CHAIR MASSAGE | |
Definition
of Massage Therapy | Massage
therapy can be defined as an ensemble of manipulations carried out on the body.
These consist of a series of strokes, kneadings, vibrations, stretches and percussions
administered in the aim of obtaining a desired effetc. Massage therapy is an approach
which is natural, pleasing and at the same time, a valuable complement to medical
treatment. Massage therapy is, without a doubt, the therapy of choice in the
prevention of stress and job related injuries.
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What is chair massage? |
Chair massage is a new solution to
the problem of stress and job related injury in the work place which is both preventative
and corrective. With a minimal duration of 15-20 minutes, this type of massage,
which originated in California, can be carried out in any public area where space
is limited. It does not require oil and is done over the clothes. Chair
massage is an effective, scientifically proven way to counteract physical tension
and the negative effects of stress. Unlike
traditional massage, which is carried out on a table or on the floor, this massage
takes place in a specially designed chair. The chair is tubular and is fitted
with cushions; it is easy and fast to assemble and disassemble which makes it
easy to transport. It offers a very comfortable position : the trunk is inclined
towards the front and the head and arms are supported. The chair adapts well to
pregnant women, to the overweight or to those who are simply uncomfortable in
a horizontal position. Chair massage is done with the patient fully clothed
thus avoiding client discomfort or embarrassment. The practitioner will concentrate
on different areas made stiff by stress, depending on the client, such as the
shoulders, the neck, the arms and even the legs. Let us point out that, contrary
to what one may think, chair massage does not have a soporific effect on the employee
but rather is an energizing massage somewhere between a sports massage and a relaxation
massage. Different techniques may be used depending on the area being massaged
and the desired results; Swedish massage, kinesitherapy, shiatsu, amma, etc.
Conducted in your offices, chair massage offers the busy employee both flexibility
and convenience.
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Who
can benefit from this service? |
Massage therapy, adapted to the corporate environment, is available for employees
within the work place or for clients and major suppliers. You can offer gift certificates
to your associates which will allow them to improve both their productivity and
indirectly, yours as well. It is an original and innovative way to thank them
for their collaboration or to improve your relationship and the image they have
of you.
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When
can it be done? | Our team
of professional massage therapists will come to you office when you feel it is
necessary. Treatment sessions can be offered to employees during coffee breaks,
lunch breaks, peak periods or at any other time of day. Since our mandate is to
increase employee productivity, our solutions are adapted to the realities of
your company. In the case of weekly treatments, employees can replace a coffee
break or a part of their lunch break with a massage Chair massage is also very
appropriate and greatly appreciated during special events or to simply thank or
motivate employees. Here are few suggested applications :
Conventions / Meetings | Annual meetings |
Product introductions | Golf tournaments | Anniversaries |
Festivities - Celebrations | Award ceremonies |
Health and safety week | Secretary day |
Christmas party | Sales bonus | Performance
incentive |
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What
would prevent an employee from taking advantage of this service? |
Chair massage is available to anyone
who has no major contra-indication to massage therapy. A short health history
form must be filled out even though the treatment lasts only 15 minutes. This
will make the therapist aware of, among other things, fractures, inflammation,
skin infection, scarring or serious cases of varicose veins which would normally
be observed by the therapist during an oil treatment. Some counter indications
will cause the therapist to alter the treatment, to avoid certain areas or to
completely proscribe treatment. Since massage therapy increases the blood flow,
patients with fever or high blood pressure are often rejected due to the possibility
of aggravating these conditions. The medical history is necessary in order
to protect both the client and the professional. The massage therapist, therefore,
reserves the right to refuse treatment at any time, if he judges the treatment
to be inappropriate or dangerous to the client.
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Why should chair massage
be an integral part of any corporate health promotion plan? |
Your company may already offer, as do many Canadian
companies, different plans to improve the health of your workers. Whether they
be a physical fitness plan, a campaign against abusive alcohol, prescription drug
and cigarette use, or financial and psychological counselling, such measures must
above all be accepted by the worker and address his needs if they are to be successful.
Each of these measures must, in their own way, have a significant impact not
only on employee health and on resistance to illness but also on the levels of
absenteeism and productivity. They are therefore very important to the worker,
the employer and society as a whole. However, in order that these programs have
an impact on the worker, they must be adhered to by them despite their workload.
If
it is true that regular physical activity helps in the fight against stress, it
is also true that a lack the time required is also a factor. According to a report
on time usage of Canadians published in 1996 by the Canadian Fitness
and Lifestyle Research Institute, Canadian workers spend, on an average
workday, 10.5 hours at work including travelling time. They also spend nearly
4 hours doing housework and looking after dependants. Once the time spent sleeping
is added to this, the average worker has very little time left to spend on leisure
or on physical actives. Since family responsibilities affect participation
in programs which take place outside of the workplace, it is of prime importance
that relaxation and stress management programs be accessible in the work environment.
Because of the ease with which it is integrated into the work schedule, the minimal
strain it places on scheduling and because it has an immediate impact on productivity,
massage therapy in the workplace has become very popular. Chair massage is therefore
a very promising preventative program which is an essential part of any corporate
health program.
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How
professional are our professionals? |
IN QUEBEC Our professionals are all massage therapists or massage therapy
practitioners with extensive experience in chair massage. With 400 to 1,000 hours
of training from a recognized institution, our professionals master, on average,
two or three massage techniques. Many of them are also trained in physical rehabilitation
(physiotherapy technician) or in naturotherapy. All of our massage people are
covered by a professional responsibility insurance and are members in good standing
of the Quebec Federation of Massage Therapists (FQM). Some of the members of our
team also belong to the National Association of Naturotherapists (ANN) or
the Quebec Society of Physical Rehabilitation Therapists (SQTRP). All of our massage
therapists are therefore able to issue a receipt for insurance purposes.
IN ONTARIO Our professionals are all experienced massage therapists and
are members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and/or
members of the Ontario Massage Therapists Association (OMTA). With
2300 hours of training from teaching institutions which are recognized by the
Minister of Education, our professionals master, on average, two or three massage
techniques. All of our massage professionals are covered by a professional responsibility
insurance and are therefore able to issue a receipt for insurance purposes.
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How much of an investment
are you looking at? | Chair
massage is a practical and very affordable service. It usually costs $1 per minute,
including taxes, for an invigorating treatment. The
Corporate Massage People will come to your
office, at no extra charge, for a minimum of 105 minutes of treatment which breaks
down into 7 15 minute massages. Prevention programs are often
implemented and paid for by the employer. An arrangement is made between the employer
and The Corporate Massage People and quantity discounts can be negotiated.
The employees thereby have no out of pocket expense and management simply advises
them of the guidelines to be followed. An employer may also want to share the
expense with employees. Guidelines and payment methods are then given to the employees
depending on the arrangement taken. In cases where the prevention program
is authorized by the company but paid by the employee, payment must be made in
cash at the beginning of the session. A "Productivity Passport" which
is good for several treatment sessions, is available. This is a good way to save
on costs and simplifies payment by the passport holder. Paying a certain number
of treatments in advance, by cash or cheque, avoids the necessity of having the
cash on hand at the time of the treatment and also is a way of saving from 9-15%
of costs. Bronze, Silver and Gold "Productivity Passports" can be purchased,
at any time, from our professionals. Contact us for more information.
Our professionals will be happy to answer your questions and offer advice.
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Are
chair massage treatments covered by company group insurance or private insurance
policies? | Chair massage
treatments are covered by most insurance companies as massage therapy. Ask your
insurer for coverage details or check the brochure you got from them. Although
most workers are covered for a predetermined annual amount, others may be limited
in the number of visits or the cost per visit. Some workers may have to obtain
a doctor's prescription in order to be reimbursed. On the whole, insurance coverage
is fairly wide spread and it will cost you almost nothing!
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Can
we try it? | In order to allow
you to see for yourself how effective and uncomplicated this service is, call
us for a free demonstration in your office. It will be a pleasure for us to answer
all of your questions. This free demonstration implies absolutely no commitment
on your part. Its up to you to take advantage of it!
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What
are the steps involved in setting up a stress treatment and job related injury
prevention program? |
1- | Presentation
to management | 2- | Written
or verbal internal communiqué | 3- | Presentation
to employees (optional) | 4- | Posting
of a trial schedule | 5- | Employee
registration for proposed sessions | 6- | Treatment
of registered employees | 7- | Employee
feedback and comments | 8- | Necessary
adjustments | 9- | Official
implementation of program as per the weekly schedule established by the above |
10- | Improved employee
and corporate productivity |
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Why choose The Corporate
Massage People? |
Carefully selected highly trained massage therapy professionals |
A multi-disciplinary team who are aware of your needs and concerned about
your satisfaction | A proven service which has been simplified
and improved so as to simplify its implementation and effectiveness |
Territory coverage which serves the major urban centres. You can now
offer a prevention program to your regional branches and offices. |
Highly competitive rates | Unequalled ease of
payment with the "Productivity Passport" |
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