Why does your neck hurt after throwing pottery? Our heads weigh 10–12 pounds, putting massive strain on your shoulders when you hunch over the wheel. Discover 3 simple ergonomic tweaks—like using a mirror—to ease potter's neck pain and build tension-free habits.

Pinch Potting Without the Hand Strain

Pinch potting can easily cause joint and muscle fatigue because it combines three high-risk factors at once: a forceful grip, high repetition, and awkward wrist angles.

Wedging without the Wrist Pain

And we're back! Kicking off a new series on Hands, Fingers & Wrists — starting with wedging. Wedging can be one of the more uncomfortable parts of pottery making — especially for our wrists. Try this: staggered stance, hands planted on the clay, and lean your whole body weight in instead of forcing it with your hands. Keep that wrist neutral — roughly lined up with your elbow — the whole time. Prefer stack-and-slam? Works too, just trades wrist strain for shoulder work. And always: soft clay over hard clay for repetitive, forceful work.

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I got some clip-on magnifiers, and my whole world has changed!!

How to take mini-breaks while handbuilding.