subject: Chair Massage: Remedy Muscle Spasms Sooner [print this page] Any American these days knows the stress of working in the office - it's the dread of Monday. Sure, it's great to have a job in this economy, but who needs the aches and pains that go with it. While it's no 2 week vacation in some tropical place, some offices actually offer in-office chair massages. This is the latest in stress management, next to in-office day care, naps and pharmacies. This helps some employees get through the day while being productive and is relatively inexpensive compared to other benefits.
If you are new to massage, here's something you should know. It is not a great new cure, no, 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. So, how is this cure practiced? Well, there are a variety of methods, over 250 to be precise. Some include tapping, kneading, vibration, rocking, applying pressure to muscles, stroking and compression! Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being.
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?
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!
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!
