HOW DOES CHAIR MASSAGE HELP?

what are the benefits of chair massage in the workplace?

by JEANNE TRONCAO, MS, LMT July 18, 2017

Anxiety Reduction

Margaret Hodge, Ed.D., Rn and colleagues not that stress at work can "result in low morale, increased anxiety and depression, as well as other health-related concerns." A 1996 study conducted by Shulman and Jones of the Touch Research Institute in Miami, Florida, found that massage in the workplace helped reduce anxiety. The study indicated that 15 minutes of chair massage was more effective than a 15-minute break to reduce anxiety.

benefits of a seated chair massage

by ANDREA CESPEDES July 18, 2017

At the Workplace

Chair massage offered at the workplace can improve productivity and reduce stress. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2011 found that twice a week chair massages decreased musculoskeletal arching and pain and increased range of motion after one month. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2012 reported a study showing that offering 15-minute chair massages to nurses during work hours significantly reduced their stress. When employees aren't hurting and aren't stressed, they're more able to focus on job related tasks.

6 surprising benefits of massage therapy

by KATHERINE WATTS

Sure, it can help you relax, but massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six health reasons to book an appointment

1. It counteracts all that sitting you do

"Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress," says Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto. "More often than not (that stress) tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck."

Desk workers beware. More advanced forms of postural stress "show up as a pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals, caused by prolonged periods of sitting." Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalanced caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job as long as you schedule a regular massage.

2. It eases muscle pain

Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. "Massage increases and improves circulation. Just like rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table, helps to relieve the pain," says Tanason. A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.

3. It soothes anxiety and depression

"Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing," says Tanason. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed, and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

4. It improves sleep

Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep, it also helps those who can't otherwise comfortably rest. "Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy," says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.

Also, massages help infants sleep more, cry less, and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick. "Most RMTs can do infant massage," says de Miranda. "And if parents want to do it themselves, it comes naturally. "There's not really a particular technique. Whatever parents normally do to soothe their baby will be effective."

5. It boosts immunity

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients white blood cell count {which plays a large role in defending the body from disease). Additionally, it also "improves immune function for individuals with HIV," says de Miranda.

6. It relieves headaches

Next time a headache hits, try booking a last minute massage. Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches," says de Miranda. Research from Grenada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy immediately effects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.

Chair Massage Techniques for Relieving Tension Headaches

video by Incorporate Massage (16:56)