Yet more scientific evidence of the benefits of chair massage

A number of studies have identified that nurses experience a range of symptoms indicative of work related stress including

  1. Headaches
  2. Shoulder tension
  3. Fatigue
  4. Muscle and joint pain

All of which can lead to more long term problems or dissatisfaction at work, absenteeism or burn out.

An study looked at the “feasibility of chair massage during the work hours of nurses in impatient and out patient settings and its effects on stress-related symptoms”.   A total of 38 nurses received a weekly 15 minute chair massage treatment once a week for 10 weeks.  All the nurses were assessed prior to the study at 5 weeks and then at 10 weeks for

  • Overall quality of life
  • Self-perceived levels of stress
  • Anxiety
  • Symptoms relating to anxiety

Scored produced by all four measurements showed that compared with prior to intervention, symptoms improved at 5 weeks and improved even further at 10 weeks, with the results were most noticeable in those nurses working longer hours (12 hour shifts).  92 percent of the nurses made positive comments in relation to

  • improvements in sleeping
  • reduction in pain, stress and tension
  • reduction in headaches

78% reported that their overall job satisfaction had improved and 60% showed a willingness to pay for chair massages if they were made available at work.

Researchers concluded that “offering chair massages for nurses during work hours, while challenging because of busy schedules reduced stress related symptoms significantly and was highly appreciated by the nurses.”

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Reference

Engen JE et al (2012) Feasibility and effect of chair massage offered to nurses during working hours on stress related symptoms: A pilot study.  Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 18(4): 221-22

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