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An Introduction
Massage includes a number of disciplines
which share the use of pressure, friction and strain upon the muscles and
joints of the body for therapeutic or affectionate physical responses. In
the book Massage: A Career at your fingertips Martin Ashley identifies
several types of massage: massage for preventive general health; massage
for relaxation, pampering or `beautification'; sports massage, massage for
pain relief; rehabilitative massage (for recovery from physical injury);
massage as an adjunct to medical or chiropractic treatment; and massage
for personal psychological transformation.
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Sports and remedial massage consists of
specific components designed to reduce soreness from overuse of muscles,
to ease over-stressed tendons and ligaments. This is effective for
everyone not only the competitive athlete. Anyone can 'overdo it' in the
garden, around the house, lifting something heavy, adapting poor posture,
on-the-job activities can produce major pain and discomfort. Specific
techniques and strokes are applied as necessary to encourage range of
movement, increase flexibility and circulation. This is done by using
light draining strokes, vibration, compression etc., to encourage the
muscles to flush out lactic acid and by-products of metabolism.
If you are on holiday or short break reward yourself after a day on the
golf links or activities in the great outdoors by relaxing and soothing
tired, painful muscles encouraging healing and repair. Massage can prevent
injuries and improve the rate at which the body recovers.
"Golfers love and need massage and Sheila's mobile service
'Massaging Matters' provided an excellent service to the golfers on our
Highland Tour before playing the British Open. We will certainly call her
out on our next trip to the Scottish Highlands".
-- Mark Brooks, PGA Tour Player |
Some Facts From Around The World.
'A recent study of Highland employers has found that
stress is the health issue causing the most widespread concern in the
workplace. A culture of change, and the feeling that fewer people are
often doing more work than before, were often seen as causes of stress.'
'Alcohol and drug use, smoking, safety, healthy eating and physical
activity were the other main health issues to emerge'.
(Extract from 'Healthlines' Health Promotion Department Newsletter,
Highland Health Board).
Offering workplace massage demonstrates a proactive commitment to the
health and well-being of employees. Showing people that you care about
their health and happiness builds loyalty and boosts morale. Massage is a
valuable and cost-effective method to promote relaxation and relief from
the build up of stress and muscular tension we can all experience as part
of contemporary working life. Reducing stress and fatigue enables
employees to focus and concentrate on the tasks at hand with greater
efficiency. Thinking more clearly and calmly improves working
relationships
Massage alleviates and helps prevent many complaints brought on by poor
posture: headaches, back strain, repetitive strain injury, tendonitis and
carpal tunnel syndrome associated with sitting for long periods at a
computer or desk. Massage is good for the body, it increases blood and
lymph circulation, which strengthens immunity to disease and results in
less illness and less absenteeism.
"Stress abounds in our busy lives. Massage is one excellent way to
reduce this and Sheila Morrison achieves this in a very peaceful and
relaxing manner".
-- Paul Hanmer, Knowledge Management Officer, Hewlett Packard Consulting,
Europe.
The cost of absenteeism to UK business is £10.5 billion
The average cost of absence rose this year to £438 per employee
An estimated 20 million days were lost due to work related illness/absence
Work related illness costs business in sickness, absence, lost production,
retraining administration and increased insurance premiums
10 million work days are lost due to back pain
Back pain costs an average of £208 for each employee
80% of VDU's operators will suffer ailments
- Taken from WESTFIELD
Health Scheme web site. |
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Some Benefits
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Massage
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Improves circulation,
dilates the blood vessels and relieves congestion |
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Massage
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Stimulating the brain to
release natural painkillers |
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Massage
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Stretches connective
tissue, improves its circulation and nutrition helping break down
and prevent the formation of adhesions |
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Massage
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Increases blood supply and
nutrition to the muscles relaxing them and relieving tension |
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Massage
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Can help lessen
inflammation and swelling in joints by hastening elimination of
harmful deposits |
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Massage
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Alleviates anxiety by
helping individuals 'let-go' of accumulating physical tension and
experience relaxation of mind and body |
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Massage
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Gives the healing touch
and nurturing, improves sleep patterns |
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Massage
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Offers acceptance,
enhancing self-image and self appreciation |
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Massage
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Releases and boosts energy
flow by relaxing muscles spasms and tensions |
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Massage
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Helps improve range of
movement |
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Massage
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May improve the rate at
which the body recovers from injury and illness. |
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Massage
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Can, in part compensate
for lack of exercise and muscular contraction if because of age,
injury, or illness it is necessary to be inactive |
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Massage
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Relieves many repetitive
motion injuries related to on-the-job activities. |
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Massage
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Stimulates the skin and
nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves
and boosts the immune system, helping the body take care of itself |
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Massage
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Soothes calms and helps
reduce emotional and physical stress it is an asset in any stress
management program |
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