subject: Chair Massage: Ease Muscle Spasms More Effectively [print this page] You're feeling it, the dread of returning to the office after a nice long weekend. Back to the stress of the workplace, the boss, the co-workers. Surely there's some sort of relief from all of this (short of a two-week vacation to Bermuda!) These days, some offices are allowing everything from on-site child-care, in-house pharmacies to naps. Now, guess what's becoming commonplace - chair massage. It is a relative low-cost way to help 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.
In the early 1800's, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930's and 40's. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960's and 1970's nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. It's good enough for the Olympics, how about you?
Some employees merit extra bonuses! In some situations, office managers will hire therapists to come to their business. There are some proven advantages to both employee and employer. It can be an incentive for performance, or just a kind gesture. The therapists will come in the morning or afternoon. These employees will perform better, have a decrease in stress and an improvement in blood circulation. Lower blood pressure and a decrease in muscle ache will ensue. Sitting at a desk, eyes on the computer can take its toll.
What do you think contributes to most office-related physical symptoms? Believe it or not, they can be attributed to loss of circulation. The muscles tighten up as a result of sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, this, and stress can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is a decrease in energy, the inability to think clearly, along with susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only does chair massage benefit employee, but it can also benefit employer. If an employee is pain free and relaxed the productivity of the individual increases, his/her stress level is lowered. The result is fewer absentees and a decrease in workers compensation. If your office workers are happy, they will be more productive workers! If your office doesn't offer this, maybe you can find a local massage salon that provides this service. I know it's something I could definitely use. Surely being home raising 3 girls merits some relief!
