Vancouver RMT | Study Focuses Massage Therapy Effects on Night Shift Employees
The Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia (RMTBC) has funded a research study that will be focusing on the mental and physical effects of massage therapy on people who work night shifts. Research would be a positive step in helping workers seek a Vancouver RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) to meet their stress-relieving needs. Two medical professionals affiliated with The University of British Columbia will be examining the effects on both inflammation and stress attributed to working long, late nights. This will be a benefit to the 30% of Canadians who are employed during these time slots. It also includes employees who work constantly-changing work schedules with rotating shifts throughout evenings.
The type of industry an employee works in can determine the likeliness of working night shifts. Examples include law enforcement, firefighters, and even health care professionals. Basically, any work position that focuses on either protecting or helping the public medically is a target for increased stress. As a result from working a draining night shift, an employee can develop sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is known to affect eating (increased or decreased), alertness, and the cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels). Eventually, a buildup of intense stress will cause a disruption. When it comes to a massage therapist, Vancouver massage therapy professionals can possibly help decrease the amount of stress built up over time.
How does night shift stress occur? Also, what can a person do to assuage this night shift stress?
A Registered Massage Therapist may be able to alleviate the stress and inflammation. In order to keep our bodies balanced, we have what is called an autonomic nervous system, or ANS. The ANS consists of two sections: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Our natural responses to situations in a fight or flight mode is determined by the sympathetic nervous system. When it comes to our calm, resting responses, the parasympathetic nervous system plays the important role. It is believed that proper massage therapy from a Vancouver RMT can help Vancouver workers who have to have long night shifts.
During periods of stress
the entire ANS can be disturbed, thus an imbalance within this system occurs. This imbalance creates inflammation and increase risks for certain cancers, diabetes, and heart problems. That is why finding a suitable Vancouver RMT may decrease these risks and help the nervous system return to normal balance with proper massage techniques.
The goal of this study
Is to see if massage therapy has its benefits for those working late hours. Dr. Mir Sohail Fazeli and Dr. Jean-Paul Collet, the two doctors conducting the study, will compare the results of the massage or reading with results prior to the therapeutic intervention. The massage or reading will last for 30 minutes, and will be given to a group of participating hospital staff. The staff will have worked two night shifts beforehand.
Quality patient care
Is important in terms of improving the Canadian health care system. With the hopes that workplace stress is addressed and lifestyles are improved with massage therapy, this study may become evidence of such.
