Tactus Onsite Massage

Plan B...

2011-11-15T13:03:00.000Z

I've not mentioned it on this blog (I did on my facebook fanpage) but I recently had surgery on my knee which has put a stop to me doing massage for a few weeks. It's rather inconvenient as there was some impetus building up as a result of the promotions I'd been doing.

Rather than be idle, I'm focusing just for now on what I was doing before the massage took off. I'm also a qualified life-coach and I specialised in weight loss and ran a weight loss coaching support plan called New Slimmer You.

I'm working on the relaunch of that and in the meantime I've got a Blog and facebook fanpage for that too.

Please feel free to check them out and be sure to "Like" the facebook fanpage to get regular weight loss info and tips.

See you there!

And now, Passive Stress in the Workplace!

2011-11-10T13:03:00.002Z

The phenomenon of workplace stress is well documented and we tend to think of that stress as being caused by our workload or incompetent managers to name just two reasons but a report shows that stress at work can be caused just through having an irritating or whingeing workmate.

Professor Elaine Hatfield, a psychologist from the University of Hawaii, (I've been to Hawaii and didn't notice much stress there!) discovered that stress can be as contagious as a cold and that 'passive' or second-hand stress and anxiety can quickly spread around the workplace.

It's an interesting proposition and I can see where she's coming from!

Read Complete Article Here

David Palmer - his role in Modern Seated Massage

2011-11-03T12:46:00.001Z

As I'm laid up with a dodgy knee, I have some time to reflect on things other than just getting through the daily routine and I've been reading up on David Palmer, who Massage Magazine calls the "father" of contemporary Chair Massage for the significant role he has played in the growth of this segment of the bodywork services industry. Self effacing guy that he is, he readily admits to not being the inventor or creator of chair or seated massage but as Scott Lamp, President of the American Massage Therapy Association, in November 1997 put it:

"David may not have been the first to discover Chair Massage, but, like Columbus, there is no doubt that he was the first to put it on the map."

Palmer began his professional massage career in 1980. Before his teacher, Takashi Nakamura, returned to Japan in 1982, he prepared David to assume operation of The Amma Institute. The Amma Institute was the first school in the United States exclusively devoted to traditional Japanese massage. It was here that Palmer first began experimenting with teaching his graduates to work on clients seated in a chair, rather than lying on a table.

In 1983 Palmer began work on the first special chair to make seated massage comfortable and convenient for both the customer and the practitioner. In 1986 his chair was introduced to the bodywork profession by Living Earth Crafts and has served as the basic model for all subsequent massage chairs.

Palmer ensured the success of onsite massage when he persuaded Apple Computers to engage his company's services on Apple's then 350 employees, an arrangement still in place today. Many large organisations around the World incorporate regular onsite massage as part of their commitment to the welfare of their workforce.

He certainly had a vision when he embarked on this journey:

"Whether in Europe, the UK or the US we see the primary task of all Chair Massage practitioners to be education. The more practitioners working visibly in Chair Massage the more skilled touch becomes an accepted part of the fabric of everyday live, whether in the workplace, the shopping district, the recreation venue, or the home. My ultimate vision is to have all children in primary school learn basic shoulder rubs for their family and friends. When we reach that point I will know that we have arrived at our goal of a world where touch is recognized as essential to the development and maintenance of healthy human beings."

You can read his complete article on seated massage history here

Source
Touchpro Institute

Is Stress in the Workplace the New Back Pain?

2011-10-28T12:28:00.004+01:00

Someone mentioned to me in response to what I told them I did for a living, that they thought workplace stress had taken over the role in malingering that back pain had previously held. So I googled it and this article from the Daily Mail in 2005 (it's good to know I have my finger on the pulse!) came up See Full Article Here and this of course was before the current recession, which has probably made the situation worse!

The premise of the article is that stress is as easy to fake as back pain and as undiagnosable. While I'm sure that's true, I wonder if it's just them taking some isolated cases and extrapolating that across the whole range to come up with a controversial opinion, or if there's a basis of truth in the report.

Certainly, all the figures we get show that workplace stress is on the increase at an alarming rate, as is testified by many articles and reports I've included in this blog, but of course those figures are a result of the reported numbers of workers being off sick, not whether those off sick are swinging the lead or not.

My own direct experience is so small as to not being siginificant statistically but in those companies where I've been employed to work on stressed employees with my seated massage, in the vast majority of cases those workers have been very stressed. I got told of working environments where it was even seen as disloyal to the company to take lunch breaks away from your desk and that was in companies where they were enlightened enough to employ me in the first place and those type of companies are in the minority.

In a report I read yesterday See Full Report Here something like 80% of companies recognised the need to deal with workplace stress but only about 50% actually had some form of stress management in place. (I'm on a roll with this and don't want to break off to get the exact figures, so just trust me!) Perhaps there's an implicit belief among employers that the premise of the Daily Mail article is correct and it's not a real problem, just a perceived one. If your staff are off sick and/or underperforming through ill health, then it is a real problem.

Putting my life-coach's hat on, I have to say that the "Why" or the reason companies should be proactive in terms of dealing with workplace stress, is just not big enough for them, which is why when I pitch to a prospective company, I tell them what's in it for them - an improved bottom line through reduced absenteeism, possible protection against litigation and a healthier and more productive workforce, rather than trying to tap into their benevolence towards their
staff.

So no conclusions are drawn here but in my very limited experience, I see enough stressed employees to know which side of the argument I come down on.

Contact Tactus Onsite Massage for more information

What is Acupressure?

2011-10-11T16:32:00.003+01:00

The Onsite bit in Tactus Onsite Massage, is there because the massage is portable and we visit the client rather than the other way round. In this context, Onsite massage has become a shorthand for seated massage, as in most instances seated or chair massage is the form that's used. The form of seated massage that we at Tactus use is seated acupressure massage and I often get asked 'what exactly is acupressure?' Most people have heard of acupuncture but not necessarily acupressure, so is there a connection between them?

You bet your sweet bippy there is! (Wasn't that from Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in?). The theory behind them both is rooted in Oriental medicine, which is largely preventative rather than curative and the Oriental belief is that we have channels or meridians of energy flowing through our bodies and if that flow is constant and unobstructed, we are well but if it becomes interrupted or blocked then we suffer dis-ease. It's a simple concept to grasp isn't it?

Along these meridians are many points which have a correlation to various parts of the body and these points are used to maintain the constant energy flow and keep us well. The difference between acupuncture and acupressure, is that the former uses needles on these points and the latter uses finger pressure. They are two very different experiences but they can produce the same results and I know which one I prefer thank you!

In a normal 20 minute seated massage session, this work on specific points is incorporated into more conventional massage techniques where tissue is moved over bone, giving an effective but pleasurable experience. Seated Acupressure is highly effective for relieving muscular tension in all areas of the back, head, neck and shoulders. If you look at the diagram, you will see how many of the meridians and points are located around the spine and neck, which is why even a short acupressure session is so effective.

So there you go - I've simplified 5,000 years of Oriental medicine down into four paragraphs!

For information on how Tactus Onsite Massage can benefit you, email enquiries@tactusmassage.co.uk

Workplace Stress - the Cost to the Employer

2011-10-10T16:27:00.006+01:00

MIND, the UK Mental Health charity has been running a successful campaign called "The Elephant in the Room" by which they mean mental health/stress at work and how it's being ignored. They state these two facts:

1 - Improving and managing mental health in the workplace can help employers save around £300 per employee or around £8 billion a year for British industry as a whole.

2 - FTSE 100 companies taking action and reporting on employee health issues outperformed their competitors financially by 10 per cent on average in 2009.

Those are very powerful arguments for any company to deal with this issue and seated massage can be an important tool if used as part of an overall policy for dealing with stress in the workplace.

Contact Tactus Onsite Massage for information on how we can help your company

Tactus on Facebook

2011-09-26T15:39:00.005+01:00

Tactus Onsite Massage now has its own page on Facebook. Either click the image above or the link in the column on the right.

Tactus Onsite Massage Website

Seated Massage at GAMEFest 2011

2011-09-19T16:48:00.000+01:00

Have just provided seated massage at this event at the NEC Birmingham. We had five chairs there and at times all chairs were busy and with people waiting for a massage.

I had a new experience for me - a guy I was massaging took two phone calls and sent a text during the massage!

Tactus Onsite Massage's therapists can come to your event - email enquiries@tactusmassage.co.uk or call 07967 391387

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

2011-08-16T16:21:00.000+01:00

Just got back from working with my seated massage chair at this event and it was hard work but great fun. It's billed as the fourth largest outdoor event in the UK and attracts up to 500,000 visitors. Thursday and Friday were steady but Saturday just took off and I worked a 12 hour day until I could do no more at 9pm. There were approximately 100 balloonists from around the World there and it was an extraordinary sight to see them taking off one after the other. Will probably do this event next year too.

Rising Cost of Workplace Depression & Stress

2011-07-18T10:33:00.000+01:00

As employers and their workers continue to experience pressures from the economic climate and current government cuts, depression in the workplace is increasingly becoming more of an issue for compensation and benefits professionals, according to employeebenefits.co.uk

See the full article here

Having an effective programme in place for dealing with stress in the workplace is a good defense against litigation and corporate onsite massage is a simple and cost effective way to help achieve this.

IIP - Health & Wellbeing Good Practice Award

2011-07-12T12:26:00.000+01:00

In today’s climate there’s increased pressure on employees to meet goals and manage more demanding workloads. Many employers are realising that effective health and wellbeing programmes are key to delivering the flexibility they need for continued innovation and growth. In this context, Investors in People are introducing the new Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award to help you get sustained performance from your people.

Investors in People have now piloted this new framework with over 440 organisations around the UK. Evaluations of pilots have provided very positive feedback indicating employers value this new focus.

Click here for more info

Is Your Boss Making You Ill?

2011-06-17T08:11:00.001+01:00

Four in 10 workers feel their manager's behaviour increases their stress levels, with over a third claiming they do not enjoy their job because of their boss. One in 10 blame their manager for declining health, the CMI survey of 2,000 workers found.

Read complete Daily Telegraph Article - Click here

Workplace Stress - The Elephant in the Room

2011-05-16T10:58:00.002+01:00

One in five workers has taken time off for stress but almost all were too afraid to admit why they needed sick leave, researchers have found. Millions lie by claiming they have a stomach upset or that a relative is ill, the study by mental health charity Mind revealed.

While it found that talking about workplace pressures is still a huge taboo few workers actually want to hide their stress from their bosses. Seven out of ten would like to discuss the issue with their employers although one third want their manager to make the first move when they were showing signs of strain.

Read whole article here

Right now, 1 in 6 workers is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress and costing the UK economy £26 billion each year. What does the elephant in the room cost your business?

Read whole article here

For information on how Onsite Massage can be an effective tool to help deal with stress in the workplace, contact us on info@tactusmassage.co.uk or 07967 391387

On-site Massage in Gloucestershire

2011-04-11T17:04:00.003+01:00

Tactus On-site Massage has moved from Shropshire and is now based in the heart of The Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. From this base, Tactus is better able to serve companies in the South Midlands, South West as well as the London area.

For information about Tactus' services and charges, call Andy Poole on 07967 391387 or email andy@tactusmassage.co.uk

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE STUDY

2009-06-24T17:14:00.001+01:00

A study by Warwick University into stress in the workplace, has found that 13.5 million working days are lost each year due to stress related illness.

Read this article for more information:

FREE INTRODUCTORY OFFER!

2009-04-02T19:22:00.001+01:00

Until Further notice, Tactus Onsite Massage are offering free taster sessions for local Companies.
Tactus is now based in the heart of the Cotswolds, so local means Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and the South Midlands generally.

Up to four free onsite massage sessions per company are available for local companies to evaluate the benefits of this form of massage which is designed specifically to be taken into the workplace to help combat stress.

The sessions are of 20 minutes duration and are conducted through normal clothing.

For further information or to book your free sessions, email Tactus at info@tactusmassage.co.uk.

TACTUS TEAMS UP WITH NUYU

2009-01-28T22:20:00.000Z

With effect from the 12th February, Tactus Massage will be providing weekly seated massage sessions at NUYU Hair & Beauty, The Oakfield Centre, Rad Valley Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, SY3 8AT.

To mark the new venture, on the 12th, 19th and 26th of February, every new massage client will get a FREE voucher worth £10 that they can use against any of the hair & beauty treatments at NUYU's salon. (Offer not available to existing NUYU clients)

To book a seated massage session at NUYU and claim your £10 voucher, contact them on 01743 350100 and mention the introductory offer.

ULTIMATE MANILOW

2008-12-05T16:46:00.000Z

Tactus Onsite Massage were very pleased to provide seated massage backstage to performers and crew on the recent sellout Barry Manilow UK Tour.

Tactus founder Andrew Poole thanks Andrew Miller and Danny Betesh, Manilow’s UK concert promoters since 1978, for the opportunity.

"Thank you Andy for providing the massage backstage. I know those who received it got great benefit from it and we'll definitely bear you in mind for future promotions"

Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller Promotions

IMAGES FROM NAPO DAY

2008-11-22T10:06:00.000Z

A few photos from the day with the National Association of Probation Officers at their Learning at Work event in London.

"Everyone said it was really morale-boosting and asked when we could have Andy back for another session" Margaret, Union Learning Rep at Napo (National Association of Probation Officers)

TESTIMONIAL

2008-11-13T22:38:00.000Z

"The massage itself was excellent and Andy was really professional and I think it is a great resource for staff to access"

Hayley Miles
Senior HR Officer
SACCS Care Ltd

TACTUS GOES LIVE ONLINE

2008-11-06T15:33:00.000Z

Tactus Onsite Massage's website goes live. Visit it at:

www.tactusmassage.co.uk

NAPO EDUCATIONAL DAY

2008-10-26T14:37:00.000Z

Tactus Onsite massage have been invited by the National Association of Probation Officers to a day on November 18th 2008 at their London Headquarters, to provide a mixture of hands-on demonstration and education about the roots of onsite massage and the role it plays in helping organisations deal with stress in the work place.

www.napo.org.uk

SACCS CHILDCARE

2008-10-26T14:24:00.000Z

Tactus Onsite Massage gets contract to provide onsite massage to staff at SACCS LTD, the internationally renowned childcare organisation based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Founder and Chief Executive Mary Walsh says: "Andrew ran a pilot scheme for around 10 of our admin. staff, who suffered from the usual stiffness and tension experienced by desk and keyboard workers. The immediate positive benefits they gained have encouraged us to extend the scheme to include our care workers, who work under quite a lot of stress and who we're sure will get as much if not more benefit from a prolongued programme of this form of massage"

www.saccs.co.uk

WELCOME

2008-10-11T12:22:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the News Blog of Tactus Onsite Massage.

www.tactusmassage.co.uk