The Effects of Employer-Provided Massage Therapy on Job Satisfaction, Workplace Stress, and Pain and Discomfort

Back, Chris, BSc, CCPE, Tam, Helen, Lee, Elaine, Haraldsson, Bodhi

Long-term care staff have high levels of musculoskeletal concerns. This research provided a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy of employer-funded on-site massage therapy on job satisfaction, workplace stress, pain, and discomfort. Twenty-minute massage therapy sessions were provided (treatment techniques reflected massage therapy for the purposes of general relaxation rather than specific therapy). Evaluation demonstrated possible improvements in job satisfaction, with initial benefits in pain severity, and the greatest benefit for individuals with preexisting symptoms. A long-term effect was not demonstrated.

Holistic Nursing Practice. 23(1):19-31, January/February 2009. – abstract

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DOI:10.1097/01.HNP.0000343206.71957.a9