Fatigue is something that most of us have experienced at one time or another. It is usually due to over-exertion or an unusual amount of stress and will go away with rest and relaxation. However, some people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People who suffer from CFS frequently complain of extended periods of extreme fatigue with seemingly no perceivable cause or reason.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:
prolonged and unexplained feelings of tiredness
muscle and joint pain
headaches
sore throat
insomnia
painful lymph nodes
forgetfulness
impaired mental functions
There are an estimated one million (or more) people who have this disorder in the U.S. alone. Both men and women can experience it but it is most common among women aged 40 to 50. Unfortunately, there is no cure, although you can manage the symptoms in a variety of ways.
Massage Therapy is one of the best ways to treat fatigue
Massage is one of the most recommended types of alternative therapies to treat the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here is what it can help with:
physical manipulations of the skin and muscles help promote good circulation
improves blood circulation
creates an overall feeling of well-being
If you are experiencing fatigue of any kind or suffer from CFS, massage therapy may be able to help you manage your symptoms and find some relief. We’d love to help you. Please email us to discuss your symptoms and concerns and to schedule an appointment.
There are differences between a therapeutic massage and a spa massage. Sometimes a therapeutic massage is also called a clinical or medical massage . The main goal of a spa massage is typically relaxation, stress relief, and promoting good sleep.
However, a therapeutic massage treatment is planned out with a specicial goal in mind. Typically, to relieve pain or tension on a specific part of the body. Often patients are referred by a doctor and insurance may even cover all or some of the treatments. With therapeutic treatment, the intention is to improve a specific ailment or condition. A common reason for therapeutic massage is often injury resulting from a car accident.
These types of massage are often covered by insurance and All Body Kneads also accepts Health Savings Accounts and Health Flex spending accounts.
Types of Therapeutic Massage
There are many different types of massage and therapeutic massage uses techniques that target specific areas or issues. The two most common types are:
Myofascial Release
Myofascial tissue is a type of thin, strong, fibrous connective tissue that extends throughout your body to provide support and protection to your muscles and bones. When this tissue gets damaged, tightened, or “bunched up” it can cause pain. In severe cases a patient can develop Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
During a myofascial release massage the therapist gently massages the myofascia and feels for stiff or tightened areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. This allows the tissue to release pressure and tightness. The process is repeated multiple times on the same area (and any other ares) until the the tension is fully released.
Conditions that are treated by myofascial release include:
Trigger point massage is designed to relieve pain in particular areas of the body by applying pressure or vibration into trigger points. Trigger points are points in the muscles where knots may form, and the pinpointed pressure is designed to relax those knots and ease pain.
It can be a safe self-treatment with the potential to help with many common pain problems that don’t respond well (or at all) to anything else.
Treatment is very similar to myofascial release. Muscle pain is big deal and aches and pains are an extremely common medical complaint. Trigger points seem to be a factor in many of them.
Common conditions treated by trigger point therapy include:
sciatica
carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic jaw pain
toothaches
earaches
sinusitis
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
dizziness
A sore throat or a lump in the throat
fibromyalgia
unexplained pain
Therapeutic Message Results
While a spa massage may successfully relax you or temporarily relieve some stress, therapeutic massage will produce tangible results. It is based around your health needs and goals. All Body Kneads provides therapeutic massage and Bilky is experienced in both Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy.
Curious about exactly what happens during a couples massage? There are many benefits to a couples massage and we are here to explain it so you can tell your sweetie and book one today!
Note: Couples massages are not just booked by intimate partners.They can also be enjoyed by mothers and daughters, friends. etc.
What to expect during a couples massage
During a couples massage, two people are massaged in the same room at the same time. However, you are each laying on your own massage table positioned side by side. There are two massage therapists; one working on you, and one working on your partner.
The massage therapists will lead you to the massage room, show you where to put clothes and then will leave for a few minutes while you get undressed (to your comfort level) and you slide under the sheet on the table. During a couple’s massage, you can undress together in the room or take turns if that feels more comfortable.
Either way, the massage therapists re-enter the room when both of you are situated comfortably under the sheets. The two therapists coordinate their work so they begin and end at the same time.
During the massage, the therapist will pull back the sheet to expose the part of your body being worked on. At no time with you be lying fully exposed on the table.
When the massages are over the therapists leave the room and you and your partner have time to get dressed.
Couples massage is a great way to share something together. It saves time and eliminates the argument of “who gets to get massaged first?”
Benefits of a Couples Massage
There are many benefits to massage in general which can be found in our article The Benefits of Massage.
In addition to being relaxing, improving sleep, and reducing stress, couples massage can provide a space for you and your partner to bond and relax together. It can be a unique experience to share and you will both feel connected and closer.
During a massage your body releases oxytocin which creates a sense of well-being. Oxytocin is often called the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially. During a couples massage, love is literally in the air.
A Great Introduction to Massage
Couples massage is also a great way for one person to introduce the benefits of massage to another. If your partner or spouse has never had a massage and is reluctant to try one, he or she may feel much more comfortable experiencing it with you. This way you can guide him or her and let them know what to expect.
A Healthy Celebration
Often people will book a couples massage as a way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or other significant milestone. This is a fantastic and healthy alternative to a big meal, dessert, or alcohol. You can enjoy and celebrate your special day without railroading your health goals or by getting hung over. A couples massage is a perfect evening for two.
Couples Massage Etiquette
Talking. It is perfectly appropriate to talk to one another during a couples massage. You can even talk to the massage therapists if you prefer. Some people prefer no talking during a massage so they can concentrate on connecting with their body and focus on the work being done. Others prefer light conversation. We suggest talking as a couple before the massage to determine what you prefer so you both know what to expect.
Sleeping. It is not uncommon to fall asleep during a massage. Do not be alarmed or annoyed if your partner falls asleep. The massage is working and providing relaxation.
Massage Pressure. Let your massage therapist know if you would like more or less pressure. Also, if you have any areas you would like them to concentrate on or be aware of.
Intimacy. While couples massage can provide the precursor for an intimate evening, it is not appropriate to engage in intimacy in the massage room during or after the massage. Please be conscientious of the massage therapists’ time and schedule. Many couples will book a couples massage at home so they can be fully relaxed and enjoy their time together in privacy after the massage.
Are you ready for a couples massage?
All Body Kneads has a beautiful and relaxing couples massage room. You can choose a 60 Minute Couples Massage ($75.00 per person) or a 90 Minute Couples Massage ($90.00 per person).
Is massage therapy safe during chemotherapy treatments?
Some people worry that massage can spread cancer cells throughout the body via the lymphatic system. However, researchers have shown that cancer develops and spreads because of changes to a cell’s DNA (genetic mutations) and other processes in the body–not through massage.
Studies have also shown that massage seems to offer both physical and emotional benefits for people with cancer, including:
Makes them feel whole again
Helps them share feelings in an informal setting
Makes them feel more positive about their body
Rebuilds hope
Reduces anxiety
Helps to manage pain
Reduces Fatigue
Increases immune function
Increased mobility
Increases circulation
Breaks up scar tissue
Loosens mucus in the lungs
Promotes Sinus drainage
Provides relief of pain, arthritis, constipation, and colds
Things to consider before getting massage during chemotherapy
Any person experiencing a compromised immune system, pre or post surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy should consider the following before having a massage:
Talk to Your Doctor and Massage Therapist
It is important to consult with your doctor and oncologist before undergoing massage therapy. Your doctor may be able to recommend a massage therapist skilled in working with cancer patients. It is also important to let your massage therapist know about your diagnosis, treatment, and any symptoms you may have.
Note: Bilky Joda-Miller is a trained and skilled massage therapist and a breast cancer survivor as well. She is so passionate about helping cancer patients that she started the non-profit Mid-Michigan Massage Therapy Institute, in part, to offer free or reduced rate massage to cancer patients and survivors.
Light Massage to Avoid Bruising
People undergoing chemotherapy may have a decrease in red and white blood cells which can make the body more susceptible to bruising. Therefore, light massage is recommended for people currently in treatment.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can add to the general relaxing properties of a massage and help to create a soothing and healing atmosphere.
Post Surgery
If you have recently had surgery, such as for breast cancer, you should only lay on your back, until your doctor decides it is safe for you to lay on your stomach. If you have different (or additional) surgery sites, the appropriate accommodations will be made. Hand and feet massage (reflexology) is also a great way to experience the benefits of massage without undergoing a full-body massage if that is not possible at this time.
Radiation
For patients currently undergoing radiation, the massage therapist should avoid touching any sensitive skin in the treatment area. Massage and massage oils and creams may further irritate skin. If you aren’t experiencing any skin irritation, any massage to this area should be extremely light and conducted through a soft towel or cloth.
Lymph Nodes and Lymphedema
If you have had any lymph nodes removed, these sites should only receive very light touch on the affected arm and the area around the underarm.
With lymphedema, the affected arm and underarm areas should not be recieve traditional light massage. It might make the condition worse. However, manual lymphatic drainage massage is used instead. It is important that you work with a massage therapist familiar with this technique.
Finding the Right Massage Therapist
If you are in the Lansing, Michigan area, you need to look no further. Bilky Joda-Miller is a skilled massage therapist in working with cancer patients, survivors, and their caretakers. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she has a unique and personal perspective on the healing nature of massage. Call today to talk with Bilky and schedule your appointment. 517-898-2899
The Research
Several clinical studies show that massage can reduce symptoms such as stress, nausea, pain, fatigue and depression.
A systematic review (1) of studies on aromatherapy and massage for relieving symptoms in people with cancer looked at 10 studies including eight randomised controlled trials. It found that massage consistently reduced anxiety and depression. Massage also helped lower nausea and pain, but not as consistently.
A large American study (2) published in 2004 looked at the effects of massage therapy on almost 1300 people with cancer over three years. People in hospital had a 20-minute massage, and people treated as outpatients had a 60-minute session. The study found that overall, massage therapy reduced pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression. The benefits lasted longer in the patients who had the 60-minute session.
Another American study (3) of 39 people looked at the safety and effectiveness of massage in reducing stress hormone levels in patients with blood cancer. It randomised people to receive aromatherapy, massage or rest. The study concluded that massage significantly reduced the stress hormone.
1 Fellowes D, Barnes K, Wilkinson SSM. Aromatherapy and massage for symptoms relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Iss 4.
2 Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ. Massage therapy for symptom control: outcome study at a major cancer centre. J Pain Symptom Manage 2004 Sep; 28 (3): 244–9.
3 Stringer J et al. Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and prolactin. Psycho-Oncology 2008 Oct; 17 (10): 1024–31.
Are you experiencing an abnormal amount of anxiety? Are you having trouble keeping your anxious thoughts and fears at bay? Maybe your anxiety is manifesting in your body and causing tension headaches, stressed and sore muscles, and exhaustion.
Anxiety is a real physical and emotional event that normally occurs in all of our lives from time to time. We experience anxiety when life throws us curve balls and becomes a lot more stressful. However, for some people, anxiety manifests into a debilitating sense of panic that is hard to overcome on your own. A foreboding sense of worry and fear can make it hard to navigate life in relatively normal situations.
There are different types of anxiety disorders including:
generalized anxiety disorder
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
specific phobias
separation anxiety disorder
Regardless of the type of anxiety you experience, it is hard and can leave you feeling exhausted and down.
If you have been feeling overly anxious lately due to events you can identify or are looking for ways to manage your anxiety disorder in a gentle, relaxing way, the good news is that massage therapy can really help.
Maybe you know someone who is going through a particular tough time and is experiencing anxiety and fear. You could gently suggest that a massage could provide rest, relaxation, and relief from their troubles so they can recharge and be in a better place physically and mentally to face them.
Maybe you or someone you know has been struggling to keep their anxiety in check and is having a hard time remaining calm and free from fear. It truly can be exhausting.
How Massage Can Help with Anxiety
The Mayo Clinic reports a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 30 percent after just one session. Stress is a huge part of anxiety and lowering stress is the key to managing anxiety.
Several different types of massage are effective in relieving stress and anxiety. However, we recommend the following:
Relaxation Massage
A relaxation massage is exactly what is sounds like. The goal is to create an atmosphere of serene relaxation using gentle massage techniques. It can also include low lighting, soft music, and aromatherapy such as lavender to promote calm. Relaxation massage does not include deep tissue muscle work that could be uncomfortable and is used more for rehabilitation on sore or injured areas.
A relaxation massage will leave the client feeling rested, calm, and at peace. It promotes good sleep and can have lasting effects for hours or days.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the practice of using reflex points on the hands, feet, and the head that are linked to every portion of the body. Reflexology relieves tension, treats illnesses, and enhances general well-being. For some patients experiencing anxiety, a full-body massage may not be exactly what they want because they may be unable to fully relax into the treatment. In these cases, reflexology can be just as soothing. The massage therapist concentrates on massing just the hands and feet and sometimes the head. The patient can remain clothed and in a reclined seating position.
Because reflexology concentrates on many points on the hands and feet that correlate to other parts of the body, the patient often feels as though they have had a full body massage and enjoys the same relaxation benefits.
How to Get Started with Massage for Anxiety
It is important to find a massage therapist who is knowledgeable in relaxation techniques and is aware and sensitive to acute anxiety and anxiety disorders. It is also important that the massage studio atmosphere is welcoming, calm, and comfortable. Nothing about the experience should trigger more anxiety.
You can help the massage therapist by explaining your goals for the massage and informing him or her of your anxiety. In addition to the massage, the therapist may offer additional advice on stretches, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and other helpful tips on ways to reduce anxiety.
Bilky, the owner of All Body Kneads, is a skilled massage therapist with experience in working with many patients with anxiety and the symptoms that it produces. Her quiet, calm demeanor and peaceful studio will help you to relax and will provide relief from your worried mind and tense body.
If you would like to talk more about massage and anxiety or would like to book an appointment for yourself or someone you know please call Bilky at 517-898-2899 or you can email at bilky@allbodykneads.com .
The fountain of youth has still not been discovered, but there are gentle, all-natural ways to anti-aging. It does not require surgery or pills or toxic products. Facial massage has been proven to help with the effects of aging. However, massage therapy does not have to stop at your face to help with anti-aging. Stress is a huge factor in bringing on the signs of aging prematurely. Graying hair and wrinkles are only part of the problem.
Let’s take a look at how massage can help you look younger and combat stress.
Facial Massage for Anti-Aging
Facial massage can help keep the skin looking young, smooth, and firm. During a facial massage, your massage therapist will use upward, gentle, yet stimulating strokes. Here are some additional benefits:
Helps prevent wrinkles by relieving stress and tension. Facial massage helps to relax tense muscles and decrease the lines that are formed by tension.
Alleviates anxiety. A worried face looks older. Facial massage also helps to relieve anxiety and improve a person’s mood.
Increases circulation. The increase in circulation can give your skin a youthful glow and brings oxygen to the skin of the face, acting as a natural face lift.
Eliminate toxins. Facial massage can stimulate the lymphatic vessels which facilitates eliminating toxins.
Reduce congestion. Facial massage can help relieve congestion by improving drainage. This will reduce puffiness and swelling.
Full Body Massage for Anti-Aging
In addition to helping your face look younger, massage therapy helps your entire body and your soul. Our emotional age can feel years beyond our physical age when we experience excess stress, worry, and anxiety. Take the time for some self-care by managing your stress and feel like yourself again.
Full body massage has many of the same benefits listed above with the following additional benefits:
Stress-relief. Stress is bad enough on its own, however, it also ages us by shortening our telomeres (stretches of DNA at the ends of chromosomes, which allow cells to divide) which has been associated with aging and cancer.
Improve posture. Poor posture reduces your height and can make your body look tired. But more importantly, bad posture can also adversely affect your circulatory, digestive, and nervous system function. These systems have to work harder to support your body.
Better sleep. The positive effects of massage therapy include decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine, suggesting relaxation in the brain and better sleep quality. Did you know people with high levels of cortisol almost always look older than they really are?
What is the good news about Anti-Aging?
What can we do to stop aging in its tracks? You can book a trip to find the fountain of youth, or you can book a massage with a trusted massage therapist. One of these sounds a lot more relaxing than the other, not to mention a lot more affordable. Check out our website for deals and packages, and start looking and feeling younger today.
Road construction season is finally here in Michigan. Wait? What? If we are honest, road construction seems like it happens all year round, but the cones, the orange vests, and the lane closures are always a huge part of Michigan summers. It can be so annoying to sit in our cars in a traffic jam on 496 or I-75 going up north because of road construction.
However, every time I am sitting in my nice air conditioned car I watch the workers. These men and women have a really hard job. They must know that all the drivers going by are annoyed by the delay. These are the same drivers that complain about the condition of Michigan roads. We can’t help it. It really is a no-win situation isn’t it?
Not only do road construction workers have to execute back breaking labor and deal with hot weather, but they have to worry about their safety while out on the highways as well. Sounds stressful, doesn’t it? I just want to reach out and rub their shoulders sometimes.
Do you Know and Love a Road Construction Worker?
Chances are, if you live in Michigan you know, and maybe even love, a road construction worker. I can’t think of a more prevalent job this time of year where massage therapy could really help with the physical and stressful aspects of their jobs than road workers. Here are just a few of the benefits of massage specifically for this line of work:
Greater energy and reduce fatigue
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
Increase joint flexibility
Reduce spasms and cramping
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
Reduces the effects of stress and promotes relaxation
Improves sleep
Do you know a road worker who could benefit from massage therapy?
If you know a road construction worker please share this article with them. If you are a road worker, thank you for all your hard work. Please share this article with your co-workers and encourage them to take care of their bodies just as well as they are taking care of our roads.
Schedule an appointment today online or call 517-898-2899.
Business owners understand the mental and physical load it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Early morning meetings, evening networking events, exhausting travel, and worry. It is great to be the boss, but it isn’t easy, and it isn’t for everyone.
You also have an obligation to your clients and employees to stay on top of your game. Often this means taking time out to take care yourself. Sure, you can hit the gym at 5 am, but what are you doing for a mental or emotional break?
Work-Life Balance is a catch phrase thrown around a lot in the last few years. Let’s be honest though, owning a business is not a sure fire way to gain work-life balance. Actually, maintaining this balance on a daily basis is not even an achievable reality. You have busy days and not quite so busy days. The work and stress ebbs and flows in the life a business owner. When you find yourself in the throws of a really busy time, massage can help you keep going. When you power through a busy season and find yourself with some down time, a massage is a great to recharge.
Here is a list of times when a business owner could most benefit from a massage:
Before or after a big presentation
After coming home from traveling
At the close of a successful Quarter
At the close of a disappointing quarter
At the end of a week of pulling too many late nights
After bringing on a new client
After losing a great client
After a grand opening
After any big event
Workplace Wellness Starts with You, Business Owner!
You already know that as a business owner, you set the example for your employees. Your attitude and vision determines the company culture and drives innovation. That is a lot of responsibility. However, encouraging your employees to take their own responsibility for their health can go a long way to improving the health of your bottom line. Taking care of your own mental and physical health is a great first step. A second step is to create a company wellness program. On-site chair massage could be part of that plan. Introducing your employees to the benefits of massage can start them down the road to a lifetime of self-care and stress management. People will come running to the call of “FREE chair massage in the break room” much faster (and healthier) than they will to “Free cupcakes and pizza in the break room.”
Be the business owner who practices and promotes workplace wellness.
Could you and your employees benefit from any of the following benefits of massage? Give All Body Kneads a call today and book an appointment. Serving the Greater Lansing and Mid-Michigan area. 517-898-2899
Benefits of Massage
Decreased anxiety
Enhanced sleep quality
Greater energy
Improved concentration
Increased circulation
Reduced fatigue
Enhanced sleep quality
Greater energy
Improved concentration
Increased circulation
Reduced fatigue
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays
Ease medication dependence
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
Increase joint flexibility
Lessen depression and anxiety
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling
Reduce spasms and cramping
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
Do you work in Landscaping or Grounds Keeping? Spring has finally sprung in Michigan and the sounds of buzzing lawn equipment can be heard all day long. The brigades of landscaping trucks are out roaming around and men and women are working hard to get our lawns and yards in shape. We have such a small window of seasonal opportunity here in the Midwest and landscapers and lawn maintenance workers work extra hard.
So do their backs, arms, and legs. If you’ve even done even one hour of yard work you can relate. Oh, the next day we pay for it don’t we? In fact, there are a lot of common injuries related to grounds keeping.
Most Common Landscaping Injuries
Muscle Soreness and Overexertion
The majority of minor (non-fatal) injuries among landscape workers are caused by overexertion. Excess stress on the body like lifting, digging, twisting, turning and carrying are all actions that landscape workers do frequently. These actions, if done incorrectly or just too repetitively, can cause injuries. Unfortunately, these types of injuries can cause a lot of pain. Ouch!
Regular massage therapy can help quite a bit with this type of pain. You are also more likely to have an accident, trip, or fall when you are tired or fatigued. Massage can help you avoid that as well. This goes for weekend warriors and home owners who try to tackle too much yard work at once.
For the people who work day in and day out in the landscaping business, regular massage can go a long way to counter-balancing the work you are putting your body through.
Equipment Related Injuries
Grounds Keepers work with a lot of different types of equipment and tools. They have to know how to safely operate all of them. Even with proper training, accidents can happen. Tractors or mowers can roll over onto workers. Car accidents happen. Mowers, hedgers, trimmers, chainsaws–they all have the potential for causing great harm.
Injury By Nature
It sounds weird, but it is a thing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that about 60 percent of contact-related landscape worker deaths result from workers being hit by falling objects such as logs, trees or branches. Yell TIMBER and get out of the way!
Exposure to the Elements or Harmful Substances
Landscapers can come in contact with harmful chemicals and fertilizers. Also, being electrocuted is common when workers are digging or working with machinery and tools or when workers come into contact with overhead power lines. You also run the risk of overexposure to the sun and suffering from heatstroke.
Massage can’t prevent serious work-related injuries. However, if you or a co-worker undergo surgery for a landscaping accident (or any kind of surgery), often times massage can help with the post-operative recovery. Massage can reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling. It also releases endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Say Thank You to the People Who Keep Your Yard Looking Great!
Landscapers work hard so we don’t have to. Sure, you pay them for their work, but a really nice gesture would be to get him or her a gift certificate for a massage. You can be sure they will greatly appreciate it. Especially if they don’t think to do this for themselves. If they feel good they will be able to keep your yard looking good too!
Are you going to be working in your yard this weekend? Why not book a massage appointment for Monday? Trust us, you will be so glad you did!
Call today: 517-898-2899
Are you self-employed or an employee? Your employment status will become very important as soon as you get inured on the job.
Can we all agree that massage for teachers is a great idea?
It’s that time of year again! Spring officially starts this week and if you live in the Mid-west, you know how much we all need the sunshine right now. As we are all breathing a breath of fresh air, teachers everywhere are gearing up for the home stretch. The last semester.
Kids are very squirrely right now and teachers might be feeling a bit nutty as well. Too many snow days and indoor recesses leaves everyone feeling cooped up. This is also a great time to start planning for the end of the school year gifts and appreciation. Nothing says, “I appreciate everything you have been through,” like a massage gift certificate.
The Benefits of Massage for Teachers
Teaching is a calling, not just a job. Like health care workers, it is very easy for teachers to forget about self-care while taking care of everyone else. There is no denying that today’s classrooms are stressful places. They are overcrowded, have less funding, and have higher teacher-to-student ratios than in the past.
Stress, if left untreated, can lead to neck and back pain, which can get worse with each passing year. If you are a teacher experiencing muscle tension (or you care about someone who is) it is time you looked into the benefits of massage therapy.
This also applies to principals, teacher aides, teacher assistants, professors, childcare providers or anyone else who is involved in the daily care and/or education of children.
Teachers spend a lot of time on their feet in addition to getting up and down a lot! If you teach small children there is a good chance you also spend a part of your day on the floor at their level.
Here are some great reasons for teachers to get a massage:
Eases tight muscles and tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.)
Boosts immune system (schools are a breeding ground for germs!)
Promotes healthy sleep (you need it!)
Manages stress (who doesn’t have some stress these days?)
Improves circulation (all that up and down and running around!)
Chair Massage for Teachers
Massage gift certificated are amazing gifts. They are the gift of wellness. However, buying one for every teacher and administrator on your list can add up. A fantastic alternative is chair massage. Our experienced massage therapists can come to the school and offer shorter chair massages for many staff members. A perfect time for this could be a teacher luncheon or during conferences. Often times the school PTA / PTL will coordinate this and sponsor the event for the entire staff.
Can you think of a more deserving group of people than the teachers at your child’s school? Call today to schedule a chair massage event for your school. 517-898-2899
