A chair massage is shorter in duration than a traditional massage, with times typically ranging from five to thirty minutes. Unlike a typical massage in a salon or spa, these massages are performed outside the person’s clothing.

Benefits

A chair massage targets tension areas in the neck, shoulder, back and arms. Chair massages have been known to promote overall well being and performance by reducing stress, increasing concentration, lowering anxiety, increasing circulation, lowering blood pressure, and promoting muscular relaxation. Due to the effectiveness of chair massages, many corporations offer these services for their employees, and, since it is a shorter massage, people can get it done over a lunch break.  Many people are familiar with chair massages because they typically will see this type of massage performed in a shopping mall or in any other public arena.

Convenient

Chair massages are becoming increasingly common because they are easy to set up and convenient for a versatile group of people.  Since these massages are done in the public, the recipients are able to view the type of massage they will receive. People are able to view the masseuse working and are able to see exactly what he is doing. An added benefit of the chair massage is that it is performed outside of the recipients clothing. Some may feel that a traditional massage is uncomfortable for them because they do not want to get undressed. A chair massage is usually shorter in duration than a traditional massage, making it a convenient option for people to fit into their busy schedules. 

Many businesses are providing on-site chair massages to promote wellness programs to their employees.  Not only are on-site massages great for mental health, employers are using them as incentives to improve employee performances.  Studies show that people who receive massages have less anxiety and feel positive effects almost immediately.  Employees who receive massages during work are going to be more alert and productive.  On-site chair massages are a cost effective and safe program that everyone can use in any work environment.

Set-up 

An on-site chair massage can be used in any work station and does not require a private room setting.  The massage therapist may bring their own chair or they can use any chair in the office.  The program is convenient and caters to the needs of the recipient.  The massage will last between 10-15 minutes, but can go as long as the clients work break.  There are no oils used and the recipient is fully clothed.   Most of the techniques that the massage therapist uses focus on the shoulders, neck, back, and arms.  The onsite-chair massage is an effective way to promote wellness programs and keep employees feeling healthy and motivated during long work weeks.      

A growing and welcome trend among big business employee “perk” benefits is the offering of chair massage. Employees are, from time to time, offered opportunities to receive chair massage during lunch breaks or many companies will hire a group of massage therapists to be on site for an entire day, allowing almost all employees a chance at a ten minute relaxation session.

Techniques

A chair massage therapist has several techniques to offer a client that are slightly different from receiving a massage on a massage table. Since a client will remain fully clothed during a chair massage, no oil or lotion is used and generally a therapist will not massage with the typical massage strokes. Instead, through the clothes, the therapist will apply compression to the back, neck and arms using their forearms, knuckles and heels of their hands. Another technique is squeezing where the therapist squeezes large muscle groups between two contact points. This technique works best on the upper back and upper arms. Circular kneading will be applied during a chair massage as well as percussion and  friction work.

Benefits

The benefits of receiving a chair massage, especially during a work day, include a general lowering of stress, increased circulation which increases an individual’s attention and focus and decreased neck strain and backaches. It has also been reported that a company that offers chair massage to its employees from time to time have a decrease in injury-related absence.

References

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The field of Massage Therapy offers a diverse array of massages.  Some Massage Therapists choose to master a few massage techniques while other Massage Therapists become proficient at many techniques.

Chair Massage

Chair Massage utilizes Acupressure methods and offers a more timely massage that can be delivered in a variety of geographic locations.  Chair Massage allows more flexibility because it can be practiced anywhere with a chair.  Often, Massage Therapists that practice Chair Massage visit patients in their homes or at work. 

Infant Massage

Infant Massage is used for women in the process of having children as well as their babies.  Infant Massage requires additional training since great care must be taken for infants and pregnant women. 

Myofascial Release Massage

Myofascial Release Massage focuses on releasing and stretching the muscle fascia to decrease pain and inflammation as well as increase range of motion.  Through Myofascial Release Massage, the muscles of the body are more capable of functioning as a cohesive unit. 

Reflexology Massage

Reflexology Massage is a core component of most Massage Therapy Schools and consists of putting forth pressure at various locations in the hands and feet that correspond to particular tissues and organs in the body. 

Shiatsu Massage

Finally, Shiatsu Massage consists of applying pressure to various points along the Energy Meridians of the body with the thumbs.  For further information on other Massage Therapy techniques, visit www.naturalhealers.com.[1]

Chair massage is a short massage usually lasting in duration of 15-20 min, in which the client sits in a specially designed chair.  It’s also known as seated massage or on-site massage and it’s performed with the client fully clothed and no lotions are used.  The therapist massages the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands.  Chair massage is widely used in spas, hotels, chiropractic offices, healthcare events, schools, malls, and corporate events. 

First Time

First time clients can experience a relaxing massage without paying for an hour or longer and can remain clothed to suit their comfort levels.  Chair massage is utilized a great deal in chiropractic offices because it helps relax the patient’s muscles prior to getting an adjustment, making the adjustment smoother and hold better.  The therapist usually addresses the clients back first getting them use to their touch then progresses to the shoulders, neck, arms, and lastly the hands and fingers.  The patient remains relaxed sitting facing the chair with their head in a paper-covered headrest with arms relaxed on bench in front of them.  The therapist typically remains quiet throughout the duration of the massage unless it’s an educational tool to teach them about the art of massage therapy and what it can do for them.  Overall, chair massage is an excellent way to introduce massage to new clients and reduce stress and tension of current ones.

Great for Business

Health fair events are another great way to introduce the public to the art and healing power of massage therapy.  It’s a great tool to build report and business within the community all the while helping people relieve stress and tension.  Since chair massage doesn’t use oil or lotions the therapist usually performs kneading, percussion, trigger point release instead of long gliding strokes.