You have to love summer. Long days, holidays, sunshine and relaxation. At least that's how it's supposed to be. But some days when the appointment book is full and the patients are hot and bothered it seems that the blue sky out the window is simply a cruel reminder of what you're missing out on.

If you've just returned from holiday or you're covering for a colleague, workplace massage is a new way of bringing a little summer spirit into your practice or laboratory.

Kerry Telford of Active On-site, a company specialising in on-site chair massage, says bringing massage into the workplace elevates mood and morale, which in turn reduces absenteeism.

Massage stations can be set up in any available space, for example a staff room. The only equipment needed is a portable massage chair brought along by the therapist.

‘On-site massage is accessible and quick and easy as you remain fully clothed,’ explains Kerry. ‘Benefits to employees include time-out in a stress free environment to unwind, re-energize and focus.’

Sessions need only take 20 minutes, but even after such a short break, Kerry claims staff return to work with improved concentration. Muscular tension can be relieved, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back. This is particularly important for dental team members, who by the nature of their work can spend hours of their day in awkward postures.

The physical benefits may be obvious, but it is perhaps the psychological side effects that are just as worthwhile. Kerry says bringing a little pampering into the practice makes staff feel valued, which in turn helps increase their performance. Dentists either pay for the staff's treatment, or team members may pay a subsidised rate.

Whether the dentist or the staff member pays, on-site massage should prove considerably cheaper than a session at the local salon, and the prospect certainly makes working indoors on a midsummer day slightly more bearable.