Seated massage (chair massage)

Chair massage is a quick and energizing massage form that is performed while the client is fully clothed. The clients sits on a chair specially designed for comfort and access to the body. Pressure and massage techniques are used to work out the knots and tension which are located in the body. In particular the shoulder, neck and back area are easily accessible for treatment during a seated massage.

A massage typically lasts 15 minutes, which is no more than a coffee break. It can be performed in any location; from your living room, to the office, parks and malls, the garden, beaches. With or without people and distractions around you. It is an ideal massage form for those too busy for a full massage, or as a break and nice treatment while at work or meeting up with friends.

Longer massages can easily be given with a seated massage, it all depends on the time and needs of the client. Half an hour is not uncommon for a massage and they can last up to 1½ hours. During the longer massages not only the back, neck and shoulder area are treated, but also arms, hands, scalp, thighs and calves. Stretches are employed to aid the massage and the client will participate actively in the treatment. The chest and stomach can also be massaged and facials are a given.

The massage chair can be used in many ways and it is a very flexible tool. The chair itself is compact and can easily be set up. Many chairs weigh very little, which makes them ideal for transportation and visiting the client at their location. Once set up they don't take much space and almost any home and office can find a corner with room enough for the massage. Often an unoccupied office or meeting room is used. The only preparation needed is to move a few chairs aside.

Since the client is fully clothed there is no need for a strict privacy, nor a room that is specially heated. The goal of the massage is often therapeutic. Knots and sore muscles are treated, as opposed to the table massage, where the aim is to make the client fully relax and completely let go while treating muscular tensions. This also eliminates the need for an undisturbed room. Instead a room a bit out of the way, a quiet corner in the house or office, or even a peaceful spot in the park can be used for the massage.

The techniques used in a chair massage are very similar to those used on the massage table and they can easily be adapted to suit the seated massage. There are some distinct differences. The most notable difference is the lack of oils or creams during the massage. The hands of the massage therapist presses and pushes the muscles, lifts them and tap them. Long soft strokes over the skin are usually not employed due to clothing.

Chair massage is ideal for back, neck and shoulder problems as well as arm, wrist and hands. People working in offices, mothers carrying infants and others with particular strain to those areas of the body can benefit greatly from a seated massage.