subject: Relieve Soreness More Effectively [print this page] Any American these days knows the stress of working in the office - its the dread of Monday. Sure, its great to have a job in this economy, but who needs the aches and pains that go with it. While its 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.
Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. If you are looking to modern medicine to cure your issues, maybe you are looking in the wrong place. The art of massage dates way back, back to over 3000 years. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all applied forms of massage for many ailments. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Are you interested in finding how this art of massage is practiced? Many, many, many methods, over 250 to be precise, are used. Some of these are 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, dont you want it?
A company can hire therapists to come to their business. They will come at any time of day, weekdays or weekends. These can be offered to employees to help them relax, or can be offered as an incentive for performance. There are many benefits such as a boost to the immune system which leads to fewer absences, a decrease in stress, while improving blood circulation, as well as relieving that muscle pain that can come from sitting at a desk while being on a computer all day. It can relieve headaches, lower blood pressure and improve thinking skills. And these advantages are scientifically proven!
Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Chair massage can also benefit employer. When the employee is relaxed and pain free, his/her productivity increases, stress level is lowered. Employees are absent fewer days, workers compensation is decreased. Happy workers are productive workers! If your office doesnt offer this, maybe you can find a local massage salon that provides this service. I know its something I could definitely use. And Im not even in an office for 8 hours a day. However, as a mother of 3 girls 9 and under, Im certainly due some sort of relief!
