Truckers: A new massage clientele

Imagine sitting in the same position for six or more hours in cramped quarters while bumping along on rough roads. Long-haul truck drivers routinely endure such conditions, and often pay a steep price. Shortened leg muscles, backaches, neck strain and shoulder discomfort are just some of the physical issues that plague truck drivers. But now truckers are discovering that massage therapy can alleviate these symptoms and put them back in the driver's seat.

Reflexologist and massage therapist Valerie Hanson operates her practice at the Petro Stopping Center in Fargo, North Dakota. “I saw drivers standing around rubbing their backs and necks,” she says. “I brought up the idea to the truck-stop owners and they were receptive.” Although her client base grew slowly, those who have indulged in massage are spreading the word to fellow drivers.

Hanson points out that the benefits of massage bring the drivers back for more. “They leave the office more relaxed. Massage works out the knots, aches and pains and leaves them refreshed,” she says. Hanson finds that gripping the steering wheel for hours at a time causes upper back, shoulder and neck stiffness and that sitting for long periods results in low-back problems. According to Hanson, many drivers are delighted to find they experience a better night’s sleep after massage.

Massage therapist Courtland Lippincott of Touch Works Therapeutic Massage in New Braintree, Massachusetts, includes truck drivers among his many clients. “Truckers start in negative balance. There is a lot of stress with driving and bouncing. They get paid by the trip or mile, so drivers get little sleep and push hard,” he says.

One of his truck-driving clients complained of leg pain. Therapeutic efforts to reduce his discomfort were unsuccessful until Lippincott went directly to the source of the problem. Upon close examination of the driver’s cab, Lippincott discovered that the door handle rubbed against the man for 12 hours at a time, causing a burn on the side of his leg. “It was an eye-opener to get into the truck,” he says. “The cockpit was small. A lot of things can cause abrasions.”

David McClure, director of marketing for Petro Stopping Centers in El Paso, Texas, reports that outside companies or individuals, like Hanson, usually contract for space on-site. Although on-site massage therapy has not experienced significant growth at truck stops, McClure indicates that this amenity would be welcomed. “We’re happy to have the service at our sites,” he says.

— Phyllis Hanlon