New Study Released by Wahl Reveals How Hard Moms Really Work

STERLING, Ill., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While most people would agree that being a mom is hard work, new research commissioned by Wahl reveals that the role of mom is downright painful. The study, which examines the physical, as well as mental burdens of moms today, paints a clearer picture about just how demanding this role is and how those demands may be contributing to an overwhelming number of moms experiencing routine pain. Thanks to Wahl, this study may be welcoming news for moms seeking relief this Mother's Day.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120425/CG93815LOGO)

According to the results of the study, which was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation in April 2012 among a panel of more than 500 moms of pre-teen children, eight out of 10 moms experience muscle tension or pain on a routine basis. The most prevalent pain points include the neck, shoulders and back, with nearly 80 percent of respondents reporting pain in those areas on a monthly basis. Neck and shoulder pain, in particular, is the most nagging affliction, with 40 percent of moms experiencing it at least 10 days every month.

Equally significant is how pain affects moms of all ages and during various stages of motherhood. The study revealed that moms under 30 experience pain at about the same rate as those in their 30s and 40s, however, where that pain resides most often shifts over time. For instance, moms under 30 and those with children ages 3 and under are more likely to experience sore arms and legs while more moms with children ages 4 to 7 experience pain in their neck and shoulders. Moms of children ages 8 to 12 are affected by back pain the most and moms 45-plus experience more aching joints.

The study also examined potential factors contributing to this routine pain, including the daily grind moms endure. According to the findings, the physical demands of being a mom are a full-time job. The average mom spends just under 40 hours per week transporting her children to and from activities, carrying them around, cooking, cleaning and running household errands. In addition, 72 percent of moms work or volunteer in or outside of the home and spend an average of 25 hours per week doing so.

In addition to the physical demands moms face, the study looked at the mental burdens of motherhood as a potential source for physical pain. The results showed that moms, overwhelmingly, are the ones responsible for managing their children and family. In fact, nine out of 10 moms report leading the charge when it comes to scheduling their children's appointments, functions, recreational activities and medical visits, in addition to purchasing the necessities such as groceries, school supplies and medications. Even more impressive, 80 percent of moms also manage their family's finances—arguably the most demanding and stressful household task of all. As to whether the job of managing the household shifts over time, the results show that moms of children 3 and under are just as likely to be the ones doing this as moms of children ages 8 to 12.  

Findings also confirmed the notion that the job of mom is never-ending. In fact, eight out of 10 moms spend two hours or less on themselves each day and half spend an hour or less on themselves. Younger moms looking for a glimmer of hope will be disappointed to know that age has no bearing on the amount of time moms take for themselves, as those under 30 receive the same limited time to themselves as those in their 40s. However, moms looking for a silver bullet to eliminating the pain of motherhood may be interested to know that, according to the study, moms with more children experience less pain than moms with fewer children. Moreover, moms who are not married have less responsibility for managing the household than those who are.

Despite experiencing pain on a routine basis, whether from the stress of managing the household or the physical demands of motherhood, many moms choose to grin and bear it. The study reveals that among moms who experience pain on a monthly basis nearly half decide to take it easy until it goes away. Only 13 percent seek medical attention for their pain while 25 percent opt for massage therapy, either in or outside the home. Six out of 10 moms rely on over-the-counter or prescription pain medication for their ailments, or a combination of treatments. 

Getting Relief In-hand

In honor of Mother's Day, Wahl, the company that invented the electric massager 100 years ago, is helping moms get the relief they need. Through the first-ever "Mom Relief Initiative" Wahl is giving away 50 therapeutic massagers to 50 deserving moms.

Unlike many hand-held massagers, Wahl therapeutic massagers are designed for pain management, featuring powerful motors, variable intensity control and interchangeable heads that allow you to customize your massage experience. As an effective way to manage pain, massage has been proven to improve circulation, regulate blood pressure and reduce anxiety, all of which can contribute to physical and emotional well-being.

Beginning April 25 and running through May 8, those who like Wahl Home on Facebook can nominate a mom, whether it's their mom, grandmother, wife, daughter, a friend or themselves, to receive the latest in hand-held therapeutic massage from Wahl.

Those interested in entering the Mom Relief Initiative must post a comment explaining why the mom on their list deserves relief. Entries will be judged by Wahl on their uniqueness and sincerity and the winners will be selected once the contest wraps up. Stories must be submitted by end of day May 8 to be considered.  

"It's easy to take for granted how much work moms put in day in, day out," said Jenny McLaughlin, product manager for Wahl Massagers. "As a leading provider of pain management solutions, we wanted to reward moms for all they do while showing the world the true extent of those efforts and the impact they have on a mom's physical wellbeing."

For more information about Wahl massagers and the benefits of massage, visit wahlmassagers.com.

About Wahl
Now in its 93rd year, Wahl Clipper Corporation is an international industry leader in the manufacturing of products for the professional beauty and barber salon trade, consumer personal care and animal grooming.  Headquartered in Sterling, Ill., Wahl currently employs some 2,000 people worldwide in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Spain and the United States. Wahl products are available in 165 countries around the world. For more about Wahl, please visit www.wahl.com.

SOURCE Wahl