Massage Therapy Means Relief For Arthritis Neck Pain

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec., 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Spending hours hunched over a computer screen is just one of the reasons why millions of Americans are experiencing arthritic neck pain. While arthritis can be caused by many factors – aging, weight gain, injuries – it can also result from extended periods of sitting and bad posture. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 27 million Americans suffer from some form of osteoarthritis and the neck is a common area for arthritis to occur. 

Massage Envy Spa, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, in conjunction with the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, recently conducted a new study reinforcing the benefits of massage therapy for arthritis neck pain. The study found that 15 minutes of moderate pressure stroking on each side of the neck reduced pain and improved range of motion for those with arthritis neck pain. The study's results were published online on Sept. 24, 2014 in the Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice Journal.

"Massage therapy is an effective, affordable and alternative wellness approach for addressing various arthritic conditions, including neck pain," said CG Funk, vice president of industry relations and product development for Massage Envy Spa. "These latest findings show that massage can aid in improving quality of life for those affected by arthritis neck pain and discomfort."

The next time you sit at your desk, here are some suggestions from Massage Envy Spa that you may want to consider in order to help ease or prevent neck pain during working hours:

• Take standing breaks. Don't be afraid to step away from your keyboard during the workday. Go outside to get some fresh air, stretch or visit a coworker's desk to speak with them directly rather than sending an email.
• Keep feet flat on the floor. This technique prevents your back from arching and straightens your posture.
• Use a headset to talk on the phone. A headset will allow you to reduce strain on your neck as opposed to holding the phone between your head and shoulder.
• Avoid constantly carrying heavy items on one shoulder. Alternate shoulders when carrying heavy items such as a purse or briefcase by switching the bag from side to side. This will avoid aggravating the muscles in your neck and upper back.
• Disconnect during the evening. With the average full-time office employee spending more than 40 hours per week in front of a computer screen, consider spending free time relaxing your mind and body.
• Stay active. Movement helps reduce stiffness, increase flexibility and strengthen joints,
• Schedule regular massage therapy sessions. Massage has not only been show to help relieve pain of arthritis, but also many studies show that receiving massage on a consistent basis offers positive benefits for many other physical conditions as well.

Open seven days a week, each Massage Envy Spa offers convenient times and locations to fit all its members and guests' needs. Visit Massage Envy Spa on Facebook or on Twitter. For more healthy living and wellness tips, visit Massage Envy's blog. Additional information, including a list of all locations, can be found at MassageEnvy.com.

About Massage Envy Spa
Massage Envy Spa, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy Spa has more than 1,000 franchise locations in 49 states and over 1.5 million members.  In addition, the average unit volume for a franchise location is $1.35 million. Through its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Massage Envy Spa has raised more than $3 million in four, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The company was recently ranked #1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes, #79 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #54 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #27 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy Spa is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

Contact: Elayne Sommers
Fish Consulting
202-588-8138
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130429/NY03571LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/massage-therapy-means-relief-for-arthritis-neck-pain-300005793.html

SOURCE Massage Envy Spa

Related Links

http://www.MassageEnvy.com