With the economy struggling, and public outrage at a peak over lavish corporate expenditures, some companies are still treating their employees well. They’re doing it cheaply, right from the office by hiring massage therapists to come to their businesses and provide employees with chair massage at or near their workstations.

”The massages we provide are not the type of luxury that you might find at a resort spa,” said Alana Eve Burman, president and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics, a provider of corporate massage across the U.S. and worldwide. “The cost is much lower, and employees get a significant stress relief and morale boost.”

And these are stressful times. With corporate revenue and earnings down sharply over this prolonged recession, times have rarely been worse for corporate expenditures on employees. However, companies are finding that office massage can be a cost-effective way to reward employees and de-stress the work environment.

“We need a way to reward our employees, to show them that they are worthwhile, even if the amount of money we can spend on them to do this has been reduced,” said Diana Cortijo with World Bank, the international financing and development institution and a recent recipient of office massage. “Chair massage offers us a low-price way to bring the luxury of massage to our employees.”

Office massage, in addition to being low-cost, is also low-maintenance for companies. Generally, therapists provide their own transportation to the business, and bring their own massage chair and supplies. They then perform massage on employees on-site, with the employees fully clothed in an ergonomically relaxed, seated position. Most on-site massage happens at an impromptu station, often setup in an unused meeting room in the office.

“It really takes the stress out,” said Helene Mangones of Graf Repetti & Co, LLP, another recent office massage recipient and New York based accounting firm. “All of a sudden bigger projects seem easier to tackle. And the stress that builds up during the day is relieved, allowing for an easier finish to the day, and even the current week and month.”

This stress reduction could ultimately lead to increases in productivity and a rise in profits. Stress is one of the leading causes of lowered productivity in the workplace. One estimate puts direct stress-related costs to businesses in the US at $300 billion annually. Studies by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami have shown stress reduction, mood and immune system benefits from massage therapy.

“We notice that things can get a little stressed, especially given the current economic environment,” Cortijo, of World Bank, said. “Office massage helps keep our workers’ minds and bodies fresh, and doesn’t stretch our budget to do it.”

By David Robbie Two BAs; work experience at a massage office

Sitting in a chair for 8+ hours a day often leads to repetitive stress injury and pain. Learn a practical and easy stretch for clients that sit behind a desk all day.

Quick Relief for the Chair Potato
By Karen Voight
LOS ANGELES TIMES

Do you find yourself spending more and more of your day sitting in a chair? This position often contributes to that stiff back and sore neck you feel at the end of your day or after prolonged sitting. Here is a quick stretch that you can do in a chair with armrests. It helps loosen tight muscles and relieve tension stored in your upper back and neck.

1. Sit near the front of your chair seat. Make sure that your knees are directly over your ankles and that your feet are not tucked underneath the chair. Lift your heels and squeeze your inner thighs together. Cross your arms in front of you, reaching the opposite armrest with each hand.

2. On an exhale, pull your navel in toward the back of your chair. Round your entire back and spread your shoulder blades apart as much as you can. Drop your chin toward your chest. Relax while you breathe deeply for six to eight breaths. Repeat as often as possible throughout the day.

Posted by Nicole at 03:50 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Buying a massage chair can be tricky if this is your first time. Because comfort and massage functions are the primary functions the massage chair will serve, the most important thing you can do in your research is go to multiple stores and try out a variety of brands, models, and designs.

Massage chairs have built in rollers, nodes, and air bags that try to emulate the hands and fingers of a massage therapist. When you are at the store trying the chairs out, notice the different massage functions as well as the intensity of the massage. Some chairs offer more massage functions, some allow you to set combinations of functions as well as the intensity. Most chairs that allow you to adjust the intensity will come with removable cushions. Just use more cushions to lighten the massage intensity, or fewer cushions to increase the intensity.

Inanimate comfort of the massage chair is really about supporting and filling the contours of your body. It comes down to size, and density of the chair. Removable cushions give users flexibility when it comes to density. You can add more cushions if you prefer to lounge on something soft or, if you need more support, remove cushions if you want your chair to be more firm with less support in specific areas of the body.

Comfort of the massage itself is about fitting the rollers to the size of the user. Some chairs start the back massage high in the backrest and rolls downward. For some people the starting position of the roller is too high and needs to be adjusted to start at a lower position. Some high end chairs will recognize the user’s height and automatically adjust accordingly. Even fancier featured chairs can even sense the location of the user’s spine. Other chairs will let you choose the sequence of massages and save settings that you like best to be performed the next time you hop on. Some chairs work areas other than the back like the arms, hips, legs and feet using air bags that inflate and deflate. Whatever you decide on, it is crucial to make sure you find a chair that fits your height or is adjustable to your height and anyone else who will be sharing use of the chair with you on a consistent basis.

For many people, the massage chair is a bulky item that will serve dual purpose as lounge chairs too. This being the case, you want your massage chair to be something that you look forward to when you come home. And being home is all about comfort.

Massage Chairs Review is designed to help you learn everything you need to know about massage chairs. When buying a chair we want you to be able to select the right chair and be aware of the different types of massage chairs and feature available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Edison

Our profession cannot decide what to call it: Onsite Massage, Chair Massage or Seated Massage. But Seated Massage has made a very impactful statement on the massage profession over the last twenty years.

It is one of the fastest growing disciplines within the scope of practice. The reason for this growth is manyfold. It makes it easier for people to do business with us. Seated Massage permits that first time client to experience our work with their clothes on and without being covered in oil or lotion. The cost of the massage is less and the benefits are great.

What do you need to do to be successful with the use of a massage chair as a delivery system for your work?

First, a good foundation is a necessity. Most massage schools (please note here I said most, not all) do not teach an adequate course on this material. Too many students are winging it or improvising their system. When taking a journey to success, it shortens the time to get there if you avail yourself of someone who has already made the trip. Take a class from someone who has a Seated Massage business and is knowledgeable of the work.

Secondly, be prepared to be flexible. Coming out of a treatment room adds a lot of variables to your activities, rather than being discombobulated by variations know they are going to come and be prepared.

Third, make a professional presentation of your work. Once you are out of the treatment room you are in the public eye. This is a good thing but comes with the added responsibility. Be, Look and Act the Role of a Professional in your personal demeanor, your work area and your actions.

Fourth, know the act of doing Seated Massage is only one of the reasons we are at a location. We are there to prospect for new clients, be sure to bring business cards and brochures and/or informational pieces to hand out. We are there to disseminate information on massage, bring appropriate materials.

And lastly, and very important, Smile, Be Friendly and Be a Good Listener.

Raymond Blaylock has been teaching massage therapy since 1976. He has spent the last 21 years developing applications for using massage chairs for stress relief, clinical and rehabilitation applications, and almost 10 years with the AVEDA Corporation creating salon and spa applications. He produced the top selling Seated Massage Technique Video in 1994 and the Seated Stone Experience in 2004. His event massage services business, Rejuvenation Destination has done conventions, trade shows and wellness programs for the last 20 years all over North American and Europe. Raymond has taught his educational programs in over 60 schools in the U.S, Canada, the UK and the Netherlands. He is one of the former founding Co-Executive Directors of the AMTA National Sports Massage Team and the former National Director of Public Relations for the AMTA.

Raymond Blaylock is a frequent contributor to magazines, trade journals and newspapers. He lives in Tampa, FL
Contact Raymond Blaylock at:
email: Raymond@seatedmassage.com
Blog: http://www.seatedmassage.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Raymond_Blaylock

corporate massage is a great insentive to your staff and they will love you for it.

These Exercises are ideal when you have corporate massages, as this keeps you focused at all times.

This page contains 2 minute exercise routines. These can be done at your desk. Including a regular mini break revives your body and enables you to be more productive. Press the start button on the timer below when you are ready. Drink more water little and often.

1.Clasp the tips of your fingers together, so your right hand is facing you; raise your elbows to chest height. Try to pull your fingers apart hold for the count of 5. Swap your hand around so left hand now faces you and pull again, hold for the count of 5. Repeat twice with each hand.

2.Breathe in and hold your breath. Rotate your shoulders backwards 5 times. Breathe out while you rotate your shoulders forwards 5 times. Repeat twice.

3.Stand with your hands down by your sides arms held straight. Raise your hands only, lift them upwards with palms facing the floor, feel the stretch in your wrists and fingers. Now flex your hands downwards bringing the palm of your hand closer to the side of your body. Flex your hands in both directions to increase flexibility. Repeat up and down 5 times relax and shake hands from side to side.

4.Breathe in. Flex your hands up and down 5 times. Breathe out and relax. Repeat twice.

5.Clasp your elbows in your hands. Hold them in front of your body at shoulder height. Breathe in, then breathe out as you lower your head it in between your arms. Then push your elbows away from your body Hold for 15 seconds. Drop your arms, at the same time take a deep breath in and raise your head. Repeat 4 times.

By joyce hardy www.therapy4u.biz http://www.click2revive.co.uk/timed_exercises.php?mins=

This page contains 2 minute exercise routines. These can be done at your desk. Including a regular mini break revives your body and enables you to be more productive. Press the start button on the timer below when you are ready. Drink more water little and often.

These Exercises are ideal when you have corporate massages, as this keeps you focused at all times.

1.Breathe in and hold your breath. Rotate your shoulders backwards 5 times. Breathe out while you rotate your shoulders forwards 5 times. Repeat twice.
2.Breathing normally. Gently pull each finger and thumb in turn. Then shake and flick your hands. Repeat twice.

3.Breathe normally. Gently lean backwards and then forwards five times each way.
4.Lay on a couch or bench. Breathe normally. Keep your feet flat and in contact with the surface. Slowly slide your feet towards your buttocks until your knees are raised Then gently slide them back down the bed and point your toes. Repeat 4 times. (If you have a problem with your back or your hips keep your feet in contact with the bed at all times). If you wish to extend this exercise you can do so by raising your knees to your chest.
5.Breathing normally. Face forwards. Lean your right ear to your right shoulder, pushing your left hand towards the floor.Hold for the count of 5. Then lean your left ear to your left shoulder,pushing your right hand towards the floor.Hold for the count of 5. Repeat twice.

Seated chair Massage is the best way to relax at your office

By Jocye Hardy www.therapy4u.biz http://www.click2revive.co.uk/timed_exercises.php?mins=

Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist’s strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.

People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members—or even casual acquaintances—are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or fliers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here’s an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers. Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment. If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

While word of mouth is your core strategy for long-term clients, there are plenty of other massage marketing ideas that can give your appointment schedule a boost. Chair massage is one of the most effective. It’s also an excellent introduction to massage therapy for potential clients. Chair massage allows clients to sample the power of healing touch before experimenting with the deeper benefits of full body massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for a handout are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge one dollar per minute for seated massage. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don’t hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

By: Jesse K. Taylor

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Copyright 2009 OneTouch Massage. For professional portable massage tables and massage supplies at wholesale prices, visit OneTouch Massage at www.1massagestore.com. Learn more about marketing your massage therapy business at the http://www.1massagestore.com/blog

Office massage, once considered a luxury, is gaining in popularity among over-stressed professionals who are working harder due to corporate downsizing and who are experiencing increased injury and illness as a result. Therapeutic massage is a proven method to alleviate stress and physical discomfort, and is becoming more popular among companies trying to keep absenteeism at bay. Rising unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation in the United States coupled with election year politics is causing a surge in anxiety for millions of Americans. The associated rise in feelings of irritability, depression and sleeplessness are helping to increase the demand for Chicago corporate massage, even in tough economic times.

The 12th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), released in August 2008, shows that nearly 60% of Americans feel more stressed than last year. The study confirmed that stress is one of the top reasons for getting a massage and that the increased demand for massage occurred in both higher and lower income brackets. Doctors who were queried said they were referring patients to massage therapists at an increasing rate, which points to the medical community’s increased awareness of the physical, emotional and cost effective benefits of therapeutic massage.

Corporate massage is being integrated into employee wellness programs as well as an incentive or as a reward for hard work. Heavy workloads make finding time for offsite stress relief a difficult task, and many professionals are unable to travel to a spa or dedicate the hour or more that a traditional massage requires. A Chicago chair massage is an ideal solution, because it imparts healing benefits in a short session and is performed on site, without the need for oils or for the client to disrobe. Clients of Chicago office massage experience a release of tension, improved mobility, lowered blood pressure, and improved emotional status, which can be considered a significant benefit for employers through a marked decrease in sick days.

In a tough economic climate, Americans are finding it necessary to cut back and re-prioritize, and companies are searching for ways to reduce their bottom line. For workers who do not receive corporate massage through their employer, it is important to keep personal health at the top of their agenda. For less than a night out at the movies or dinner at a restaurant, a chair massage can provide important and lasting health benefits to those who need it most.

21st October 2008Author: Brandon Thomas

Tags: stress relief, finding time, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, physical discomfort, chair massage
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_669550_17.html

In case you don’t know, one of the most popular benefits that’s offered to employees in the U.K. is workplace massage. An office massage takes only 10 or 15 minutes and has innumerable positive effects like improved creative thinking, fatigue relief, improved circulation, increased energy, relieves tight muscles and induces relaxation. In this workplace massage article, you’ll find some of the top tips that address an employer’s concerns.

Concern: We know our employees would enjoy workplace massages, but we’re concerned about the possibility of injury and about our liability in case this happens.

Tip: Be sure to choose massage therapists from companies that are insured and licensed, if licensing is a requirement in your location. You also might want to have employees sign a waiver before receiving their massage.

Concern: We’ve heard that massage at work is a great way to get and keep good employees but we’re concerned about the cost.

Tip: The cost of massage in the workplace is more than offset by its tremendous benefits. Many employers who have corporate massage programs report that such programs are very helpful in recruiting quality employees and in keeping job satisfaction high. Just check through the job listings on any major Internet site and you’ll find that office massages are an extremely popular perk. The cost can be as little as 8 or 9 pounds per employee.

Concern: Isn’t massage therapy in the workplace a luxury for companies that are seeking to keep costs under control?

Tip: Not really. The more stressful and high-pressure your work environment is due to cost cutting, budget trimming and layoffs, the more you need a strategy for keeping morale high and absenteeism low. Massage in the workplace will help relax muscle tension, reduce anxiety and help prevent conflicts because employees are relaxed and invigorated. Providing this cost- effective benefit is a great way to communicate your care and concern to your employees.

Concern: Will our employees have to undress for the massage? Do you use oils or creams that would be difficult to wash off?

Tip: Employees remain fully dressed for our workplace massages. The employee sits comfortably in the chair and receives a massage of back, shoulders, neck and arms. We do not use any creams or oils.

Concern: We have very strict security in our company. Should we be concerned about letting massage therapists into the workplace?

Tip: If security concerns are paramount, be sure to choose a workplace massage therapy provider that performs thorough background checks on its employees. Most large and reputable massage therapy service providers should have more than a few security-cleared employees on staff. Implementing a workplace massage program for a company in the U.K. is neither expensive nor complex, especially when you consider all the tangible and intangible benefits that accrue to both the employee and the employer.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_689921_17.html

Chair massage, also referred to as seated massage, corporate massage or on-site massage, is a form of therapeutic massage that is performed in a time-condensed session. A licensed massage therapist using a special, ergonomically designed massage chair performs the massage. The massage chair is designed to elongate the muscles of the back and is designed to accommodate clients of all body types.

The chair massage therapist performs the massage without oils, which eliminates the need for the client to disrobe. The massage is generally concentrated on the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands, with sessions lasting for five to fifteen minutes. Chair massage sessions can be accompanied by aromatherapy, which is the use of essential oils to help promote deeper relaxation as well as physical and psychological well-being. Reflexology can also be part of a chair massage session. Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific zones of the foot in order to have a positive effect on related organs and tissues throughout the body.

Chair massage has many important benefits, the most obvious being its convenience for the client. The portability of the massage chair allows the therapist to perform the chair massage in a variety of settings, which is why it is often termed on-site massage. The massage chair takes up a small amount of space and a chair massage station can be set up in a matter of minutes. Since there is no need for the client to undress, privacy is less of an issue than with traditional table massage. However, for those who wish to have a more private setting, a screen can be set up around the chair, or the station can be located in an empty room or office.

Other far-reaching benefits of chair massage are the enhanced sense of physical and emotional well-being that results from the deep relaxation that the massage provides. Chair massage effectively reduces feelings of anxiety and soothes away the tension that is primarily held in the muscles of the shoulders, neck and back. Such benefits are immediate and long lasting, enabling the client to carry on with their day feeling refreshed and pain-free.

Chair massage also helps to increase circulation, which is important in maintaining healthy and nourished muscles, joints and tissues. Those who work in office environments often do so in poorly designed workstations, which can contribute to the onset of repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Office massage can reduce the pain associated with repetitive stress injury by gently lengthening muscles and separating adhesions caused by scar tissue.

The effectiveness of chair massage in lessening muscle tension has a positive effect on a client’s range of motion and flexibility. Reduced muscle tension allows for greater flexibility, which is an important factor in injury prevention. Those who receive regular chair massage also benefit from improved posture and decreased back pain.

Additionally, corporate massage has been shown to have a significant effect on a recipient’s cognitive function. Studies have shown that chair massage enhanced problem solving skills and creativity, and that those positive benefits were long lasting. Chair massage’s ability to relieve stress and anxiety is also useful in curtailing the onset of chronic tension headaches and has been shown to be useful in the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Finally, it should be noted that chair massage is very affordable, making it an accessible form of treatment for people in a wide range of economic situations. Chair massage sessions are generally priced around one dollar per minute, and because the sessions are concentrated, the cost for a typical chair massage is analogous to a movie ticket or lunch at a restaurant, but with healthful benefits that last much longer. The immediate and far-reaching benefits of chair massage have made it an increasingly popular choice for those who need an affordable, effective and convenient way to reduce stress and improve their overall physical and emotional well-being.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_761938_17.html