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  Home Balance Massage Therapy - at the Office, for the Office
Massage Therapy - at the Office, for the Office
By Leigh Culpepper

Oh, my aching back! Sitting at a computer screen all day has really done a number on my back and neck. In an attempt to get some pain relief, I went for a massage--and found out that I am not alone. When I told the massage therapist where I hurt, she nodded knowingly. "I see this every day," she said. "At least half of my clients complain of lower back pain and shoulder aches."


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Members of today's workforce increasingly suffer from long-term strains and aches caused by computer-related work activities, such as sitting in one position, using a mouse and typing on a keyboard. But massage therapy can help--and not just with pain in the back, shoulders or neck. "Tightness in the neck or shoulder is related to wrist, arm and hand problems including carpal tunnel syndrome," explains Andrew Morris, chief operating officer of Body Techniques Massage. Massage of the neck and shoulder area, along with work on the arms and hands can therefore ease pain and tension in these areas and may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Massage is also a viable healing alternative for people not ready to see a chiropractor or doctor. Often, chiropractors will recommend massage therapy in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments. Massage therapy can be an enjoyable and non-intimidating way to begin overall bodywork.

Massage in the Workplace

Yes, you can get a massage at work, and, no, you don't have to get undressed! An increasing number of workplaces are offering "chair massage" as a popular, tension-reducing benefit for employees. Chair massage is a massage session performed on a seated, fully clothed client, using no lotions or oils.

Andrew Morris, chief operating officer of Body Techniques Massage, explains, "When we are giving the chair massages, we focus in the first three or four minutes on releasing the tension or stimulation that your body experiences at work. The next step is to focus on the areas that need work: the shoulder, neck, lower back, etc. At the end of the massage we use a more rapid massage technique to help stimulate the person again, so that they are relaxed but invigorated at the same time. The end goal is to become calm but clear-headed."

Morris advises that employers who are considering hiring a massage therapist for chair massages ask some basic questions: Are the massage therapists certified professionals? Do the therapists bring a special chair? Where should it be set up? Do the therapists carry liability insurance?
 
Massage at Home

If you work at home or simply want to relax after work, many massage therapists will come to your home. Andrew Morris explains that massages in your home are very different. "At home you can have a full hour or 90 minutes of table massage," he explains. "This allows the therapist to give you a more in-depth treatment.

"Many people also like to have massages at home because they can just fall asleep afterward. They are able to relax more during the massage because they know they don't have to drive anywhere after the massage. The most effective part of the massage comes after you relax."

Therapists who come to your home bring their own table and oils. All you need to provide is some space and a quiet atmosphere.
 
Types of Massage

Polarity
Energy-based massage and bodywork techniques from Polarity Therapy. Founded by Dr. Randolph Stone, D.O., D.C., N.D., this is a complete holistic health-care system. Polarity therapy also includes polarity yoga, polarity diet and awareness-enhancement methods.

Reflexology
Reflexology operates on the assumption that massaging certain points of the feet and hands can affect specific areas elsewhere in the body. This technique can also relieve overall tension and body stress.

Rolfing
This method and theory of bodywork works with the connective tissue of a client in order to introduce structural changes in the body.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese healing art in which pressure is applied to particular acupressure areas.

Sports Massage
Sports massage can help a dedicated athlete who trains on a daily basis. It focuses on the muscles used by that athlete. Massage can be used before and after competition to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Swedish
Swedish massage is the most common form of massage, and most massage therapists practice it.

Trigger Point, Neuromuscular, Mytherapy
Trigger points are central points of tension from which congested muscles send pain to other nerves. If a trigger point is identified and treated, relief there will affect the other areas, too, thus increasing the effects of treatment.
 
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