Massage for Customer Service Representatives

Bilky Joda-Miller On December 21, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

It is no secret that Customer Service Representatives have a very hard job. Their job becomes even tougher during busy times of the year like the holidays and summer vacations.Customer Service is one type of job where the emotional strain outweighs the physical demands on the body. Even though retail customer service workers can be seen running around stores helping needy customers, it still doesn’t compare to the “emotional labor” involved. The same goes for call center workers other types of customer service reps.

Emotional labor is a term coined by Arlie Hochschild’s in her book The Managed Heart. It refers to the effort a person must put forth in order to exude an emotion that they are not necessarily feeling at the time. We have all experienced this from time time in our daily lives. Can you imagine having to do this every day while people are complaining to you? It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

Customer Service Representatives are suppose to seem happy all the time.

Being happy, helpful and smiley all the time at your job really just isn’t practical. We are only human after all. According to Jeff Toister, an author and trainer who is passionate about customer service, there are a few reasons that make customer service really hard:

#1. It does not come natural. Who would naturally be pleasant to someone who is yelling at them? Flight or Fight instincts kick in and we have to work really hard to overcome our natural tendencies to defend ourselves.

#2. Our perspectives are different. People perceive situations differently, as well at the importance of problems and issues. Something that might ruin one person’s day is just standard every day occurrences for someone else. Empathy plays a large role in being good at customer service.

#3. It’s sometimes hard to be friendly. It just is. The worse you feel, or tired, or stressed, or even hungry, the harder is to be friendly and cater to other peoples’ needs.

#4. Multitasking really isn’t a thing. People refer to multitasking all the time, but as humans, we aren’t good it at. It’s true. Sorry. We can only process one conscious thought at a time. When we try to do too many things at once, which is often required for Customer Service Representatives, our brains want to shut down in protest.

#5. Directed Attention Fatigue. Have you ever heard of this term? You have most definitely experienced it even if you didn’t have a name for it. Chronic multitasking causes it by overusing the part of our brain that focuses attention. If you had to read that sentence twice, you might be suffering from it. Some of the symptoms include:

Getting distracted easily
Irritability
Impatience
Indecisiveness
Difficulty starting and finishing tasks

How Can Massage Help Customer Service Representatives?

Massage therapy is not just physical therapy. It provides emotional support and help as well. When we take time to slow down, focus on ourselves, relax, and rejuvenate, we feel better. The uplifting effects of a massage can last for days. Massage therapy also promotes better sleep and concentration–two more things that will help you with your customer service job.

When we are emotionally (or physically) stressed we tend to hold tension in the body. Common areas are the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Some people also grind or clench their jaw during the day or in their sleep. This can result in chronic or debilitation headaches.

If you work in customer service (or know someone who does) we encourage you to seek regular massage–especially during busy times of the year. You will be able to maintain a good attitude despite difficult customers. Your bosses, managers and the company will benefit from it and so will everyone around you.

Book a massage today and spend some time unwinding. You deserve it!

Call 517-898-2899 or book online.

Massage for Caregivers: Nurses, Doctors & Hospital Workers

Bilky Joda-Miller On November 26, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Caregivers, such as nurses, doctors, and hospital workers, are often so busy caring for others they seldom think about taking care of themselves. This is precisely why giving the gift of massage to the caregiver in your life could be the best gift ever!

Massage administered to hospital patients is a fairly common practice. Most hospitals have an in-patient massage program. According to research conducted in January 2017, 82 percent of hospital patients claimed massage therapy was the most helpful form of hospital therapy.

So, that helps the patients in hospitals, but what about the caregivers?

The Benefits of Massage for Caregivers and Hospital Workers

Massage offered to hospital staff usually consists of 10- to 20-minute chair massages on the hospital floor or unit. This is great for alleviating stress and tension. While this is an extremely beneficial service, many people who work long hours on their feet need more personal massage therapy. A longer, full body massage can target specific areas of tight muscles and pain.

The benefits of massage therapy for caregivers are twofold; the physical benefits and the mental benefits. Caregivers are wired to think of others and be concerned about their health and comfort. To have an hour or 90 minutes where they get to concentrate on themselves and receive care is invaluable. Not only will they experience the physical benefits of being able to do there jobs better, but they will have the mental capacity to keep caring for those that need them.

Nurses: On their feet for long hours and having to cope with ever-increasing patient loads, demanding schedules, paperwork, follow-up, and other responsibilities can exact a heavy toll on nurses. Work-related stress and related symptoms is often the result.

Many research studies have been conducted that demonstrate the effectiveness of massage therapy for chronic low back pain – a condition affecting millions of Americans, including nurses.

Researchers found that patients receiving massage were twice as likely as those receiving usual care to report significant improvements in both their pain and function.

Doctors: Like nurses, doctors work long hours and are on their feet most of the time. Emergency room doctors work in a high-paced, high-stress environment. Surgeons have to have a lot of stamina for long operations and follow-up consultations. Doctors experience mental stress and physical strain too. Doctors use fine motor skills all day, much like a computer worker.

Hunched shoulders
Stooped back
Cramped hands
Tired feet
Aching back

Physicians are very good at knowing what their patients need, however, they may not follow the same advice for themselves.

Remind a caregiver you know to take time for themselves. Go one step further and give the gift of massage and wellness to those who give us so much.

Book Now!

Everyone needs to take time for themselves. However, we often forget how important it is in order to be the best versions of ourselves for others.

Purchase a gift certificate or book a massage today! Call All Body Kneads at 517-898-2899

Massage for Retail Workers and Cashiers

Bilky Joda-Miller On October 23, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

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 back pain, muscle pain, joint pain and more. If left untreated, these injuries may lead to disability.

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 include mental relaxation and massage for pain. Both of these can improve overall health, mental energy and muscle pain.

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.

Feel better today!

Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees

Bilky Joda-Miller On August 22, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

The 3rd most popular type of job in Michigan is factory and warehouse work. As with any type of manual labor–it can take a toll on your body. That is why massage for factory workers is so important and EFFECTIVE!

Work wellness programs have become extremely popular over the last several years. Unfortunately they concentrate on office settings and haven’t quite branched out to the more physically demanding jobs such as factories and warehouses.

These types of jobs pose the following work related issues:

standing for long periods of time
overexertion
body movement injuries
heaving lifting
repetitive movement
bending and squatting
slips and falls
equipment and object injuries

All of these types of activities, when performed regularly, can have a negative impact on the body. Fortunately, massage for factory workers and warehouse employees can provide much relief from the negative side effects of manual labor.

Not only will massage for factory workers combat the physical stresses to the body, it helps workers perform their tasks better it also reduces stress.

What Types of Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees?

There are many types of massage, however, the following are recommended for manual labor jobs:

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage and is sometimes called a “classic massage.” It uses long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness. It also improves circulation, and facilitate healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable, and could be very gentle and relaxing.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. It can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. This is a great way for employers to provide the wellness benefits of massage to employees.

All Body Kneads provides onsite chair massage to all types of business and industries. For more information please call 517-898-2899.

Book a massage online today!

Can Massage Help with High Blood Pressure?

Bilky Joda-Miller On May 21, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Have you recently been diagnosed with High Blood pressure or prehypertension?

Well, you aren’t alone. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in every three Americans, or 31.3 percent, has high blood pressure. In addition, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults with high blood pressure don’t know that they have it. This is serious considering that elevated blood pressure can lead to:

damaged organs
heart attack
heart failure
stroke
aneurysms
kidney failure

According to The Mayo Clinic, risk factors for elevated blood pressure include:

Being overweight or obese. A primary risk factor is being overweight. The greater your body mass, the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the force on your artery walls.
Age. Many older adults have progressed from elevated blood pressure to high blood pressure, and the risk of high blood pressure increases as you age.
Sex. High blood pressure is more common in men than in women. Through about age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among people of African heritage, often developing at an earlier age than it does in white people.
Family history of high blood pressure. High blood pressure tends to run in families. If a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop the condition.
Not being physically active. Not exercising can increase your risk of high blood pressure and increase your risk of being overweight.
Diet high in salt (sodium) or low in potassium. Sodium and potassium are two key nutrients in the way your body regulates your blood pressure. If you have too much sodium or too little potassium in your diet, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco or even being around other people who are smoking (secondhand smoke) can increase your blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol. Drinking more than two drinks a day if you’re a man or more than one drink a day if you’re a woman can increase your blood pressure. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
Certain chronic conditions. Certain chronic conditions — including kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea — may increase the risk of elevated blood pressure.

Massage and High Blood Pressure

While massage alone probably won’t control diagnosed high blood pressure, it can certainly be part of an overall treatment plan. Often times stress is also a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure–so finding healthy ways to relax and find balance and calm will help. Massage can help with a wide range of issues and symptoms having to do with a lot of conditions, not just high blood pressure.

Massage can also improve sleep and help with chronic headaches (often a sign of high blood pressure).

Be sure to talk with your physician before scheduling a massage if you are being treated for high blood pressure. It is always a good idea to inform your primary care doctor of all other medical or natural treatments you are receiving.

Relaxation, stress management, and better sleep can all be achieved through massage. This can also potentially lead to lower blood pressure.

Call to schedule a massage today or check out our online calendar. Your heart will thank you for it!

517-898-2899

Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Bilky Joda-Miller On January 31, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Massage for Seniors: Feeling Good at Any Age

Massage for seniors is incredibly helpful in maintain flexibility and movement. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic massage can help you feel good at any age, including seniors. It is especially beneficial as you grow older.

Massage can:

improve general health
address problem conditions
improve sleep
enhance quality of life

Challenges of Aging

Even though aging is a normal life process, there are things we can do to lessen the effects and slow the process.

Some physical effect of aging include:

decrease in general mobility
decrease in muscular strength
slower nerve conduction
less tissue elasticity
thinner and drier skin
loss of bone mass
decreased function of the senses
less efficient immune system

Chronic stress and inactivity can accelerate the aging process. Luckily, therapeutic massage combats both of these issues.

Related: Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Benefits of Massage for Seniors and the Elderly

Enhances General Health

Massage can be introduced to any health maintenance plan at any age. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.

Massage Reduces the Negative Effects of Stress

As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Massage can help reduce the physical and mental effects of these debilitating conditions.

The elderly are particularly at risk because of:

accumulated losses
frustrations
possible isolation
lack of human touch
loss of independence

Massage for Seniors helps to:

enhance general relaxation
reduce muscular tension and associated discomfort
reduce anxiety
improve sleep
increase feeling of well-being

Mobility and Independence

Massage for seniors can help you keep the flexibility and strength needed to accomplish the activities of every day life. For example:

getting up out of a chair
walking
climbing stairs
driving a car
getting in an out of the bathtub or shower

Massage for Seniors Supports Fitness Programs

Regular exercise and movement is vital to lifelong fitness and slowing the aging process. Therapeutic Massage can be an important addition to an exercise routine. Benefits include:

Reducing injury and soreness
Relaxes tight muscles
Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
Speeds recovery from exercise

A Caring Touch

For seniors who are home bound, have lost independence and loved ones, massage can provide a caring touch. It also provides personal interaction and communication.

Massage therapist can visit you in your home or residence or you can visit their office to receive a massage. Which ever is easiest for you.

Please check with your medical health provider first before getting a massage.

Also, please read our article on Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care, as massage can be very helpful with this disease.

Schedule A Massage Today

I have experience with massage for seniors and elderly care. I am also a cancer survivor and have extensive experience and a passion for helping cancer patients and survivors. Discounts are available for cancer patients, survivors and veterans. Call today to find out more information. 517-898-2899

References:

Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Creagan, E., MD., editor. Rosetta Books, 2014

Ayarti, M. and Azarani, A. Paths to Healthy Aging. Amazon Digital Services. 2014

Rose, M.K. Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and Ill. Baltimore: LWW, 2009

Therapeutic Massage for Healthy Aging by Patricia J. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Victoria Carmona.

Fibromyalgia Relief with Massage

Bilky Joda-Miller On January 15, 2018 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Do You Have Fibromyalgia?

If you have Fibromyalgia, or you suspect you do, you know all too well the frustrating pain that comes and goes and moves around. It doesn’t help that your pain is compounded by the negative effects of everyday stress.

Pain is stressful. It’s a vicious cycle.

Massage can help break that cycle.

Massage as part of your Fibromyalgia treatment plan

Not only can massage help with the pain of Fibromyalgia, but research studies confirm that massage helps calm the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.

At this time, there is no known cure for Fibromyalgia. Each patient is different and treatment plans can include a combination of therapies to relieve symptoms.

Massage is a natural remedy for treating some of the major symptoms and is backed by sound research studies.

The benefits of therapeutic massage for Fibromyalgia suffers include:

Relief from sore and stiff muscles
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Increased restful sleep
Increased energy
Increased mood and positive outlook

The Best Time for Massage for Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia can vary from mild to severe. Some patients find massage helpful even during severe flare-ups. Others prefer to wait until their pain is at a lower level to receive massage. Your health care provider and massage therapist may be able to help you decide, but ultimately you know what is best for you!

Call me today to discuss your symptoms and how massage therapy can help! 517.898.2899

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

All Body Kneads On February 1, 2013 / Massage Therapy / 2 Comments

One of the most common questions about massage therapy is how often one should get a massage. The right answer differs from client to client.

How often you get a massage depends on many factors. These include:

your general health
the reason for getting a massage
how you felt after your last session
your time
your budget

Today I’ll focus on the purpose of your massage as a factor in deciding how often to schedule your appointments.

Why Are You Getting a Massage?

Before you and your massage therapist decide on a schedule, you need to talk about why you’re coming in for treatment and the specific modalities that will be used.

General Relaxation

Some people get massages for health maintenance and general relaxation. The purpose of these sessions is to support proper body functions, including blood circulation and joint flexibility. Regular sessions like these prevent pain, stress points, and muscle tension from building up. Massage therapy for relaxation may be scheduled every three or four months.

Stress Relief

In spite of regular massages for relaxation, there may be times when you will experience periods of higher stress and greater muscle tension. If you are in a high-stress job or work in an environment that requires you to be in one position for a prolonged period of time, you may develop tightly-knotted muscles in your back, arms and shoulders. These may result in reduced movement and significant pain. In addition, constant stress increases your risk of heart disease. To help you cope with high-stress situations, get a massage once or twice a month.

Sports Performance and Recovery

Athletes and other individuals who engage in intense physical activity require specialized massage therapy to enhance performance, prevent injury, and speed up their muscles” recovery. Competitive sports, for example, puts a lot of stress on the body. Massage therapy helps to strengthen muscles before the activity, and to heal afterward. The frequency of sessions may range from one to three times a week to three times a month.

Treatment of Chronic Issues

If massage therapy is performed as part of treatment for specific issues, the frequency varies according to the type of illness or injury, as well as overall health. Relief from chronic pain may only be achieved after a program of therapy that includes up to three sessions a week, and additional sessions at diminishing frequency over a few months. Chronic issues that may benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain and localized inflammation.

Pregnancy Massage

Expectant moms experience a range of aches and pains as their pregnancies progress. These include back pain and swelling of the ankles. Regular massage sessions, performed by a certified pregnancy massage therapist, may help ease these discomforts particularly toward the end of the pregnancy. A once- or twice-a-month massage will go a long way towards helping you feel great. As always though, check with your doctor to make sure a massage is appropriate for you during pregnancy. ** There are many other reasons people come in for massage therapy.

Additional Considerations

Likewise, there are additional considerations to take when you think about how often to get a massage.

These include the following:

Your General Health. If you are a fairly healthy person, with no injuries or chronic conditions, you can pretty much get a massage as often as you want. If you”re suffering from an injury or chronic illness that could benefit from massage, you might come in for regular treatment with a focus on your specific condition.

How You Felt After Your Last Session. Every time you get a massage, you should evaluate whether you are getting the maximum benefits that you want. If your chronic pain is getting better through massage, you and your therapist might change your schedule accordingly.

Your Resources. Your time and finances are important factors to consider when scheduling your appointments. Make the most out of your resources by going to an excellent therapist and by using coupons and special offers.

If you want to know more about how often to get massage therapy that would work for your situation and resources, contact me today.

The Science and Art of Massage Therapy

All Body Kneads On January 2, 2013 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

Have you ever though about the art of massage therapy?

Did you know that massage therapy is both a science and an art? Far from being just a luxurious way to spend one’s time, there are sound scientific principles behind the practice and benefits of massage.

First of all, the process of becoming a certified massage therapist requires study and training. At the same time, a successful client-therapist relationship is nurtured through an approach that is closer to art than science.

The Science of Massage Therapy

Not everyone can become a professional massage therapist. Many states require licensing before one can practice massage therapy as a business. Massage therapists need to complete hundreds of hours of classroom instruction using an approved curriculum.

In addition to massage theory and application, massage therapy classes cover human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of human movement), and pathology.

Massage therapists are expected to know how muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and joints work together in the human body. They study the effects of injury, stress and pain on physical and emotional well-being, as well as overall health.

They are familiar with medical terminology and use this knowledge to help patients with chronic or temporary medical conditions. Massage therapists also receive instruction in injury prevention and practices to aid in physical rehabilitation and the relief of specific conditions. Some may even take specialized classes in skin health and nutrition. In addition to formal classroom instruction, massage therapists are licensed only after they accumulate hours of practical experience in a supervised environment. Many accredited schools have their own clinics where students get hands-on training, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

The Art of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy doesn’t simply involve manipulation of muscles to achieve relaxation and pain relief. It also requires that the therapist essentially listen with their hands and offer an environment that provides compassionate care to their client.

The massage therapist thus blends science and art toward the goal of providing a total experience. Several elements go into a successful massage. Among these are:

the layout and appearance of the therapy room
sensory details such as the touch of the sheets
the scents of aromatherapy oils
the sound of soothing music in the background.

During a massage session, the therapist uses her hands to find areas that need specific attention and adapts her techniques to meet those needs. As with art, the experience is different for each client and even for each session. Each massage therapist blends science and art by using her knowledge, skills and ability to relate with her client to provide the best benefits every time. The result is an overall encounter that soothes both the body and mind.

A Short Primer on Five Different Types of Massages

All Body Kneads On November 1, 2012 / Massage Therapy / Leave a comment

How Many Different Types of Massages are There?

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. Some of these services may be familiar to you, but some may be new. So, here’s short primer on some of the different types of massages I offer, with descriptions and how each can help you live a more relaxed and energized lifestyle: