The holidays are upon us and for many people in the retail business, that means longer hours and an increase in work related stress. It is extremely important to take care of yourself all year round, but the holidays can induce extra issues.
Treat yourself this season to massage therapy and enjoy your work more with less back ache and shoulder twinges.
Note: Don’t ignore your body when new aches and pains develop. It is easy to brush these off and tell yourself, “I am just busier than normal. It will go away.” This can lead to chronic and debilitating pain if left untreated.
Retail workers spend a lot of time standing, lifting, stocking, stretching, carrying, and more. These types of activities are hard to endure for long periods of time day after day.
The Stats for Retail Workers
The NIOSH released a report in March 2010 that evaluated injuries and illnesses in the wholesale and retail trade industries. The study was the most comprehensive of its kind, and the results were surprising.
It is a common misconception that the retail industry is relatively safe. The report uncovered that the retail industry actually experiences a disproportionately high number of both injuries and fatalities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006, approximately 820,500 injuries and 581 fatalities occurred among the 21 million retail workers in the United States.
Common Injuries in the Retail Industry
Retail workers themselves often discount their own injuries, or don’t recognize the symptoms. Don’t let this be you!
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.).
The pain associated with these types of injuries include
Common MSDs include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Muscle / Tendon strain
- Ligament Sprain
- Tension Neck Syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet Compression
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Epicondylitis
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome
- Digital Neuritis
- Trigger Finger / Thumb
- DeQuervain’s Syndrome
- Mechanical Back Syndrome
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Ruptured / Herniated Disc,
- and many more.
The good news is that most of these types of injuries are preventable. Proper training, ergonomic workstations, and self-care can help you avoid these issues.
How Can Massage Help Retail Injuries?
Two non-evasive and holistic ways to treat MSDs is
All Body Kneads recommends regular massage and mental relaxation techniques for all retail workers BEFORE you develop any symptoms or pain. Prevention is the best way to combat MSDs.
Massage therapy can:
- Be more effective for chronic back pain than standard therapies
- Promote relaxation and alleviate the perception of pain
- Reduce headaches
- Stimulate the brain to produce endorphins
- Promote better sleep
Physicians and other health care providers are increasingly recommending massage therapy to their patients as a supplement to conventional health care.
Need more convincing?
Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?
At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best.
Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.
You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.
We’d also be happy to talk to your work place about at in-house wellness and chair massage program.
Leave a Reply