Salon Talk: How to Save Your Back and Extend Your Career

Dog grooming is one of those professions that demands a unique mix of physical strength, fine motor skills, and unshakeable patience. But while you’re focused on managing matted coats, wiggly puppies, and back-to-back appointments, it’s easy to forget one crucial detail: your own body.

The physical toll of grooming is real. Long hours on your feet, repetitive hand motions, lifting heavy dogs, and poor posture can quietly lead to chronic pain, fatigue, or even long-term injuries. And unfortunately, those aches and twinges don’t just go away—they accumulate.

If you're feeling the toll in your back, shoulders, wrists, or knees, you're not alone. The good news? With the right ergonomic setup and some smart habits, you can protect your body and extend your grooming career for years to come.

Why Ergonomics Matter in Grooming

Ergonomics is all about designing your workspace to fit your body—not the other way around. You wouldn’t expect a groomer to work without clippers or scissors—so don’t expect your body to work well without support. Grooming involves repetitive motions, static postures, and heavy lifting, all of which can cause long-term damage if your workspace isn’t properly set up.

Ergonomics is about working smarter, not harder—and your future self will thank you. Lets dive into some of the ways you can make your grooming setup more sustainable for your long-term career. 

Invest in an Electric, Hydraulic or Air Lift Grooming Table

Your grooming table is the central hub of your salon. You use it for hours each day, and if it’s not positioned correctly, it can quickly become the source of daily back, neck, and shoulder strain.

An adjustable height grooming table allows you to adapt the table height to suit each dog and each task. Whether you’re trimming a toy poodle or brushing out a Newfoundland, the goal is to keep the dog’s back level with your waist. This posture allows your arms to rest comfortably at your sides, reducing tension in your shoulders and upper back.

Too often, groomers end up bending over or reaching up, especially when dealing with dogs of very different sizes. Over time, that repetitive strain adds up—sometimes leading to lasting injuries. Investing in a good quality adjustable table isn't just about making your day easier; it’s about protecting your career longevity.

[product=shernbao-low-low-table-126cm-crossbar-black]
One of the world's lowest electric lift grooming tables and the lowest we know of available in NZ. The Shernbao Low Low Electric Lift Table takes grooming to new lows & new highs! Down to just 22cm. That's just 8.5 inches! Provides easy step-on access for pets. Fantastic for oldies, large & giant breeds, dogs with arthritis & restricted movement.
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[product=beaumont-electric-lift-grooming-table-110cm-purple]
Foot-operated hydraulic lift table, no electricity required. Non-slip 110cm x 60cm table top with adjustable height from 55cm up to 97cm. Very sturdy, solid steel construction.  Adjustable screws on feet to allow for floor imperfections for extra stability. Minimal leg frame space required. Good choice for those who prefer to groom on a stool. Makes cleaning easier.
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PRO TIP: Look for electric, hydraulic or air lift tables with a wide height range and non-slip surfaces. Adjust the table so the dog’s back is around waist level to keep your posture in a safe, neutral position.

Choose the Right Tub for your Clientele 

Bathing is one of the most physically taxing parts of grooming. Lifting dogs into a tub—especially large breeds or seniors—can quickly become a daily backbreaker.

Electric lift tubs are a game-changer in this area. With the push of a button, the tub floor lowers to the ground, allowing the dog to step in or be gently guided in without strain. Once the dog is inside, you can raise the tub to a comfortable working height, so you’re not bending or straining while washing.

[product=premium-stainless-steel-electric-lift-bath-tub-1-4m-1-7m]
Heavy duty Electric Lift Bath Tub tub designed for professional use, made from hardwearing, premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel. Height adjustable from 140cm to 170cm using the water resistant foot pedal. Perfect for large breeds or older dogs. Sturdy "X" frame lift structure with a rectangular base, coated in an electrostatic spray-paint.
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On the other hand, tubs with stairs or ramps can be a more budget-friendly option and still offer some ergonomic benefit—especially for dogs who are cooperative and mobile. However, they still require you to guide the dog in (and sometimes carry them in when they refuse), and they don’t eliminate the need to bend over during the bath.

[product=premium-stainless-steel-bath-tub-with-all-fittings-and-stairs]
The Premium Stainless Steel Bath Tub comes with all the bells and whistles, including hideaway steps, adjustable height sub-floor, sliding door, hose and shower fittings. Made from hardwearing, premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel for professional use by groomers, kennels and dog wash facilities. 
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In terms of long-term physical health, electric lift tubs are a clear win. They minimize the two main pain points of bathing: lifting and bending. If you regularly groom larger dogs, they’re well worth the investment.

Choosing the Right Clippers

Your clippers are an extension of your hand—but if they’re too heavy, unbalanced, or awkward, they can lead to hand and wrist fatigue fast.

Lightweight clippers help reduce strain, especially when you're working on thick coats for long periods. Cordless clippers give you the freedom to move around the table without worrying about managing a cord, which can also reduce the amount of repetitive twisting in your wrist.

However, cordless models can be slightly heavier due to the battery, and you will need to remember to recharge them.

View all Cordless Clippers here. 

Corded clippers, by contrast, are typically lighter and offer constant power, but the cord can be restrictive and create its own ergonomic issues if not managed well.

View all Corded Clippers here.

Many groomers find that keeping both types on hand—cordless trimmers for detail work and touch-ups, and corded full size for full-body cuts—offers the best of both worlds. You'll need to weigh up the pros and cons depending on what's most important to you. 

Scissors: Why The Handle Type Matters 

When it comes to scissors, most groomers choose based on how they cut. But if you want to work smarter (and safer), the handle design should be just as important as the blade.

Inline scissors—where the finger and thumb rings are in a straight line—force your hand into a higher, more extended position. Over time, this can contribute to wrist tension, shoulder fatigue, and even repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

[product=geib-gator-8-5-straight-scissors]
The Geib Gator 8.5" Straight Scissors are a traditional shaped straight scissor. Lovely lighter weight, easy-action pivot assembly and the micro serrated edge holds the coat, reducing coat slide, making it extremely user friendly even for home use and beginners. A very reliable workhorse scissor. Very popular with students up to experienced professionals as an affordable workhorse scissor that just keeps going. 
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Offset scissors, on the other hand, have a slightly dropped thumb ring, which brings your hand into a more natural, relaxed position. This reduces stress on your tendons and allows for smoother movement, especially when scissoring for long periods.

[product=geib-black-pearl-8-5-straight-scissors]
Black Pearl Scissors - This is a compact Scissor with a good length blade. Offset for added comfort. Distinctive Pearlet detail and black satin finish makes this stand out from the crowd. Designed with an ergonomic shank handle design, this shear has power, but can handle the smallest details with finesse. Approximate length 8.5" including finger rest.
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If you’re doing detailed or prolonged scissor work, offset handles can make a significant difference in your comfort and longevity.

Stand on Anti-Fatigue Mats

If you're standing for long hours on hard floors—especially concrete or tile—you’re sending shockwaves up through your feet, legs, and spine. That kind of impact takes a toll.

Anti-fatigue mats provide just enough give to reduce pressure and improve circulation. They encourage subtle, constant movement in your legs and ankles, which helps reduce swelling and joint pain. Over time, that means less stiffness, fewer aches, and more stamina throughout your day.

[product=groom-professional-anti-fatigue-mat]
Be kind to your feet and legs with the Groom Professional Anti Fatigue Mat. Standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces can cause circulation problems and tired aching legs. This mat is a lightweight cell vinyl foam with non slip surface and anti trip bevel edges. Easy to clean, it measures 70 x 80cm, at 9.4mm high.
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Place anti-fatigue mats at every grooming station: your main table, bathing area, drying station, and anywhere else you spend extended time standing. Your body will feel the difference, and so will your focus and energy.

Sit Down Sometimes: Use a Grooming Stool

While it may seem like sitting would slow you down, the truth is that using a grooming stool strategically throughout the day can actually improve both your comfort and your efficiency.

Detail work—like trimming feet, cleaning ears, or shaping faces—can often be done while sitting. By using a stool that rolls and adjusts in height, you can stay close to the table without crouching or twisting your body. Sitting also relieves pressure on your lower back, knees, and feet, giving those overworked joints a much-needed break.

The key is balance. You don’t want to sit all day, but alternating between sitting and standing allows your muscles to recover while still keeping you productive. It's a simple change that can dramatically reduce fatigue and help you feel better at the end of your workday.

[product=shernbao-bronco-saddle-grooming-stool]
The Shernbao Bronco Saddle Grooming Stool is ergonomically designed to relieve stress on the back and spine caused by sitting for long periods, helping to promote good posture. Constructed from durable faux leather fabric, chrome plated metal base and multi-directional smooth wheels. Height adjustable via an air lifting pump from 51.5cm to 64cm.
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Master Proper Lifting Techniques

Lifting dogs is inevitable in grooming, but that doesn’t mean injuries are. The way you lift matters.

Always bend at the knees—not at the waist—and keep the dog close to your body. Use your legs to do the heavy lifting, and never twist while holding a dog. If a dog is too heavy, don’t push through it. Use lift-assist tools or ask for help. One awkward lift can sideline you with a pulled back muscle or worse.

Even better: minimize lifting altogether with electric lift tables and tubs, and encourage pet owners to bring dogs on leashes so they can walk into your space on their own. Less lifting means less risk.

Groom in Front of a Mirror, Not Just Around a Table

Most groomers are used to circling the table to get the best angle or view—but this constant movement can add up to a lot of unnecessary twisting, bending, and leaning.

By placing a mirror directly in front of your grooming table, you gain a whole new perspective. You can check symmetry, line placement, and face shape without having to move your body around the table constantly. This setup not only improves accuracy—it helps maintain better posture and reduces the strain caused by repetitive repositioning.

Grooming in front of a mirror might feel awkward at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Stretch Between Dogs

A few quick stretches between appointments can make a big difference in how your body feels by the end of the day. Here are a few simple ones:

• Neck rolls: Slowly roll your head in circles to release neck tension.

• Shoulder shrugs and rolls: Lift your shoulders toward your ears, then roll them back and down.

• Forward fold: Stand with feet hip-width apart and gently fold forward, letting your arms hang to stretch your spine and hamstrings.

• Wrist stretches: Extend one arm, palm up, and gently pull back on your fingers with the other hand. Switch sides.

Just 2–3 minutes of movement between dogs can help you reset and reduce stiffness.

Your Body Is Your Most Valuable Tool

At the end of the day, no matter how skilled you are with shears or how many dogs you groom per week, your body is what makes it all possible. Taking care of it isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Setting up your salon ergonomically, investing in high-quality tools, and practicing good habits like stretching and sitting strategically won’t just make you more comfortable—they’ll protect your health and help ensure you can keep grooming for years to come.

We’re here to help you build a salon that supports your craft and your well-being. Explore our collection of ergonomic grooming equipment—from adjustable height tables, tubs and stools, to lightweight clippers and ergonomic scissors—and let us help you create a workspace that works as hard as you do. 

Want personalized help choosing the right tools for your ergonomic setup? Contact us—we’d love to help you build a salon that saves your back (and your career).