The benefits of massage therapy has been well documented both in the research and through case study. Many of the benefits include an increase relaxation and productivity related to increase circulation and decrease stress. These are perfect factors to help increase productivity in the office situation. For this reason, office back massages or chair massages have become more and more popular especially in Great Britain.
Companies who have regular massage therapists who come to work for the company staff know that it enhances and improves the employees overall performance as well and decreases stress related injuries in the shoulders, back and neck. Office massage is designed to relieve physical and mental stress and is a cost-effective way to boost morale and improve the organization\’s productivity.
An office chair massage usually takes no more than 10 minutes but the massage therapist can also bring with them a portable table and massages can last as long as 30 minutes. Companies will usually book a massage therapist to visit an office and stay there all day once a month or every other week depending upon how many people are in the company. Many companies who have a large number of employees will receive a special discounts as well.
Many massage therapists who work in an office setting use massage therapy based on acupressure massage and traditional Japanese shiatsu. This type of therapy focuses on the muscles of the back, neck and shoulders because these are the areas that often cause the most problem for individuals who sit at a desk or used to computer keyboard all day.
Office massage therapy is also very easy to set up and take down because individuals do not undress and the therapists does not use any oils.
If the company manager is unsure of whether or not these massages will help to improve company performance many therapists will also offer a first time program that can include several therapy massages which are free.
These 10 to 15 minute shoulder and neck and back massages are different from a full body massage or a back massage which is done while the individual is lying prone. But in either case the therapists will always avoid sudden or rough movements in order to avoid disturbing someone in a relaxed state or causing tense muscles to become injured.
The alternative to having a massage therapist in the office is to install massage chairs. These are therapy chairs which are used for 10 to 15 minutes during the day and not designed as a regular office chair.
Many of the newer robotic massage chairs are also able to determine where to massage the back in relationship to input from the individual as to where their back hurts. Robotic chairs have been in existence for a few decades and can cost several thousands of dollars. At this point these chairs have a role in a small market in the United States but this is not the case everywhere. Many websites claim that massage chairs are much more common in Japan an estimate that approximately 20% of all Japanese households have one and use them.
Some of the chairs only have simple vibrating elements while others contain complex machinery that is designed to mimic the hands of a massage therapist. The goal behind the design of any massage chair is to provide comfort and relief for those who have disposable income.
When you are getting a massage rollers act like human hands. They move in specific patterns that are determined by the structure of the chair frame. The majority of these chairs are run using electric motors. Others are more complex where rollers are mounted on mechanical arms that can move horizontally as well as vertically, and even move in circles.
In any case, office managers and company owners have found improved benefits in the productivity and relaxation of their employees when they are exposed to regular massages at the office. Most primary care physicians can attest to the number of stress related neck and shoulder injuries which are passed through insurance companies for payment. Many of these injuries can be alleviated when company employees are provided with education about proper posture and given the opportunity to have their stress and muscle tension reduced through office massage.