subject: Chair Massage: Relieve Pain Faster [print this page] Are you stressed? Do you dread returning to work having had a nice relaxing weekend? Even though you are happy to have a job, it can be awfully stressful in the workplace. You wish for some sort of relief from all of this (short of a two-week vacation to Hawaii!) Some offices have a solution to this! They are allowing everything from on-site child-care, in-house pharmacies to naps. Now, whats more than this is chair massage. It is a relative low-cost way to help employees get through the day, and is far less expensive than other employee benefits.
Have you ever had a massage? Do you think this is something new? No, it is not a new medical breakthrough, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. There are so, so many versions of this massage therapy, over 250 to be precise. They include tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression.
Massage therapy became popular in the US in the 1800s and grew in popularity until the 1930s and 40s. The development of modern medicine discounted its benefits, and use dwindled. It made a re-appearance in the 1960s and 1970s when nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. If it can be used in the Olympics, don't you want it?
There are therapists who will come to a company, either to help employees relax, or a reward for employee performance. They will come at any time, morning or evening, weekday or weekend. There are many benefits to both the employee and business. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to, boosting the immune system, which leads to fewer absences, a decrease in stress, it improves circulation, as well as relieving that muscle pain that can come from poring over a computer all day. It can relieve headaches, lower blood pressure and improve thinking skills. Yes, these are all scientifically proven advantages!
Productivity decreases when the pain is up. We all dream of ergonomically designed offices, but that is not always the case. Muscles tighten up as we sit in our cubicles. This causes stress and impedes blood and lymph flow through the system. Employers benefit from chair massage as there is a decrease in workers compensation complaints, as well as fewer absentees. If we keep our workers pain free and relaxed, we will get increased productivity. Maybe if offices provide chair massages, our American workers would be better off. As a mother of 3, surely this can help me too!
