m2m - Massage 2 Motivate: Research

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*Research shows that workers with good health and
lifestyle habits:
• take less sick leave
• are more satisfied with their performance
• perform more effective working hours each month

*The Health of Australia’s Workforce - Medibank Bank Private study - November 2005

Massage in the Workplace Balances Health with Working Life

Massage Therapy’s positive effect* on a number of work-related conditions has lead the Australian Association of Massage Therapy (AAMT) to focus on corporate massage during this year’s MTW to be held nationally 4-11 September 2006.

A recent study by Medibank Private** found that healthy workers are 3 times more productive than those who define themselves as having poor health – taking on average 18 sick days a year as compared to 2 for those who describe themselves as having good health. Workers with good health and lifestyle habits take less sick leave, are more satisfied with their performance and perform more effective working hours each month.

Tricia Hughes, the CEO of AAMT says that ‘massage therapists are seeing daily the physical results of stress and injuries related to the workplace’.

“Introducing massage as part of staff wellness programs is a smart way for employers to balance health with working life – and there are benefits for both employee as well as employer.

“Employers see increased productivity when they offer massage in the workplace to relieve muscle tension, lower stress and anxiety, alleviate pain and stiffness and reduce inflammation in joint and soft tissue.’

Commenting on the Medibank Private study, National Manager, Corporates, Anthony Goldman says: "Medibank’s research findings point to a clear link between a healthy worker and higher productivity. Our research showed that stress does reduce an employee’s well-being which can in turn reduce performance and productivity. Massage is one method employees can employ to reduce stress."

It is usual for massage therapists performing MT in the workplace to provide their own mobile massage chair or table and concentrate on back, shoulders, neck and arms. The client stays fully clothed and a session generally lasts 15 minutes or more.
When choosing a Massage Therapist, select a member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists. There are about 6,000 AAMT members throughout Australia with formal accredited qualifications who are committed to professional development and have representation to health funds. Visit www.aamt.com.au for more information, to find a therapist and for upcoming events for Massage Therapy Week.

Research Articles on Effects of Corporate /Seated Massage AAMT’s Massage Therapy Week

September 4 - 11

Cady SH, Jones GE. (Feb, 1997). Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Percept Mot Skills. 1997 Feb;84(1):157-8..
Abstract: Department of Management, Bowling Green State University, OH 43403-0270, USA. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 15-min. on-site massage while seated in a chair on reducing stress as indicated by blood pressure. 52 employed participants' blood pressures were measured before and after a 15-min. massage at work. Analysis showed a significant reduction in participants' systolic and diastolic blood pressure after receiving the massage although there was no control group.

Gwen E. Jones, Karen R. Shulman (Jan, 1996). The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy Intervention on Reducing Anxiety in the Workplace The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Vol. 32, No. 2, 160-173 (1996).
Abstract: Bowling Green State University This study evaluated the effectiveness of an on-site chair massage therapy program in reducing anxiety levels of employees. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest control group design was used to determine changes in anxiety levels due to the massage therapy intervention. Eighteen subjects participated in the chair massage therapy program for 6 weeks. Fifteen control group subjects participated in break therapy. For 15 minutes weekly, subjects either received a massage or were 31 August, 2007reatment or control condition. Participants' stress levels were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Self-Assessment Questionnaire. This measure was administered twice during pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest to achieve stable measures. Significant reductions in anxiety levels were found for the massage group. Future research and implications for management are discussed.

31 August, 2007 and tension are reduced among hospital nurses after on-site massage treatments: a pilot study. J Perianesth Nurs. 1999 Jun;14(3):128-33..
Abstract: Department of Psychology, Toronto Hospital, ON, Canada. Tension and pain are common occupational hazards of modern-day nursing, especially given recent changes to the health care system. The aims of the pilot study were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of carrying out a series of eight 15-minute workplace-based massage treatments, and (2) to determine whether massage therapy reduced pain and stress experienced by nursing staff at a large teaching hospital. Twelve hospital staff (10 registered nurses and 2 nonmedical ward staff) working in a large tertiary care center volunteered to participate. Participants received up to eight, workplace-based, 15-minute Swedish massage treatments provided by registered massage therapists. Pain, tension, relaxation, and the Profile of Mood States were measured before and after each massage session. Pain intensity and tension levels were significantly lower after massage (P < .01). In addition, relaxation levels and overall mood state improved significantly after treatments (P < .01). The results of this pilot study support the feasibility of an eight-session, workplace-based, massage therapy program for pain and tension experienced by nurses working in a large teaching hospital. Further research is warranted to study the efficacy of workplace massage in reducing stress and improving overall mood.

Taken from www.softtissuetherapy.com.au

(See Research Articles/chair, corporate massage)