Do any of you give IHM while sitting?

[Me Me]

I now have great difficulty standing through arthritis of the spine and a friend told me she had a IHM whilst therapist sat...help please if you can

Many thanks

 

[ViagraCANADA]

Sounds interesting. I'd be interested in this too as I have back problems. Maybe a stool that is higher than the chair the client is sitting on would be good and one with wheels so you can move easily around the client.

 

[????rn?]

The only way I can see this working is the way mentioned by one of my teachers, where the massage was given with the client lying down.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks Chris, thats how Ive been doing it, but it doesnt flow very well, and its a shame to disturb the client by asking them to turn over.

Thank you also Lavendula I think it must of been done on a tall stool with wheels but I keep getting visions of myself toppling off the stool and flattening the client, might try it on of my friends, will let you know the outcome.

 

[GB007]

I sit whilst doing treatments.

I damaged my back a few years ago and had to retrain in a different career so I chose holistic therapy. Im now a qualified Reflexologist and I have recently qualified in IHM. I chose those two because they could be done sitting down as I too cannot stand for longer than a few moments.
My college tutor was brilliant and showed me how I can adapt the treatment to suit my needs as well as the clients. It also came in handy covering some ranges in my VTCT book.

I have quite short legs so its not always possible to have a chair higher than my clients but most of my clients are happy to be seated quite low, usually on one of those computor chairs that swivell down to a set height.

I find certain moves more challenging, especially the general hair massage and I find I have to stand for that and also the head rocking and the initial hands on head. My tutor taught me to gently lean the client back when it comes to the facial massages and they all seem comfortable with this, it does mean slightly closer contact with the client but its worth it not to have excruciating pain in my back for the rest of the day!
If there are moves I find are too difficult then I usually replace with moves that are easier and I spend more time on those, basically I pull out my 'bag of tricks' and I always have happy, contented clients leaving me.

Good luck

xx

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi,
Sorry this is a late reply but not been on here for a while. I too have problems with my back so need to do most of my therapies sitting down. I have the client sitting on a large wicker chair with arms (like the ones you get for conservatories) as they are quite low and then I sit on a stool with wheels that allows me to move around the chair to perform the differnt moves. I then put a pillow at back of chair to let client rest their head while I do the face and scalp massage. I also find this is a lot better for the client, I used to do it with them sat on a chair but they got so relaxed I was frightened they were going to fall off so the security of the big chair is great and they now generally fall asleep during the massage which is fantastic and I get lots of people saying it is the best IHM they have ever had.
Good luck with your treatments
Love and Light
Karen
x

 

[brown9500.v10]

Hi Orchid,
I think you could provide the massage sitting. As long as you are positioned higher than your client, so you can use your body weight throughout the massage - this is very important, as if you are on the same level you will have to use a lot more physical strength, which may cause extra strain on your spine, not to mention your thumbs, wrists and chest. It's an interesting question, so please keep us updated on the solution you find. Good luck