Ramona Westerberg
The Healing Place of Cottage Grove
www.thehealingplacecg.com
A number of research studies indicate that massage therapy can assist in patients’ recovery from many conditions. Studies have found use of massage to be effective in boosting the body’s immune system functioning, easing post-operative pain, easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and soothing chronic back pain better than other complementary therapies. Recent studies have also associated massage therapy with substantive relief of symptoms in cancer patients, such as pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea, and depression.
To find a professional massage therapist in your area, go to AMTA’s Find A Massage Therapist® national locator service at www.findamassagetherapist.org. It's a quick and easy way to find an AMTA massage therapist to provide the massage you need.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Getting the Message about Workplace Massage
Employees are stressed out and employers are beginning to get the message. And now, both are getting massage in and out of the workplace as a corporate benefit. Here are some notes from leading publications and groups that you might want to check out if you want further information.
Crain's Chicago Business states businesses with as few as 14 staff members, as well as large corporations like Motorola and Amoco, are now hiring massage therapists to perform massage in the workplace. the article (referenced below for your followup) adds that on-site massage is cheaper than vacation and child care benefits, and more than a low-cost office perk. It goes on to say that on-site massage reduces work-related stress, improves alertness, performance and productivity, and even keeps people feeling well enough to stay at work when they would rather go home.
HRMagazine recently published a story about massage that describes various corporate wellness programs, all of which include on-site massage as an employee benefit. Some of these programs are new; some have been in place for years. All are successful. Employees are feeling less stress, are more productive on the job and are less likely to take unplanned time off from work. The positive effect of massage in the workplace reaches everyone.
Association Management Magazine reports that The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans of Brookfield, WI conducted research on this subject and found that nearly 20% or employers now provide coverage for one or more alternative health benefits such as massage therapy.
From magazines to television to the Internet, media of all kinds are spreading the word about massage. Many employers are getting the message and implementing wellness programs that include on-site massage.
Crain's Chicago Business, February, 1999, p. SR2
HR Magazine, October, 1998, pp. 107-110
Association Management Magazine, February 2000, p.33
Crain's Chicago Business states businesses with as few as 14 staff members, as well as large corporations like Motorola and Amoco, are now hiring massage therapists to perform massage in the workplace. the article (referenced below for your followup) adds that on-site massage is cheaper than vacation and child care benefits, and more than a low-cost office perk. It goes on to say that on-site massage reduces work-related stress, improves alertness, performance and productivity, and even keeps people feeling well enough to stay at work when they would rather go home.
HRMagazine recently published a story about massage that describes various corporate wellness programs, all of which include on-site massage as an employee benefit. Some of these programs are new; some have been in place for years. All are successful. Employees are feeling less stress, are more productive on the job and are less likely to take unplanned time off from work. The positive effect of massage in the workplace reaches everyone.
Association Management Magazine reports that The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans of Brookfield, WI conducted research on this subject and found that nearly 20% or employers now provide coverage for one or more alternative health benefits such as massage therapy.
From magazines to television to the Internet, media of all kinds are spreading the word about massage. Many employers are getting the message and implementing wellness programs that include on-site massage.
Crain's Chicago Business, February, 1999, p. SR2
HR Magazine, October, 1998, pp. 107-110
Association Management Magazine, February 2000, p.33
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What Makes A Good Massage?
The Healing Place of Cottage Grove
www.thehealingplacecg.com
A massage should be an invigorating and relaxing experience. Therefore, when going for a massage it is important to look out for a few key factors to get your dollar’s worth and to not waste your time. Many say that when looking for a masseuse that you should book with the most popular masseuse in that location. This usually means that they are more attentive to their client’s needs and thus have a busier clientele. It is important to try to relax before your massage, otherwise it will take longer for you to unwind during the process. However, what really makes a good massage is the masseuse or massage therapist who is performing the massage. It is vital for the masseuse to be qualified so that he or she will not further aggravate any injury that you may have. You should expect the therapist to have you fill out some sort of questionnaire so that he or she can figure out the best route for treatment. After analyzing your answers, the therapist should then explain to you what will be done. Some also ask if you are ticklish in areas or if there is any area that you would prefer to be left alone, such as the feet.
You will then be led to the massage room and will have to change. The room should be warm and inviting with a comfortable massage table for you to lay on. There should be plenty of privacy. Facial pillows are not always offered but definitely do help to alleviate tension in the neck and upper back during the massage. There should be a comfortable temperature in the room so that you will be able to lay with just the blanket over you and not be freezing cold or sweating. A good masseuse will tuck in all of the blankets for you, allowing you to relax throughout the entire experience. The massage therapist will use oils or lotions for certain massages but you can ask for this to be omitted if it makes you more comfortable.
As the massage commences, the backside of the client is usually the first to be worked on. If the pressure is too little or too much it is crucial to tell the therapist. Otherwise, the massage will either cause you to be in a lot of pain the next day or will not do anything for you. Massage therapists will usually start with a relatively good amount of pressure. A good massage therapist will use a variety of techniques throughout the massage so if you find one to be uncomfortable or painful, let the therapist know. Be aware that the trigger points for many ailments are not directly on the spot where you are feeling pain. Do not be alarmed if the therapist is not working directly on the painful area for this reasoning. However, if you are sore in your shoulders and the therapist is working on your leg, voice your opinion that maybe he or she should work on your back more. You will eventually be asked to turn around. The therapist should assist you with the blankets so that nothing is exposed. Make sure to tell the masseuse if you do or do not want your head and face worked on, but if the massage is good the therapist should have already asked you this.
When the massage is complete, you should feel loose and relaxed. Depending on the severity of your case, not all of the symptoms will have vanished. There should be no excruciating pain after the massage. If this is the case, clearly you have not done your research on the therapist. The massage therapist should make sure to remind you to drink lots of fluids after you leave. This is so that the body will be able to flush out any toxins in your body that were released during the massage. If you enjoyed your experience, it would be a good idea to make an appointment for a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks to keep up with the massage. You may want to come more or less frequently depending on your lifestyle and budget. A good massage is a great way to relax and to improve your health!
www.thehealingplacecg.com
A massage should be an invigorating and relaxing experience. Therefore, when going for a massage it is important to look out for a few key factors to get your dollar’s worth and to not waste your time. Many say that when looking for a masseuse that you should book with the most popular masseuse in that location. This usually means that they are more attentive to their client’s needs and thus have a busier clientele. It is important to try to relax before your massage, otherwise it will take longer for you to unwind during the process. However, what really makes a good massage is the masseuse or massage therapist who is performing the massage. It is vital for the masseuse to be qualified so that he or she will not further aggravate any injury that you may have. You should expect the therapist to have you fill out some sort of questionnaire so that he or she can figure out the best route for treatment. After analyzing your answers, the therapist should then explain to you what will be done. Some also ask if you are ticklish in areas or if there is any area that you would prefer to be left alone, such as the feet.
You will then be led to the massage room and will have to change. The room should be warm and inviting with a comfortable massage table for you to lay on. There should be plenty of privacy. Facial pillows are not always offered but definitely do help to alleviate tension in the neck and upper back during the massage. There should be a comfortable temperature in the room so that you will be able to lay with just the blanket over you and not be freezing cold or sweating. A good masseuse will tuck in all of the blankets for you, allowing you to relax throughout the entire experience. The massage therapist will use oils or lotions for certain massages but you can ask for this to be omitted if it makes you more comfortable.
As the massage commences, the backside of the client is usually the first to be worked on. If the pressure is too little or too much it is crucial to tell the therapist. Otherwise, the massage will either cause you to be in a lot of pain the next day or will not do anything for you. Massage therapists will usually start with a relatively good amount of pressure. A good massage therapist will use a variety of techniques throughout the massage so if you find one to be uncomfortable or painful, let the therapist know. Be aware that the trigger points for many ailments are not directly on the spot where you are feeling pain. Do not be alarmed if the therapist is not working directly on the painful area for this reasoning. However, if you are sore in your shoulders and the therapist is working on your leg, voice your opinion that maybe he or she should work on your back more. You will eventually be asked to turn around. The therapist should assist you with the blankets so that nothing is exposed. Make sure to tell the masseuse if you do or do not want your head and face worked on, but if the massage is good the therapist should have already asked you this.
When the massage is complete, you should feel loose and relaxed. Depending on the severity of your case, not all of the symptoms will have vanished. There should be no excruciating pain after the massage. If this is the case, clearly you have not done your research on the therapist. The massage therapist should make sure to remind you to drink lots of fluids after you leave. This is so that the body will be able to flush out any toxins in your body that were released during the massage. If you enjoyed your experience, it would be a good idea to make an appointment for a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks to keep up with the massage. You may want to come more or less frequently depending on your lifestyle and budget. A good massage is a great way to relax and to improve your health!
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