Restaurant work may be one of the most common jobs across the country but that does not mean it is easy. It is no secret that the food service industry is very demanding.
Kitchen staff, bartenders, wait staff, hosts and hostesses, and all the other people who make up the food industry work extremely hard to make sure the rest of us eat well and have an enjoyable experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the restaurant and food service industry sees nearly 200,000 injuries per year, resulting in approximately 9,000 days away from work by injured employees.
The Sprains and Strains of Food Service
Food service workers are almost always on their feet. They rarely sit down and work under hectic and strained situations. Many food service workers are attracted to the industry because of the fast-paced and exciting environment. However, this is also what leads to work place injury.
Wait staff and bussers are at a particularly high risk for back, neck, and shoulder strains due to assuming awkward postures while serving customers or clearing tables. Heavy trays, walking all day, and bending and leaning puts undue strain on arms, elbows, and so forth. Proper technique for carrying heavy or awkward items is crucial to avoiding injury, whether in the kitchen or on the floor of the restaurant.
Even with proper technique, your body will feel it over time. Especially after long shifts, double shifts, busy weekends, large parities and events, and other times when you are working especially hard.
The most common injuries to restaurant and food service workers include:
- sprains and strains
- lifting and carrying injuries, including back injuries, joint damage, and other musculoskeletal injuries
- slips and falls
- repetitive stress injuries for food servers, busboys, meat cutters, and bartenders
- motor vehicle accidents for delivery drivers and caterers
- burns
- cuts and lacerations
Not to mention that your feet hurt all the time!
The Mental Toll of Food Service Work
Besides the physically demanding aspect of food service, there is also the mental strain to consider. Hungry people can be difficult to deal with. Picky eaters can be hard to please. Intoxicated people are often unreasonable. Early mornings and late nights can create poor sleep cycles.
Customers who have never worked in the food service industry may not always have empathy or understanding for what restaurant workers are going through to deliver hot food on time. If you have never had to rely on tips to support yourself, you may not understand what you have to do in order to receive fair tips. It’s not easy.
Working in fast paced environments can also make it difficult to wind down and relax once your shift is over.
The Benefits of Massage for Food Service Workers
Food service workers across the industry can benefit greatly from massage. It is a physically demanding, hectic, and mentally challenging career path. It is isn’t for everyone, but those who thrive in this environment need to take care of themselves so they can enjoy a long career.
Massage can help in the following ways:
- Ease sore muscles and joints
- Reduce back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Provide a relaxing environment to unwind
- Promote better sleep
- Reduce pain from repetitive motion injuries
- Help with carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar types of injuries
- Promote faster healing after slips and falls
Check out the many types of massage that are available.
Need more convincing?
Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?
At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best.
Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.
You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.
We’d also be happy to talk to your work place about at in-house wellness and chair massage program.
Feel better today!