure not a chore.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Les Poochs brushes are ergonomically designed to put less stress on small muscles and joints as this type of cronic injury can finish a groomer's career, so I tend to agree with you that you are not using it properly.

The brushes have long handles, so you can hang on with your whole hand. The motion for the strokes should come from the upper arm and shoulder. Large muscles and large joints are more capable of taking repetitive motions. I sometimes have a sore shoulder but then I have lotsa dogs to groom.

http://www.lespoochs.com/brushes.asp

This short video clip shows 2 ways to hold the brush while grooming.

Hope this helps.

[Kemp Rader]

Hi Nicky,

I agree with Barb, the motion should come from your whole arm and shoulder, keeping your wrist joint somewhat rigid. The brushes are actually designed to help alleviate Repetitive Motion Syndrome (RMS), that's why so many professional groomers choose the Les Poochs Brush. I do hope you feel better soon.

Kemp