How to Give a Good Chair Massage?
You’ve heard that proper body mechanics are essential to giving a good chair massage. In other words, you should lunge into strokes, work close to the body, and avoid hyperextending joints. Chair massages require multiple sessions, and good body mechanics are essential to maintaining your health and your career. Let’s explore some of the basics of this massage. After reading this article, you’ll be well on your way to giving excellent chair massages.
Techniques
When giving a chair massage, the first thing you should do is ask your client which parts of their body they want rubbed. The back and shoulders are the most common areas, and some clients prefer a scalp massage, but this will only mess up their hair. In general, though, it is easier to massage the back while seated in a chair than the front half. For this reason, the anterior part of the body must be sat in another way than usual.
A chair massage can be performed in many locations. It is most commonly given to advertise a clinic or business. It is free and convenient and allows potential clients to see what you have to offer without paying for the service. Some therapists offer free five-minute chair massages in front of their clinics, while others charge a one-time fee of $1 per minute, or a $10-$15 fee for a ten-to-15-minute session. The type of chair massage you choose will depend on how you wish to promote your business. If you are offering a free chair massage to prospective clients, you may want to consider charging a one-time fee for the service, but you should also be prepared to accept a tip for the time you provide them.
Placement of client in chair
When giving a chair massage, the most important thing to remember is that the client should be fully clothed. This is not always possible for people who live in colder climates, as they may need to take off extra layers to be comfortable. Some people may even need to remove large pieces of jewelry to have easier access to the client. If you feel comfortable with this level of disrobing, a tank top may help you gain access to the client more easily and provide the therapist with direct skin-to-skin contact. Make sure you communicate your expectations about the level of disrobing that you are comfortable with.
While many people can benefit from chair massage, some individuals have a hard time getting into the correct position. This can be a challenge for people with mobility issues or other issues, or simply because a person with poor balance may be uncomfortable sitting in a chair. Thin pillows may help to ensure the client is seated vertically. If a client has mobility issues, the practitioner should consider making the client sit on a thin pillow for added comfort.
Fitted cradle cover
If you’re new to chair massage, you’ll want to know what makes a good fitted cradle cover. These are made of 100% cotton and feature variable stitching. When a client lies down on one, the cover pushes into place, creating a comfortable, perfect-fitting barrier that won’t suffocate them. The cradle cover is the brainchild of John G. Louis, who recognized the need for a soft, comfortable barrier between a massage client’s face and the chair.
Designed for portable massage chairs, face cradles are made of sanitary, durable, and soft polypropylene. They fit comfortably around the cradle and have an elastic bottom to keep the cover in place. The covers are reusable, too, so they’re easy to clean and don’t require any soaking. Purchasing a fitted cradle cover is an investment in a good chair massage experience.
Communication with client
Before you give a chair massage, communicate with your client. Take note of their body language and tone of voice. If possible, stand close to your client. Don’t be afraid to touch them if they don’t want you to. Most chair massage sessions last for a few minutes, so make sure that you are comfortable touching them. Remember, they don’t know what they’re getting until they get it.
If your clients like your work, they will be more likely to recommend it to other people. People tend to gravitate towards people who are similar to them. By displaying positive client testimonials, you’ll be able to build a stronger network of potential clients and grow your chair massage business faster. Your clients’ trust in you will be greatly appreciated. And if they’re wary of massage, they’ll know that you aren’t a stranger.