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Back, shoulders, and wrists: the groomer’s body under strain

Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard
Sep 19
2 min read

Grooming requires strength, endurance, and precision. But over time, the profession takes a heavy toll on the body. Standing for long hours, lifting heavy dogs, and repeating the same movements with arms and hands all contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that are increasingly common among groomers.

When passion turns into pain

Many professionals report back, shoulder, or wrist pain. These pains often begin occasionally but gradually become chronic. Some ultimately limit physical ability and can force groomers to reduce their workload—or even leave the profession.

The main causes

Lifting heavy loads: regularly carrying large dogs, sometimes without assistance,
Strained postures: working bent over or with arms raised,
Repetitive motions: long hours of scissoring and intensive brushing,
Standing for long periods: prolonged immobility exhausting the spine and joints.

A silent threat to careers

MSDs are often seen as “small aches” linked to age or fatigue. In reality, they are one of the leading causes of long-term work stoppages in the grooming sector. Without proper prevention, these disorders can become disabling and shorten careers.

The importance of prevention

The physical health of groomers should not be seen as inevitable suffering. Solutions exist:

Proper equipment (height-adjustable tables and tubs, ramps for large dogs),
Ergonomic training: learning safe movements and protecting the back and joints,
Work organization: scheduling regular breaks to reduce fatigue.

The IGS 2026 global survey aims to measure the scale of these issues and identify the best prevention strategies. The results will help raise awareness among institutions, schools, and manufacturers about the urgent need to put physical health at the heart of the profession.