| Vitality Breaks |
A Vitality Break is a specially designed therapy service based on chair massage for people in the workplace and is a popular form of preventative healthcare. Complementary therapies, (particularly Seated Acupressure Massage which is quick and convenient to receive), are becoming increasingly popular within organisations as a tool to improve the performance of employees.
Tense, aching muscles are an all too common side-effect of the daily grind. A soothing, relaxing massages can smooth away those pent-up tensions. Yet for most people in busy offices and other workplaces, a conventional, full body massage is too time-consuming, impractical and expensive as a regular stress-busting therapy. The alternative is Seated Acupressure Massage.
Seated Acupressure Massage focuses on the muscles in the back, arms, hands, shoulders, neck and head, where tension and pain often build up in desk-bound staff working under pressure. It is intended not only to relax tense and aching muscles, but to release energy and invigorate both the mind and body.
Each Seated Acupressure Massage session lasts 20 minutes.
Below are some questions often asked about Vitality Breaks.
What are the benefits to the employer?
For the employer it is the perfect way to demonstrated that you care for the well being of your staff. It also provides an excellent incentive, work benefit or "thank you" to your staff.
Most people agree that a massage makes you feel good, but the benefits extend way beyond this "feel good factor". Seated Acupressure Massage boosts the immune and circulatory systems, promoting good health. This helps prevent any stress on the body from taking a physiological hold.
The credit crunch has dramatically increased the pressure and stress on small and medium sized business and their staff. Stress manifests itself physically, mentally and emotionally. Specifically, stress may contribute to the development of various symptoms of occupational ill health such as back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI). Those who suffer from stress are liable to be more susceptible to infectious diseases and will take longer to recover, hence they will be absent for periods from work, which decreases their productivity and decision making and ultimately de-stabilizes your business.
Staff report that various aches and pains, which would normally result in time off work, are alleviated by the seated acupressure treatment. Increasing, companies are introducing this as part of their stress management strategy in the workplace. Preformed on a comfortable custom designed chair, the employee remains fully clothed and no oils are used. Importantly, the employee remains clearly focused and can go straight back to work refreshed and revitalised.
What are the features of Seated Acupressure Massage?
- It is quick - a session takes just 20 minutes.
- It is relatively inexpensive and is affordable by almost everyone.
- It is clean - no oils or lotions are used
- Their is no awkward preparation - you receive it fully clothed.
- It is invigorating so it is ideal for an office environment.
What are the benefits to the employee?
A Seated Acupressure massage will give you time out from your busy day and in return you will have your aches and pains soothed, your breathing will become calmer, your heartbeat will slow down and you will feel revitalised. As your body relaxes you will gain mental clarity which leads to increased alertness and you will find it easier to pay attention to detail and accuracy.
One of the key benefits to the employee is increased mobility especially in the neck, shoulders and back. Massage stimulates all muscles, including those that may not be used frequently. This increases the blood circulation which helps to prevent and relieve pain that may be experienced in association with lack of use or overuse of muscle groups e.g. repetitive strain injury or back pain. As a consequence of these muscular changes, the skeletal system also benefits from massage. It benefits from both the increased circulation, which carries more blood, oxygen and nutrients to the bones as well as the relaxation of the muscles which support and mobilise it. This results in a reduction in stiffness and greater mobility.
Is Seated Acupressure Massage suitable for everyone?
Seated Acupressure Massage is unsuitable for
- Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. An alternative chair based massage can be offered.
- Anyone who has suffered an injury or trauma within the last 24 hours.
- Anyone who has had alcohol within the last 24 hours.
If the employee has one of the following conditions then their GP's consent is required:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Hip or shoulder replacement surgery or metal plates in the body
We offer private health insurance so why do we need your service?
Medical health insurance is a necessity when it comes to giving employees peace of mind and immediate medical attention if required - however it does not offer practical stress management and it rather like "closing the stable door after the horse has bolted".
The Vitality Breaks service is about prevention of the build up of stress.
We offer a telephone counselling service so why do we need your service?
Many people are unaware of their stress levels, so would not consider confronting issues with counsellors, whilst others may feel that it is admitting weakness to do so.
We have company gym membership so why do we need your service?
It is known that although this is valuable service for those that use it, often only a minority of employees within a company take advantage of gym membership. Not surprisingly, the employees that regularly use a gym are generally the ones that need the least help. Vitality Breaks will appeal to all employees including those that do not like gyms or do not go to the gym regularly.
We offer stress management training so why do we need your service?
Stress management training is helpful and may "kick-start" an individual into making life changes. Unfortunately, like New Year resolutions, they are often short lived. They do not replace the sort of regular one-on-one attention a practitioner would be able to provide within the workplace.
How much does it cost?
Their are three payment options:
- Fully funded as an incentive by the employer.
- Part subsidised by the employer.
- The employee pays for the massage in full.
The cost per massage depends upon the payment option. If the employee pays for the massage in full the charge is between £14.50 and £17.50 depending upon the number of clients involved and the location. Their is a 20% surcharge treatments after 7pm. The minimum booking is four massages which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What do I need to consider when booking your service?
When scheduling your service please allow:
- A 20 minute break for the therapist after every seven massages (2 hours and 20 minutes). In addition, for all day bookings please allow a 60 minute lunch break.
- Their is minimum 24 hour booking notice required for Harpenden, Hitchin, St Albans or for Watford. Else where it is 48 hours.
- Their is a 20% surcharge for evening treatments (after 7pm).
- Generally we work in small meeting rooms, however we can work in open plan offices.
- Usually the client draws up a list of names for the timeslots. It is helpful to have their extension numbers, to ring just in case they do not appear. This ensures the smooth running of the timetable and optimal usage of the therapists time by the client.
Are you available for one off events?
Yes, providing the booking is for a minimum of four massages.
Are you qualified?
I have a certificate in Seated Acupressure Massage from The Seated Acupressure Massage Training School (www.acupressure-training.co.uk) which is accredited by Complementary Therapists Therapists Association\Embody (www.complementary.assoc.org.uk / www.Embody.co.uk) and more recently City & Guilds. I am a member of the Complementary Therapist Association.
Are you insured?
I have two million pounds worth of Professional Liability Insurance with Towergate Professional Risks.
The insurance policy includes Public Liability, Processional Indemnity, Product Liability and Libel/Slander Insurances.
| For more information please call Joanne on 07712 52 96 52 or email Joanne@VitalityTherapy.co.uk. |