Corporate Massage Therapy: Is It Really Worth It?
Do you spend long hours in front of the computer? Is back pain ruining your life? If so, you might benefit from regular massage. This therapy helps reduce the damaging effects of prolonged sitting and ease back pain. More and more companies are offering office massage services to their employees. Research shows that massage can improve work performance, lower health care costs, decrease absenteeism, and boost productivity.
The Hidden Dangers of Prolonged Sitting
Most office workers spend at least eight hours at the desk, which increases their risk of heart disease, chronic pain, obesity, hypertension, and premature death. According to researchers, exercise doesn’t offset the health risks of prolonged sitting. This habit is responsible for over 430,000 deaths worldwide. It also raises the risk of colon cancer by 30 percent, uterine cancer by 66 percent, and lung cancer by 54 percent.
Spending too much time sitting affects your health on every level. It not only leads to weight gain, but may also cause cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and insulin sensitivity. Many corporate workers suffer from depression, sciatica, and chest pain because of prolonged sitting.
Does Massage Therapy Really Help?
When employees are sick, companies experience high absenteeism and lower productivity. Depression aches, and tight muscles caused by prolonged sitting affect work performance. Massage therapy can help prevent and reduce these problems. This form of treatment relieves muscles soreness, boosts immunity, and lowers the stress hormone cortisol levels.
In the long run, massage therapy can reduce the need for medications and other more expensive treatments, which helps decrease health care costs and increase employee retention rates. Employees who benefit from regular massage report improved mood and better decision making skills. This treatment also stimulates creative thinking, wards off fatigue, and boosts energy levels, leading to better results in the workplace.
