Information from the Web

 Effects of Workplace Acupressure and Massage by Margaret Hodge, Carol Robinson, Judie Boehmer, Sally Klein and Sue Ullrich

In this California study, on-site massage helped to maintain employees job satisfaction, while control-group employees job satisfaction diminished.  Read the article here.

Many organizations face the stiff challenge of attracting and retaining good employees, as the most valuable employees can often take their pick of excellent jobs due to their high qualifications. Whether your company uses chair massage through a regular employee wellness or benefits package, or as part of an incentive program, a chair massage program can be an asset to your human resource department and your company. Read the article here. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms are Lessened Following Massage Therapy by Tiffany Field, Miguel Diego, Christy Cullen, Kristin Hartshorn, Alan Gruskin, Maria Hernandez-Reif and William Sunshine
Department of Pediatrics, Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, PO Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101, USA

Abstract

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of massage therapy for relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods. Sixteen adults with CTS symptoms were randomized to a 4-week massage therapy or control group. Participants in the massage therapy group were taught a self-massage routine that was done daily at home. They were also massaged once a week by a therapist. The participants’ diagnosis was based on a nerve conduction velocity test, the Phalen test, and the Tinel sign test performed by a physician. The participants were also given the state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), the profile of mood states (POMS), a visual analog scale for pain and a test of grip strength.

Results. Participants in the massage therapy group improved on median peak latency and grip strength. They also experienced lower levels of perceived pain, anxiety, and depressed mood.

Conclusion. The results suggest that symptoms of CTS can be relieved by a daily regimen of massage therapy. Read the article here.