Many people work in an office, so they usually sit at their desks most of the day. While the common belief is that people with active jobs are more at risk of muscular problems, sedentary work can be just as dangerous.
Seated massages are gaining popularity among sedentary workers, as they relieve muscular stress, and regular sessions can prevent repetitive strain injuries.
In this guide, we’ll explore seated massages in more detail.
What are seated massages?
Also known as chair massages, the seated massage involves the person sitting up and remaining fully clothed instead of lying on a table. Therapists use a unique chair that supports your neck, arms and legs, making the experience more comfortable.
Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of a chair massage:
- Location Friendly: You can keep your clothes on with a seated massage, and the therapist doesn’t use lotion, making these sessions popular in offices, shopping centres and airports.
- Shorter: Traditional massages usually last at least an hour, while seated massage sessions are much quicker. Most are 10 to 30 minutes long, ideal for immediate stress relief.
- Focus: The main focus of these massages is the back, neck, and shoulders, which are prone to strain when a person is seated for too long.
- Techniques: Therapists use various techniques when performing seated massages, but the most common include kneading, tapping and compression. Each method has its benefits, and your therapist will customise the massage to your needs.
What health issues are sedentary workers at risk of?
Many careers have sedentary workers, who sit at their desks all day instead of moving around and getting exercise. Unfortunately, these workers are more at risk of a range of health issues, including:
- Heart Problems: A lack of physical activity can cause heart problems, as your body doesn’t get the exercise required to pump oxygen to the cardiovascular system.
- Obesity: Exercise and diet are the keys to a healthy body, so sitting down all day could increase your chances of weight gain.
- Muscle Tension: Sitting for prolonged periods can cause muscle tension, and people with poor posture might experience chronic pain.
- DVT: Deep vein thrombosis occurs when people sit for long times. It can cause a great deal of discomfort.
- Diabetes 2: Yes, a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your risk of getting type 2 diabetes, which means you’ll require major lifestyle changes.
- Chronic Stress: Stress is a common problem in the UK, but dealing with chronic pain and still having to work can significantly increase your stress levels and result in an anxiety disorder.
The benefits of seated massage
While seated massages are very different from traditional experiences, they offer a range of benefits for your body and mind.
If you want to relieve stress but don’t appreciate the idea of traditional massages, where you’re lying down and have to take your clothes off, chair sessions can be a worthy alternative.
Reducing stress
According to research published by Select Software Reviews, 25% of professionals who work in offices claim they’re stressed most of the time.
The common belief is that people who perform more physical work deal with higher levels of stress, but sitting at a desk all day can have a negative impact on an individual’s mood.
We often feel stress in the neck and shoulders, making a seated massage perfect for relaxation. Even just 10 minutes can positively impact your mood and ensure you feel revitalised.
Treating muscle tension
Office workers are at higher risks of muscle pain and repetitive strain injuries due to the nature of their work. When you’re sitting for long periods, the body gets used to certain positions, making it harder to move freely.
Poor ergonomics play a key role in repetitive strain injuries, and offices that don’t provide the right seating and equipment for their employees are putting them at risk of long-term discomfort.
Getting a weekly massage can make you feel more comfortable at work and prevent pain.
Convenience
Setting aside time for an hourly massage appointment can seem impossible when you have a hectic schedule. However, seated massages don’t sacrifice your time because they can occur anywhere.
For example, a mobile massage therapist could come to your office or home, making it easier to get some much-needed tension release.
Some businesses offer their employees complimentary massages to boost morale and ensure each person remains productive.
Rejuvenation
We all know the importance of getting regular breaks at work and moving around regularly—but it’s easier said than done.
When you’re working on that crucial project or trying desperately to meet your deadline, taking a break is probably the last thing on your mind. However, failing to move around regularly will inevitably result in muscle strain.
Seated massages work out any tension, helping you relax and enjoy less discomfort. They can also enhance your posture and flexibility, preventing further injuries down the line.
Mental health boost
Pain and stress are interlinked. If you deal with high levels of stress, it’s more likely you’ll experience physical pain - and vice versa (NCBI). Massages are proven to calm the mind and reduce stress because their healing nature lets you shut off.
If you experience stress from your office job, getting a regular massage can decrease your chances of depression and anxiety while also allowing you to focus on the present - instead of racing thoughts.
The bottom line
Compared to traditional massages, seated alternatives have so many benefits; adding them to your weekly routine gives you a chance to relax and unwind. They’ll also help you avoid repetitive strain injuries and start each day feeling fresh.
It’s also a good idea to introduce the concept to your boss, as they might agree to integrate seated massages into employee bonuses.
Whether you’re looking for a female or male massage therapist, I Love Massage offers a range of qualified professionals at competitive rates. Our website is easy to use and lets you search our database for the right therapist.
Please feel free to contact us today for more information.