Chair massage is an efficient massage technique to deal with the problems and tensions arising during the course of a day. It effectively addresses the strains and aches which build up in the shoulders, neck and back from extensive work in front of the computer. Seated massage is a sound alternative to the more traditional table massage as the position effectively allows the therapist to work on the troubled areas.
Seated massage is especially suitable for dealing with pains, tensions and returning mobility to the joins and muscles. A session does not only massage the muscles and make them relax, but also releases trigger points and can employ stretches to aid the body back into a natural alignment.
There are several major conditions that are treatable by a seated massage:
Lumbar area (lower back):
- Low back pain, tension, sprains and strains.
- Muscles spasm related to disc injuries, lifting accidents, falls and other trauma.
- Acute onset of low back pain.
- Lack of flexibility.
Thoracic area (upper back):
- Pain between the shoulders.
- Lack of range of motion of the scapula.
- Postural distortion.
- Pain on deep breath.
Shoulder area:
- Rotator cuff injuries.
- Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
- Impingement.
- Join pain.
- Strains and sprains, frozen shoulder, aches and pains in the shoulder.
Upper extremity (arms and hands):
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Tennis and golfers elbow.
- Tension, pain, strains, sprains, tingling and numbness.
- Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
- Postural distortions.
Cervical (neck)
- Whiplash.
- Headaches.
- Stiffness and lack of flexibility.
- Athletic injuries and postural distortion.
Not only is seated massage effective in treating a long range of problems, but it is often more practical and convenient for the clients. A chair massage can take place in practically any location, offices, at home, at a clinic, in the park, at the airport, in the mall. It does not take much room and as the client is clothed privacy is not an issue. All that’s needed is a quiet corner where there is room for the massage chair and therapist to move freely and no one is bumping into the chair as they pass by.
The sessions are shorter than with a table massage, making it easier to fit an appointment into a busy schedule. They can range from 10 minutes to 40 minutes, the most common being 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to plan and find a free slot in a busy schedule.
Generally the price is lower than a table massage, both due to the shorter time and the easier set-up. No oils or creams are used during a seated massage, no sheets and towels which need to be washed afterwards, which is another reason for a lower price. Depending on where you are prices for a seated massage typically lie on $1 per minute (in the US), or 1€ per minute (in Europe).
The shorter time and lower cost allows clients to book several sessions in a shorter interval than they would with a table massage, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the massage. A frequent series of shorter massages is more effective than one long massage once in a rare while. This can make seated massage a better therapeutic massage form than traditional table massage when dealing with the above mentioned.
Source and further reading: Therapeutic Chair Massage (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Educational)
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