Learning chair massage techniques -Pros/cons

[Pompal 09.]

School never went over chair masage with much depth. Are there workshops on just chair massage? Or really good dvd's? I have had some inquires about it- For those that do do it, pros/cons?

 

[mjk]

I was lucky enough to be able to study with Lee at school. She has been in several massage magazines and studied under Aaron Mattes among others.

http://www.geocities.com/chaffee_massage/


She has a wonderful seated DVD as well as a sports massage.

 

[Account--Suspended]

Search here for chair massage... you'll find some good threads on this topic already, including:

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12388

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10638

 

[springlillycrystal]

I love doing chair massage!

My business is almost exclusively on-site seated massage, and the only "con" I've seen with it is that people tend to assume it's free. On the other hand, there have been many people shocked that I only charge $20 for a 15-minute massage, "You're giving it away!"

I was events coordinator for the program when I was in school, and we did a LOT of chair events (probably because I enjoyed it so much, lol).

There is no limit to where you can set up a chair (well, save local ordinances). Mine is always with me, along with my supplies.

As you've found, you have to seek out training to do this as a business ~ or learn by trial and error, which is mostly the way I did it.

Take every opportunity to get a chair massage (malls, airports, IC's), because you will learn something from everyone that gives you a massage.

 

[Amy]

I enjoy doing chair massage too, and have fun with the variety of it! It's also a great opportunity to practice with more energetic music and in a more dynamic atmosphere.

While our business has chairs that can be used in our massage rooms, we also do on-site corporate chair massage. This week we're doing a three-day gig at a local office, and it's a ton of fun! I enjoy seeing how our other MTs work with their clients, and I know they're watching me too. We're stealing good stuff from each other!

The massage program I attended didn't spend loads of time on chair massage, but they made sure we were competent at basic Swedish for chair massage. I simply adapted the other modalities I've learned for use in chair massage situations. Today I integrated trigger point therapy, cross fiber friction, AIS, strain counterstrain, and fascial work into most of the 10-20 minute chair sessions I did. When doing chair massage, it's merely a matter of altering your body mechanics and client positioning strategies to fit the situation. With a bit of focused practice, you'll have it down and feel confident every time someone sits down for you.

 

[lynneZ]

I am also a huge fan of chair massage! It can be done anywhere, I like doing a few shorter massages than one long massage (I don't get as tired), you get to meet a whole lot of people. On the business side of it, there's way less overhead than renting an office. It's basically just the chair, transportation, lotion, hand sanitizer and face cradle covers. For some reason clients seem more willing to pay $1 per minute than $60 per hour. If you're wanting to do mostly table massage, chair massage is a great way to market yourself.

I'm not sure I'd pay for a workshop. If you can do a table massage, just change the strokes a bit to fit a chair massage. I'd just try it out on friends/family and get feedback. Pay close attention to your body mechanics as it'll be different than when doing table massage. Also, you can learn a lot by getting chair massages yourself and paying attention to what the MT is doing. Hope this helps!

 

[Amanda :D]

Thanks for the replies. Body mechanics are a huge thing for me- In the past when I did some chair massage my body hurt. I'm going to look into videos as well. Thanks

 

[sally p]

I took my chair massage training with Eric Brown of Relax to the Max. He is very big on correct body mechanics.

He has a great set of videos out called "Guide to Chair Massage techniques". You can order the DVD's or order and view the material on line.

Here is a link to BodyworkBiz, which is his affiliate company: http://www.bodyworkbiz.com/store/videos.html

I too have done chair massage for hours and hours and my back and wrists have been fine. It is all in technique and posture.

 

[MUFFINATOR.]

I love doing chair massage!

There is no limit to where you can set up a chair (well, save local ordinances). Mine is always with me, along with my supplies.

.

so, when you say there is no limit to where you can set up a chair, can you tell me, what sort of places have you done chair massages? and do you just go in and talk to a manager or something? How does one get started?

 

[Tiffany]

I love doing chair massage!

There is no limit to where you can set up a chair (well, save local ordinances). Mine is always with me, along with my supplies.

.

so, when you say there is no limit to where you can set up a chair, can you tell me, what sort of places have you done chair massages? and do you just go in and talk to a manager or something? How does one get started?

I have set up on the Appalachian Trail, in parks, on the sidewalk at street fairs, in the hallway at the college, in offices large & small, in homes, at a joint MLM party (Arbonne, Prestige jewelry, Pampered Chef & me), in a coffee shop, at a CPA, in a Cingular store, at a Pizza Hut, in schools, at churches, a skateboard park (formerly a warehouse), at a Halloween Haunted Garden, at health fairs, employee and customer appreciation days. There are seperate threads with suggestions ~ but your imagination is your only limit.

Start by calling your town or county office to see if there are any vendor restrictions for being set up in public areas. As far as approaching a business, you have to decide your reason for having the chair event. Is it free for promoting your business & selling gift certificates? paid by employer, paid by employee or a combination of the two?

Promote yourself by speaking to (and giving demonstrations at) womens, church and civic groups.

 

[eff j]

I love doing chair massage!

There is no limit to where you can set up a chair (well, save local ordinances). Mine is always with me, along with my supplies.

.

so, when you say there is no limit to where you can set up a chair, can you tell me, what sort of places have you done chair massages? and do you just go in and talk to a manager or something? How does one get started?

I have set up on the Appalachian Trail, in parks, on the sidewalk at street fairs, in the hallway at the college, in offices large & small, in homes, at a joint MLM party (Arbonne, Prestige jewelry, Pampered Chef & me), in a coffee shop, at a CPA, in a Cingular store, at a Pizza Hut, in schools, at churches, a skateboard park (formerly a warehouse), at a Halloween Haunted Garden, at health fairs, employee and customer appreciation days. There are seperate threads with suggestions ~ but your imagination is your only limit.

Start by calling your town or county office to see if there are any vendor restrictions for being set up in public areas. As far as approaching a business, you have to decide your reason for having the chair event. Is it free for promoting your business & selling gift certificates? paid by employer, paid by employee or a combination of the two?

Promote yourself by speaking to (and giving demonstrations at) womens, church and civic groups.

thank you for this information, very helpful. you sound like you enjoy the flexibility a chair gives you!