Potters, craft people and all people who do manual work need to be aware that how they use themselves is very important. If they have to abuse their bodies at times in their work, they need to be aware of abusing them as little as necessary. We often over use muscles or use more than is needed. For example the jaw is often clenched or the toes curled up.

We are often advised to have our tools close by but reaching can be really helpful when done from the hip joint and to stand up sometimes helps stop the inevitable slow collapse that happens sitting for a length of time.

A stiff neck and jaw, and rigid shoulders not only means aches and pains but also stops the hands working as efficiently as they could.