“According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Research the cost to businesses for health care and lost productivity of repetitive strain injuries is $11 billion.” -Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Let’s face it, computers are a big part of our lives and most of us spend a lot of time using a computer typing and using the mouse in a repetitive motion.  Although computer work is often the culprit, is just one of the many actions that can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. According to a Harvard Medical School publication, other causes of CTS come  also from assembly line work in industries such as manufacturing, serving or meat packing. Other everyday tasks like washing the dishes, driving a car and even turning the pages of a magazine all require you to use your wrist. Think how difficult any of these actions would be if your wrists and fingers hurt.

The good news is that research studies show that massage can help and many companies that utilize on-site massage see a huge difference in the reduction of repetitive injuries of their employees. Massage Therapists use  specific techniques that focus on the wrist flexors or the carpal tunnel region. By concentrating on all the muscles and tendons involved, the therapist can break up the pain pattern bringing relief to the sufferer. In addition to working the areas of the carpal tunnel region it is also important to address all the regions of the upper extremities and the neck. Often muscles in the wrist turn out to be the “blow out” point.

“A 2004 study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida concluded that massage therapy eases the symptoms of CTS. The study found that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients receiving massage reported significantly less pain, reduced symptoms and improved grip strength than those who did not receive massage.” -Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

Massage therapy has proven to alleviate the pain of CTS and prevent further deterioration. When massage is offered at the workplace it can really affect a company’s bottom line by reducing repetitive injuries. Utilizing massage in the workplace is an inexpensive route that companies can take to make a big difference. It is a low cost program with high return.

Touch is TEN times stronger than verbal communication and it allows us to release old pains and emotions stored in muscles. The Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine devotes its studies solely to the effects of  touch therapy.

TRI says it has carried out more than 100 studies in  touch and found evidence of significant effects, including faster growth in premature babies, reduced pain, decreased autoimmune disease symptoms, lowered glucose levels in children with diabetes, and improved immune systems in people with cancer. It really is incredible that  human touch can have such an impact on all of these conditions.

When you think about it, it  really is human instinct. When people hurt themselves they instinctively touch the area that is affected.  When a child gets hurt a parent will “kiss it to make it feel better”. Just the comfort of someone touching a child where they are hurt generally calms them down.

Science tells us that touch triggers the release of brain endorphins, which work as natural pain relievers.  Touching can make your immune system stronger and your mood lighter. The more you are touched the better you feel. Touching is a necessity for a healthy life.

A fifteen minute or half-hour massage can boost your immune system and lessen stress making you feel calmer and  happier. For some people who live alone, their massage might be the only time that they experience human touch. Massage is so much more than relieving sore muscles, it affects you on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.