Time Out for Chair Massage

Hello, again! I hope you have been staying cool and comfortable in the summer heat! Make sure you are drinking lots of water!

So today it's all about chair massage. Most everyone has seen a massage chair by now. They kind of look like a folding chair that wasn't unfolded quite right. You see them at the mall, at airports, at street fairs. That's really the beauty of a chair massage, it's completely portable.

Chair massage as we see it today (with the specialty massage chair) was originated by David Palmer. He was the co-creator of the first massage chair and started the first programs to teach chair massage. Now, chair massage has been around for as long as there have been chairs. If I walk up behind you and massage your shoulders while you are sitting at your desk, that's technically chair massage. But David Palmer designed the first massage chair, and the basic design hasn't changed much from what you see today. The benefit of using a massage chair rather than just a normal desk chair is better access to the full back and the ability to let the client fully relax against the sternum and arm rests for the massage.

Chair massage is done fully clothed and in smaller time increments than a full body massage. Anywhere from 10-30 minutes with 15 being pretty standard. I have a smaller intake form you would fill out then you just climb onto the chair get comfortable and relax. I can work your back, arms, neck and head very easily and can even work legs if you don't mind me stepping on you. Sounds odd, but feels pretty darn good.

The strokes are similar to what I have told you about already. It's a blending of Swedish, Deep Tissue and even Trigger Point. In fact if you are a headache sufferer a chair massage once a week to keep your neck and shoulders relaxed can work wonders. Though chair massage is quicker than a full body massage the work is usually a little deeper. This is due to the angle of the chair. I can lean into a stroke and go much deeper into the muscle belly much quicker than I could if you were flat on the table, it's all about the angles. But as with any sort of massage, the depth and pressure is up to you. Even if it's only a 15 minute break in your day, it's your 15 minute break so enjoy it fully! I usually finish off the massage with some tapotement (the rhythmic thumping) and then some quick fast strokes that are designed to re-energize you and get you ready to face the rest of your day.

Most of time with chair massage I come to you. Either your office or a gathering or a health fair. The possibilities are endless. Having a wine tasting party and want to make it just a little more special? Bridal party at the last dress fitting, or after the rehearsal? Over to the left of where you are reading there is a little slide show of pictures going on. See it? That is one of my favorite regular chair massage groups. A group of lovely ladies (they are not only clients but dear friends) would get together monthly for a potluck lunch. I would set up my chair in the living room and give 15 minute chair massages all through lunch. It was fun and relaxing!

So chair massage, it's great for a group, either in an office or a party. It's fun, it's easy and it's a nice little break in your day! See you soon!