Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. While it is often associated with the unofficial start of summer, travel plans, and gatherings with family and friends, its true meaning is rooted in remembrance and honor. It is a day dedicated to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have died while serving their country.

The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the aftermath of the Civil War, when it was first known as Decoration Day. Communities across the nation began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and tokens of remembrance. This practice was a collective expression of grief, gratitude, and unity during a time of deep national loss. Over time, the observance evolved to honor all American military personnel who have died in service, regardless of branch or conflict.

Today, Memorial Day traditions continue in many meaningful forms. Families and communities visit cemeteries and memorials, placing flags and flowers at gravesites as a sign of respect. Public ceremonies and parades are held across the country, bringing people together to reflect on the cost of freedom. One of the most powerful traditions is the National Moment of Remembrance, observed at 3:00 p.m. local time, when Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute of silence in honor of the fallen.

While the long weekend often includes cookouts, recreation, and time off work, it is important not to lose sight of the day’s deeper significance. The ability to gather freely, enjoy leisure time, and live without fear is made possible by those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day reminds us that freedom is never free, and it is preserved through courage, service, and loss.

At Corporate Massage Kneads, we recognize that wellness is not only physical, it is also emotional and communal. Taking time to honor history, express gratitude, and acknowledge sacrifice contributes to a more mindful and grounded sense of well-being, both in and out of the workplace.

As we observe Memorial Day, may we carry forward a spirit of respect, reflection, and appreciation for those who gave everything in service to their country.

On-site chair massage

told her to seek fitness, proper nutrition, and health daily to avoid working through illness and suffering daily. That had an impact on me as there are so many ways to fill a day and not have any wellness opportunities in the equation.

Corporate Massage Kneads continues to build the client base when working with office professionals, workers on a factory line, or for a team-building wellness event. The opportunities are there to celebrate and enhance wellness through on-site chair massages regularly.

Corporate chair massage is an easy program to set up with an employer or employee-paid option that allows for maximum returns with little investment of time or money. I will note that the employer-paid option is typically better attended vs. the employee-self-paid option for obvious reasons!

On-site chair massage offers many benefits to the employees in your office. Experienced, licensed, certified, and insured massage therapists are available at modest rates to help you with muscle soreness, trouble spots, or just tight areas from a long work week. The benefits of corporate chair massage are MANY!

Typically, I see three types of chair massage clients at my weekly corporate office. The first type of client is the “regular” client who books each week to enjoy the bodywork and views this as a weekly tune-up. The second type of client is the “occasional” client that books on a somewhat varied schedule – maybe quarterly when a bonus kicks in, etc. The last type of client is the “out of the blue” client that books when experiencing muscle issues due to poor sleep, increased training for an athletic event, etc.  Regardless of the regularity of receiving chair massages, all clients are welcomed and walk out with a renewed sense of calm and physical stress relief.

Which type of client would you be if chair massage were to be offered in your workplace?

Read actual client testimonials here!

Buzz me, Janet Constantino, to discuss and seek options for the wellness program that continues to pay back in dividends offering increased productivity while decreasing stress! I can be reached at 410-989-3577 by phone. I hope to hear from you soon!

Escape. Experience. Enjoy.

What is the saying? A picture is worth a thousand words? This video of a shoulder, neck, and back massage should “speak” to all office workers! Many office workers enjoy the perks of on-site chair massage regularly.

Corporate wellness programs highlight the interest and continued results for lowering stress while increasing productivity. Corporate chair massage continues to become more mainstream for the seasoned and younger office worker.  As pricing for on-site chair massage remains reasonable, many clients are venturing in for chair massage for a regular tune-up, weekly wellness activity or reward for a job well done!

After nine! years within the same large corporate office, I am always surprised to find a client who has never received a chair massage. Many who come in as first-time clients book again within the next six months once the mobile chair massage is received.

Imagine a quiet room with no other office workers, no phones, chatter, or distractions. There is a slight movement of air while soft music plays in the background.

Your massage therapist has already completed the health intake so it is now time to relax and soak in some rest during a busy week. The massage touch can be light, medium, or firm depending on your “knead”  as the massage is received on the back, neck, shoulders, and other affected areas. It is a perfect 15-minute or 30-minute getaway with no interruptions.

The massage therapist gently approaches the chair with moderate pressure to best determine where and why your body is most tight. Hours of sitting whether it be commuting to work or sitting in front of the computer at work put continual stress and strain on your body.

The mobile chair massage session is easy to settle into as the movement is continuous with light, moderate, or deeper (often requested) pressure is applied along the shoulders,   mid back, neck, and head.  These areas of most requested as they take the bulk of stress while sitting at a desk.

The rocking motion has eased as the therapist works on the tired and sore spots to allow for relief and the reduction of stress. Typically, there is no talking unless the clients speak up with directions, requests, or comments. The music continues to hum along as background which enhances the sensation of calm during and after the corporate chair massage.

There is work to be done with varying pressure on those achy muscles that work tirelessly when in a stationary position most of the day at the desk. Tension and stress drift away with the welcomed touch of chair massage.

The time frame is filled with touch, minimal talking, and just the right pressure to allow for a mental break from the busy “to-do” list that awaits upon returning to the workstation.

Employees feel rested and ready to tackle the rest of the day and week with renewed hope of completing all that has to be done for a successful week.

Want to create this serene atmosphere in your office? Book a corporate massage wellness program with Massage Kneads!

Corporate chair massage is easy to schedule with employer OR employee-paid programs. Schedule your corporate on-site chair massage program today by simply contacting me, Janet Constantino, CEO of Massage Kneads. We hope to hear from you soon!

Holidays bring laughter, joy, surprises, and lots of energy, but sometimes the opposite! Early December is the time to ensure that you are prepared and armed with some ideas to stop the madness and enjoy the holidays!  Many office workers stress with the long to-do list outside of the typical work week. There are still lunches and dinners to be made, errands to run, house and tree decorating, sending out holiday cards, etc. A chair massage in the office is a great gift and allows for some relaxation which increases focus and productivity.

Why not think about services that make your life easier? There are many in today’s world. Young and old alike can enjoy online (cyber) shopping, which is easy to do along with being time and gas-efficient.

Other suggestions of services that help to maximize your time and minimize your stress include online grocery shopping, dry cleaning delivered to your door, the delivery of meal ingredients, easy-to-prepare crock pot meals, etc.

The service list can be expanded once we figure that our time is worth so much more, especially after a long day at the office. Energies spent on mundane tasks drain us rather than fill us up, especially during this busy time of year.

Wellness programs that are offered on-site typically rank high with new and veteran staff alike. On-site service programs such as chair massage show the care, commitment to health, and dedication on behalf of the employer throughout the year or during this special time of year.

There are so many options to choose from with new and exciting wellness events: chair yoga, yoga classes, and of course on-site chair massage. All programs are easy to schedule with your “kneads” in mind.

A client testimonial from Silver Spring, Maryland says it best!

O-M-G!! HEAVEN!! “What a great experience! I can’t thank Joyce enough for the wonderful massage. I needed it badly. Can’t wait for them to come back!!” On-site Maryland chair client, April 2016.

Many employers would love to hear this feedback from their office workers! Wouldn’t your company?

We offer mobile chair massage events in Maryland’s since 2006.  We provide many varieties of massage and wellness programs that can fit whatever particular “kneads” you have!

If on-site corporate chair massage, chair yoga or yoga classes sound like a program that can be incorporated into your business, contact us here!

Whatever it’s been to you in the past, I challenge you to take the time to remember those who have served our country.

Every day, ordinary people with extraordinary courage and bravery protect and preserve the freedom that we so boldly proclaim. Their noble sacrifice of personal freedom so we can exercise ours is worthy of the utmost honor, praise, and thanks. But personal freedom is not the only cost of our country’s freedom and safety; life itself must sometimes be given to secure the freedom that we so effortlessly enjoy. Memorial Day is a day to remember those souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I urge you to preserve the memory of those who have died in the service of our country.  Live with a thankful spirit.   Live in a manner that honors those who have given served in the military.

Though Veterans Day is set aside to remember those who have served our country, America.  It is also a perfect day to honor those who are still living. Write them a card, take them to lunch, and give them a gift.

At Corporate Massage Kneads, we believe that the gift of massage can greatly benefit veterans. Recent studies have shown that massage therapy can not only aid physical healing but can also help victims recover from PTSD, a syndrome common in veterans. Massage can lower cortisol levels and increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which reduces hyperarousal sensations and eases anxiety in veterans and office workers alike.

Contact Corporate Massage Kneads today at 410-989-3577 to schedule your mobile chair massage event. It’s never too late to start to plan a wellness program when YOUR employees return BACK into the office. There are many benefits to mobile chair massage.

Sources:
http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14328

http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2013/02/beyond-ptsd-helping-to-heal-the-trauma-of-combat-through-massage-therapy.html

ONE happy graduate!

As of August 23rd, 2024, I am celebrating  23 years as a licensed massage therapist graduate of the Atlanta School of Massage, ASM.  This is especially exciting as I have often read that a licensed massage therapist’s “typical” lifespan is six years! Over the many years, we have enjoyed offering mobile chair massage at many corporate wellness events.

When deciding to leave my lucrative medical sales job, I felt the excitement to choose a trade that incorporated my mind, hands, and business knowledge to offer relaxation and stress relief to my future clients.  With the support of my husband, Jim, family, and friends, I jumped into applying to the school and prepared for my interview with admissions. Success!

In December 2000, I was accepted into the program with a January 2001 start date for school.  The realization began to set in as ASM was full-time and required hours of studying the location and function of muscles, bones, and nerves.

Deciding to commit to a full-time program of 720 hours of hands-on body and school work was one of the best decisions that I have made in my career.

Looking back, it was an easy decision as I was always seeking massage in foreign cities when I traveled for work vs. long corporate-sponsored dinners and drinks. It was healthier and felt better the next day! A special thank you to those kind folks i.e. “pretend clients” (including my husband) who laid on my new massage table for hours as I mastered the art of draping while offering bodywork.

As a skilled, licensed, and mobile massage therapist, the career offers flexibility with scheduling, and immediate gratification from clients receiving chair massages along with a great hourly rate! I continue to fine-tune my skills with my thirst for knowledge with in-depth study of the human body.  Every chair massage stroke is an attempt to create the perfect harmony for proper alignment with each client’s movement.

Since 2001, I have fine-tuned my skills for on-site chair massage as many clients continue to seek this type of bodywork due to limited time and sometimes financial resources. My massage career and income drastically improved when I started Corporate Massage Kneads in October 2006.

The years have rolled on, I am filled with gratitude to have chosen this massage as my life’s work.  My company, Corporate Massage Kneads, continues to push me to exceed clients’ expectations of me and others who work with me. We hope to assist large and small companies when considering corporate wellness events.

All the therapists who work with my company have been licensed for many years and bring stress relief to each client in a short amount of time when offering corporate chair massage. They are an extension of me and always bring their best work to every on-site chair massage corporate wellness event in Maryland.

Upon doing research, I was curious why others like myself chose massage therapy. The results are interesting as I profile these independent thinkers and workers (like me!)

Many modern-day massage therapists have chosen massage as their second career as it offers flexibility and a decent hourly rate. This was especially appealing to me when newly married and ready to start a family. The “typical” massage therapist is a female with a median age of 45 and starting anew with massage as a second career.

Interestingly, I have learned that is a growing industry with $12.1 billion in sales for massage and related massage products. This shows promise as graduating therapists have committed to a “hands-on” trade with the additional cost of time and money to attend a local massage school for their chosen new career.

Corporate wellness programs are “in” now as the public and large corporations seek on-site chair massage, chair yoga, stretching, and exercise as a cornerstone for increasing productivity, aging well, and stress reduction.

Check out the testimonial page! Our client testimonials continue to validate the importance of offering on-site corporate chair massage in both large and small corporate offices!

“I am so glad our company makes this available on-site. Sitting at a desk 8+ hours a day takes a toll on our muscles and just 15 minutes with the therapist makes a world of difference. I was hesitant at first about giving up my time in fear of losing valuable production time, but in turn, it has helped my alertness and production many times over. Well worth the investment. Thanks to Janet, she is an angel in disguise!”

With hope and gratitude, Corporate Massage Kneads asks that you consider selecting us as your chosen chair massage provider in Maryland as we have the experience to help you with all your corporate “kneads” and locations.

Corporate chair massage is easy to schedule with employer OR employee-paid programs. Schedule your corporate on-site chair massage program today by simply contacting us here!

Escape. Experience. Enjoy.

Their consistent calm manner, capable ability, and encouragement make them invaluable to any medical facility- large or small, especially when caring for critically sick or dying patients with the COVID-19 virus.

Here are some interesting facts about National Nurses Week. It begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12^th– Florence Nightingale’s birthday. These permanent dates enhance the importance of this special and valued health provider. Since 1896, the nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA.)

Here are some interesting facts about the nursing profession:

• Nurses represent the largest sector of all health professions, with more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States.
• For 11 straight years, nurses have ranked #1 as the most trusted profession.
• The United States has nearly 400,000 primary care providers. Physicians account for over 275,000 of these providers, nurse practitioners for over 80,000, and physician assistants for approximately 20,000. There are currently almost 154,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) practicing in the United States.

In any case, nurses in all capacities deserve appreciation and a huge “thank you” during the week of May 6th to May 12th. Scheduling a wellness program, where local massage therapists come onsite to care for your trusted nurses, is a great way to show appreciation to this deserving group of employees. This wellness program would demonstrate how grateful you are for their hard and dedicated work day in and day out, year to year. Nurses are rarely recognized, but without them, many medical institutions would not run smoothly and would suffer dramatically.

Show your nurses the appreciation that they deserve!   

Contact Corporate Massage Kneads to schedule a mobile chair massage therapy when the time is right for all to honor these deserving and hard-working employees who need some appreciation!

To read further about the history of National Nurses’ Week, check out this article “http://www.nursingworld.org/NationalNursesWeekHistory-2015”

Sources:

http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/health-care-providers….
http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/pressreleases/2010/100922nursingworkforce…
http://www.gallup.com/poll/145043/nurses-top-honesty-ethics-list-11-year…
http://www.ruralhealthweb.org/go/left/about-rural-health/what-s-differen…
http://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Abstract/2012/07000/Will_the_NP_…
Steinwald, B. 2009. Primary care professionals: Recent supply trends, projections, and valuation of services. Washington, DC: GAO
S. Department of Health & Human Service. Health Resources and Services Administration. The Registered Nurse Population: Findings from the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses
2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, Table 3-2
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/news/articles/2012/enrollment-data
Prybil, “Engaging Nurses in Governing Hospitals and Health Systems,” Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24, January-March, 2009, pp. 5-9.

I was pleasantly surprised to get a reminder TWENTY years ago today, I graduated from The Atlanta School of Massage! Following that, Corporate Massage Kneads is based in Maryland and was opened in October 2006.  My mood picked up as I remembered that today so vividly as it was full of celebration as I completed 720 hours of instruction, many student clinics, and tests! 

Just for a kick, I looked back at what was significant on this date to find some interesting facts! 

August 23rd, on this day in History:

• 1833-08-23 Britain abolishes slavery in colonies; 700 000 slaves freed
• 1869-08-23 1st carload of freight (boots & shoes) arrives in SF
• 1872-08-23 1st Japanese commercial ship visits SF carrying tea
• 1889-08-23 1st ship-to-shore wireless message received in the US: US lightship
• 1919-08-23 Gasoline Alley cartoon strip premiers in Chicago Tribune
• 1927-08-23 Nicola Sacco & Bartolomeo Vanzetti executed in Mass
• 1944-08-23 Rumania liberated from Nazi occupation (National Day)
• 1957-08-23 Digital Equipment Corp. founded
• 1963-08-23 Beatles release “She Loves You”
• 1966-08-23 Lunar Orbiter 1 takes 1st photograph of earth from the moon
• 1968-08-23 Yanks & Tigers play 3-3 tie in 19 due to 1 AM curfew
• 1973-08-23 Intelsat communications satellite launched
• 1977-08-23 Yanks leapfrog over Red Soxs 1/2 game in 1st place to stay
• 1977-08-23 1st man-powered flight (Bryan Allen in Gossamer Condor)

Looking back at those little facts from 2001 makes me realize how long ago twenty years really were and how far my career as a massage therapist has come in the world of wellness while offering on-site chair massages.

The years have rolled by and I am filled with gratitude to have chosen this massage as my life’s work.  My company, Corporate Massage Kneads, continues to push me to exceed clients’ expectations of me and others that work with me.   Wellness programs are “in” now as the public, large and small corporations seek corporate chair massage, chair yoga, stretching, and exercise as a cornerstone for increasing productivity while decreasing stress.

With a pre-COVID testimonial, I continue the belief that Corporate Massage Kneads continues to exceed the expectations of every massage client working in corporate offices.

Exceptional “Once again, I cannot express enough what a benefit such a service such as this one by Massage Kneads, truly means to a healthy, and productive day. I have gained many benefits from the service that I gave my co-worker a session. Now they too agree… Wonderful and a real bargain for the convenience and quality of service. “

With hope and gratitude, Corporate Massage Kneads asks that your company consider selecting us as your chosen chair massage provider as we have the experience to help you with all your corporate “kneads.”

Corporate chair massage is easy to schedule with employer OR employee-paid programs. Schedule your corporate on-site chair massage program today by simply contacting me, Janet Constantino. You can contact us here! 

Escape. Experience. Enjoy.

Administrative assistants perform daily tasks that keep the company running seamlessly- activities such as planning meetings, managing events, sorting through mail, making quick decisions, and more. They are not merely coffee runners or phone answerers. They are adaptable, reactive, and quick on their feet- the backbone of the office and often the sanity of their employers. While some employers value education within any administrative assistants they hire, others prefer street smarts and common sense to a diploma on the wall. Overall, administrative assistants can serve various functions for their companies and can be valued for their plethora of skills. Some administrative assistants’ tasks only extend to office-related activities, while others are involved in the personal lives of their employers and can help with errands and family-related events.

In any case, administrative assistants deserve appreciation and a huge “thank you.” Wednesday, April 26, 2023, is Administrative Appreciation Day, and you should make sure that your assistants feel how grateful you are for their hard and dedicated work. They are rarely in the spotlight, yet without them, many companies would fall apart. Show your professional assistants that you appreciate them!  Give Corporate Massage Kneads a call at 410-989-3577 to schedule your onsite chair massage therapy event in the office for some of your most valued employees.

To read further on the value of administrative assistants, check out this New York Times article, “Assistant, Yes, but They Can Do It All.”

See more details here! www.CorporateMassageKneads.com for more information!