Question on Chair Massage

[alf the gardener]

Hi,

I'm new to the site and I'm a student right now. We learned chair massage a little while ago in school, but I never was able to get comfortable with it. I had the routine down, but I'm 6'2" and about 275 lbs, I'm pretty athletic, and it was really hard on me. The chair always seemed to short and I was in a constant lunge trying to keep my body mechanics sound. My question is how relevant to my future business is it for me to perfect chair massage? We were told by our instuctor that it will get clients in our door that we would otherwise never be able to reach, but I don't know if it'll be a viable option for me. Will this just take some time for me to get used to with regular practice, or should I not worry about it? Thanks!

 

[Fl_lCK OBAMA]

Question on Chair Massage

I also dislike doing chair massage due to body mechanics, partially from stature. Years ago I thought it might help get clients on my table, but it didn't. It may be different for others. Most of my clients have come from word-of-mouth. I had started my business by working on people I already knew, practicing on them for free while still in school. When it came time, I put an ad in the phone book. That's it. No more chair massage for me.

 

[Sudmeister]

Question on Chair Massage

It's really up to you! Chair massage is not a "necessity" per say, but it is a great way to meet people and market your business. I have seen a massage chair that moved up & down, .. I think it was called a "dolphin"? Look for some options to suit you best! You could also offer clothed table massage instead of a chair if it is better for you. You can also learn different chair techniques so you don't have to bend or lunge. You may even be able to sit on a stool or chair? (Since you are pretty tall!) You could also offer things like "bamboossage in the chair" "hot stone chair massage" etc.. There are so many possibilities so just be open and search for things you enjoy!

 

[Ask and Answer]

Question on Chair Massage

JC:
It's good to know it's not really a necessity. I'm trying to do the same thing you did by working on friends and family for free while in school. So far it's going great, I've had a lot of interest from people I was shocked that were interested in me giving them a massage. I was a little worried from everything I read about things being harder for a male therapist, and I still have some people that have declined, but I'm suprized at just how open alot of people are.

Jenn:

Thank you for your reply. I had no idea there was a chair on the market that was height adjustable. I'll have to look into that if I do decide to go that route. The clothes on option is great too. I've had alot of good responses from people after I've given them just a simple shoulder rub. I'll also look into the other variations you metioned as well. Right now I'm in a learning mode and I'm trying to soak in everything I can.

Thanks!

 

[ubc.gurl]

Question on Chair Massage

I have also seen custom chairs that were exceptionally high, designed for use by tall MTs. Also, you can deepen your stance or even kneel if necessary. The basics you have been exposed to are merely the tip of the iceberg of chair massage. It's not necessary to build a clientele, but it is a very handy skill to have. All of our MTs are required to be capable of doing chair massage now and then - our corporate gigs can be lucrative for chair-savvy MTs.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Question on Chair Massage

I started with chair massage and if you learn from a good teacher, body mechanics should not be a problem. My son also does chair massage and he is 6'4". We both use the Stronglite chair which is very adjustable.

My passion is myofascial release (along the lines taught by Walt Fritz or John Barnes) and it adapts well to chair massage. I teach classes on how to incorporate MFR into chair massage.

Everyone's practice is different and the marketplace is different in different communities. Larger cities are likely to have more opportunities for chair massage, but will they convert to the table?

Whatever it is, if you hate it, or don't love it, don't do it. It will come through in the massage.

Take care, Marion

 

[Chaos 2011]

Question on Chair Massage

Stingray,

Any time you have a question, just ask! This site is full of amazing therapists who share their wealth of knowledge! I feel like am I constantly learning new things and reevaluating my sessions!

And I have a handy tip for corporate massage! I used to do chair and table massage at a large call center, and while people were on the phones, I would stand behind them and give them a little neck massage with my forearms (just some simple compressions) and they LOVED it! I would always just smile and let them know I would be there the rest of the day.. and it motivated people to book appointments with me after work. =)

 

[Pig]

Question on Chair Massage

Stingray:

As others have said, it's not necessary to do chair massage. But if you are doing regular chair massage, having a good chair can make a world of difference. I recently upgraded to an Earthlite Avilla II from my NRG Cricket chair & I'm not struggling as much to work on people now. I occasionally get the taller gents like you to work on, so being a short person, there's not a lot I can do about that. :

I do an on-site chair massage day weekly for a company in the town where I live and so, upgrading to the Earthlite chair was a necessary thing for me. The only downside to it, is that it's bigger and thus, takes up most of the backseat in my car when I do take it back and forth. (Most of the time, it stays in a closet on-site in the wellness center that only a few people have access to.)

It is a good way to meet folks and get your name out in the community. I am a "newcomer" to the town I live in (despite having lived here almost 7 years now! : ) and still fight the "outsider" mindset some of the townsfolk have because I don't have family ties going back at least 3 generations - thus why I do more chair massage work at events in the community.

 

[aiko is a girl]

Question on Chair Massage

I have yet to get a new client into my office for a full massage because of chair massage. However, I have made some decent money doing chair massage that has contributed to my being able to make rent in my office! It's also a good way to talk to people. Having the chair at various functions is a good ice breaker for starting up conversations and getting your name out there. I do also like the variety it offers me. What I learned in school was, as someone mentioned, just the tip of the iceberg. There is soooo much you can do on a chair once you take the time to learn. It's actually quite fun. of course I don't have the body mechanic issues you seem to have. So, either way, don't do chair massage since it doesn't necessarily bring in new clients, or find a chair that works! good luck.

 

[Bossoli is back?]

Question on Chair Massage

I have yet to get a new client into my office for a full massage because of chair massage.

This is normally true, I didn't get a single conversion when I was doing chair massage at Whole Foods. However, with me going to this factory in town one day a week, I've converted one chair client into a regular, weekly table client now. (The point of the program is to get the employees to take advaneforum.xxxe of the wonderful treatment options they have under their CAM-PPO program. They only have to pay $22 for a full hour massage under the Corporate Soul/CAM PPO billing program.)

That's the good thing about this chair massage program with Corporate Soul - they are helping you to build your private practice when they send you out on these special on-site massage days.

 

[Janice]

Question on Chair Massage

If you going on business on your own, I'm sure you'll find a nice and suitable massage chair. So don't worry about it and go ahead.

t017 This doesn't make any sense.
Are you contributing to the thread or just posting to :spam4: your signature line?

 

[papa66]

Question on Chair Massage

You need to be absolutely perfect in giving a chair massage.....otherwise if people don't like it they may not hire you.....ever!

 

[prusa1237]

Question on Chair Massage

I have a mobile massage business. We provide table and chair massages. My therapists have a choice on chair massage. It's not for everyone. It can be a bit fast paced and you can work extended hours. The hourly rate is cheaper but you can make up for it in gratuity.

 

[WOP2_99]

Question on Chair Massage

You need to be absolutely perfect in giving a chair massage.....otherwise if people don't like it they may not hire you.....ever!

Good luck with that perfection thing.

In my experience, using the opportunity for effective client education is more important than technical perfection. It is my communication skills that have helped me forge so many ongoing client relationships and earn so many referrals based on trust. Do your best work during any chair massage, but don't overlook the opportunity to get to know the person you are working with.