According to the National Safety Council, every seven seconds a worker is injured on the job, and the most common injuries include sprains and strains, and soreness or pain. With our increased dependence on technology, too, these types of issues are not isolated to a single work sector and affect workers across a variety of workplace environments. A continually growing body of research showing how massage therapy can effectively help people manage pain—coupled with health care providers’ earnest interest in prescribing fewer opioids and approaching pain from a more integrative perspective—means massage therapists have a key role to play in helping their clients recover. Following are some brief reminders and recent research on how massage therapy can help clients who face workplace stress and injury.

Common Problems in the Workplace

Pain. From laborers whose work requires heavy lifting to office workers who find themselves in front of a computer all day, pain is a common problem. Carpal tunnel syndrome and low-back pain and stiffness are two of the most prevalent issues workers face, and overuse and overexertion are often the root causes. Poor posture can also lead to pain in the shoulder, neck and back.

How massage can help. Massage can help reduce some postural imbalances, as well as relieve inflammation and nerve entrapment. If you have clients with carpal tunnel syndrome or neck, shoulder or back pain, you do need to do a thorough assessment prior to starting the massage session so you know exactly what muscles to work.

 For soft-tissue conditions, myofascial release can be a good technique to use. However, beware of working on one area for too long to avoid further irritation. Also, if you have a client with carpal tunnel or any condition that may have required surgery, be sure not to work on or too close to areas that might still be healing.

Eye strain. “Most of us spend our days—and evenings—engaged with one screen or another,” says Julie Goodwin, LMT and massage educator. “All of this screen time can place significant strain on the eyes themselves, as well as the muscles that move the eyes.” The numbers bear out Goodwin’s assessment. According to The Vision Council, approximately 80 percent of American adults report using digital devices for more than two hours a day, and nearly 67 percent are using two or more devices simultaneously. The toll that’s taking is reflected in the 59 percent who say they experience symptoms of eye strain. Eye strain, too, can lead to other issues, according to Goodwin. “Eye strain absolutely contributes to headaches and to generalized fatigue,” she says.

How massage can help. One major benefit of massage therapy identified by Goodwin is a client experiencing actual relaxation of the muscles that move the eyelids, as well as those muscles that become mobile when the eyes are engaged, like the procerus, corrugator supercilii and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, for example. “That awareness, with input from a knowledgeable massage therapist, can help clients identify and develop strategies for reducing eye strain and fatigue.” Of course, the face does require some caution, Goodwin reminds massage therapists. “Local contraindications include direct touch over the eyeball and contacts left in the eyes,” she explains. “Absolute contraindications include stye or conjunctivitis.” Recent eye surgery or infection are also contraindications.

Stress. A 2018 survey by the Korn Ferry Institute showed that nearly two-thirds of professionals say their stress levels at work are higher than they were five years ago. The effects of stress can be wide-ranging and varied, including fatigue, poor motivation and, more seriously, burnout and other health problems. How massage can help. When working with clients who are dealing with stress in their work environment, massage therapists should consider focusing on techniques that promote relaxation. For example, effleurage and gentle petrissage work well, as do rocking and light friction. Avoiding fast techniques or deep tissue is best. Consider letting the client choose the music you use during the massage session, and start by instructing them to take a few deep breaths before you begin working.

How massage can help. When working with clients who are dealing with stress in their work environment, massage therapists should consider focusing on techniques that promote relaxation. For example, effleurage and gentle petrissage work well, as do rocking and light friction. Avoiding fast techniques or deep tissue is best. Consider letting the client choose the music you use during the massage session, and start by instructing them to take a few deep breaths before you begin working.