Chair massage
Overview:
Chair massage makes massage accessible and quick. Often found in work events or health fairs, chair massage allows for a quick, restorative break. Performed clothed and in a massage chair, the chair massage allows for application of massage through the clothing to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and lower legs.
Benefits:
Chair massage provides an increase to circulation and reduction in the tension of the shoulders and back. Because its portable and can be performed clothed, chair massage makes for a terrific break and energy boost in an office or public environment. A longer chair massage session can create a full body massage experience, including stretching, and can bring the benefits of circulation, relation, reduced stress, improved alertness, reduced pain, and feelings of well-being similar to any massage.
How it works:
Some deeper strokes and some friction techniques are used through the clothing to increase circulation and reduce tension in the muscles. Head massage and hand massage techniques may also be applied. The chair allows for the therapist to apply pressure as the client sits upright, allowing for massage in smaller quarters than a table massage would require.
Specialized equipment:
Portable Massage Chair
Keywords:
Chair massage, office, clothed massage, shoulders, work
History:
Modern chair massage was initiated by David Palmer in 1982, when he realized that the public needed an affordable, clothed, low risk way to experience an initial massage in a public or office setting. One of his first major customers was Apple computer in 1984 where, at their peak, his company performed 350 chair massages a week. Read the rest of the story of chair massage here.
Compare styles:
- A) Pressure applied: 3/5
- B) Fluidity of stroke-2/5
- C) % of body massaged: 3/5
Preparing for your visit:
In many cases, the massage therapist will come to you, visiting offices, events, and even working in public spaces. Wear loose clothing and try to stay away from the caffeine immediately before your massage. In an office setting, or in a public place, having clear expectations around sign-ups and number of minutes per person can be a good idea. People love a massage and you wouldn't want an unharmonious environment!
User experience:
Reviews:
Recommended Resources:
http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue97/history97.php
