Chair Massage to Prevent Workplace Fatique
In order to fix – or at least reduce – the problem of workplace fatigue, C-Level executives have begun hiring massage therapists to come into the office once a week for chair massage. Chair massage is growing in popularity because it is both quick and efficient, and just about anyone can benefit from it.
A typical chair massage takes around fifteen minutes, though that time might be longer or shorter depending on the subject. Tense patients with knots and kinks in their necks and backs will need longer massages in order to ease tension. Resilient subjects with little or no muscular tension don’t need even ten minutes to feel rejuvenated.
However, there is more to chair massage than just aching muscles. Studies have shown that people who spend their days behind a desk will also suffer from poor circulation, stress on the kidneys and lymph nodes and other stress injuries. Since most workplace offices are not ergonomically correct, serious disorders can arise from repetitive, stressful motion. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common. Chair massage can also alleviate workplace fatique by giving employees a much-needed break from mundane activities. They will feel relaxed and refreshed after the massage is over.
Here are some frequently asked questions about chair massage:
1. How long do chair massages last?
Most therapists offer their services in 15-, 20- and 30-minute increments, depending on the needs of the staff. Most company executives order 15-minute sessions for their employees, and staff are welcome to pay for more if they desire. It is not designed to be a four-hour break from work, but a brief, relaxing few minutes to relieve workplace fatigue.
2. What equipment is used?
The therapist will provide a special chair, which is thoroughly cleaned between massages. Usually, the chair will have face and arm rests to ensure maximum relaxation during the massage. No oils or lotions are used, and only a small space will be necessary for the job.
3. Do I have to remove my clothing?
No. Chair massages are done with the clothing still on, which is why oils and lotions aren’t used.
4. What areas of the body are targeted during a chair massage?
The extent varies from individual to individual. For a 15-minute chair massage, the therapist will focus on the neck, shoulders and back, giving attention to the hands and arms if requested. A 20-minute massage will include time spent on the arms and hands. Patients are encouraged to tell the therapist if they have a specific problem area.
5. How much pressure is used during a chair massage?
Chair massages are most closely related to a Swedish massage, which incorporates long, slow strokes and minimal pressure. Your therapist can use more or less pressure if you request it, and feel free to speak up about sensetivities to pressure or about favored areas of the neck, back or shoulders.
6. Won’t I be exhausted after a chair massage?
Most people feel relaxed after a chair massage, and might need a few moments to reintegrate themselves to the office setting, but fatique is not common. In fact, it helps to reduce workplace fatique and will leave you more alert and energetic. Some people choose to take a short walk after a chair massage to reassert energy and prepare for heading back to work.
7. Will a chair massage hurt me if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely not. In fact, pregnant women are encouraged to participate in chair massage because it increases circulation and relieves tension. This will help you keep from becoming stressed or stiff during the work day, which is in turn healthier for your baby.
8. Should I talk during a chair massage?
Feel free to talk openly with your therapist and let him or her know about problem areas and concerns. However, during the massage, it is usually better to remain quiet and relaxed. Silence is far from required, but you’ll get much more out of the experience if you are quiet.
9. Are there any contraindications for chair massage?
Contraindications are specific illnesses, disorders and injuries that are helped due to massage. Swedish and Deep Tissue massage have the largest array of contraindications, but chair massage has them as well. If you suffer from hypertension, diabetes, fractures, herniated discs or numbness in any part of your body, those problems will be helped by chair massage.
You should talk with your massage therapist before he or she begins and let them know of any pre-existing conditions. This will help your therapist determine which areas of your body to focus on and how much pressure to use during the massage.
Chair massage is a great way to increase both productivity and morale in your employees. Chair massage typically costs between $60 and $100 per hour for each therapist, and it might be a much appreciated expense by your staff.
