Chair massage is a form of massage that takes place in a specific massage chair designed to support the weight of the spine and give access to the head, neck, back, shoulders, and arms. Continue reading to find out what makes chair massage worthwhile.
With all the complexities of modern life, most people don’t have the time to get massage therapy as a regular health practice. But what if there was a way to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy and still save time? That’s where chair massage comes in. With its unique features and accessibility, it’s no wonder it’s growing in popularity in various settings.
But what exactly is chair massage?
That’s what this blog is all about. Join us as we explore what chair massage is, how it works, its benefits, what makes it different from traditional table massage, and more.
What Is a Chair Massage?
A chair massage is a type of massage performed while the client is fully clothed and seated. Its main focus is to tackle the muscles of the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and head, improving flexibility and movement.
The uniqueness of chair massage is its high accessibility. A massage therapist can perform a chair massage treatment almost anywhere. You can find massage chairs on-site at busy places like spas, airports, resorts, malls, festivals, golf tournaments, trade shows, etc.
An exciting trend among companies is offering chair massage as an office perk. Companies are realizing the benefits of bringing massage to employees working long hours or stressful jobs, which we’ll cover in detail below.
How Chair Massage Works?
A chair massage works through a combination of massage techniques adapted for delivery when the client is seated on a chair. It is primarily used for relaxation and tension relief in the upper body (neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands).
A therapist performs such a massage using a padded ergonomic massage chair. These special chairs provide support and comfort to clients while allowing the therapist to easily access targeted areas.
Some of the most common techniques used during the session are:
- Kneading
- Friction
- Compression
- Acupressure
- Effleurage
- Petrissage
As clients are clothed during a chair massage, the message is performed without the use of oils and lotions. Moreover, this type of massage is typically shorter in duration. As such, to achieve optimal results, it incorporates acupressure techniques, through which the therapist applies direct pressure to trigger points in the upper body.
Benefits of Chair Massage
Chair massages can be effective in producing therapeutic results by concentrating the message on the areas of greatest tension, such as the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands. Among the conditions relieved through chair massage therapy are improved circulation, increased energy and mental clarity, pain relief, stress reduction, etc. Let’s elaborate on how chair massage can benefit you.
Stress reduction
Among the top benefits of chair massage is that it can help you reduce stress. As a tried and true method for relaxing the body and mind, massage can help reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body. This way, chair massage allows you to take a break from your busy day and enter a state of relaxation.
The benefits of chair massage in stress reduction were also documented in a 2012 pilot study. It showed that 15-minute chair massages during work hours reduced stress-related symptoms for nurses.
Another study showed that incorporating a 10-minute chair massage into a nurse’s hospital shift can reduce stress perception more than the standard coffee break.
Pain relief
Another significant benefit of chair massage is that it can help relieve pain. The therapist targets the soft tissues and tension points known to hold stress. Through calculated techniques, the therapist relaxes and loosens tight, knotted, or tense muscles, particularly in common problem areas like the back, neck, and shoulders.
Improved circulation
Another key benefit of these short-term messages is an uptick in blood circulation and the lymphatic system. As the therapist applies massage strokes such as effleurage and compression, blood vessels are stimulated, and oxygenated blood circulates in the muscles and tissues.
At the same time, the techniques used during the chair massage stimulate the lymphatic system, which removes toxins and waste from the body. Such enhanced lymphatic flow reduces fluid retention and supports the immune system.
Increased energy and mental clarity
After a chair massage, you may also experience increased energy and mental clarity. It stimulates your muscle tissues and the nervous system, making you feel energized and revitalized for days.
A quick chair massage can refresh your mind and improve your focus and alertness, especially if you work in a setting that requires mental clarity and quick thinking.
Enhanced mood
Due to their relaxation abilities, chair massages can stimulate the release of endorphins or happy hormones. A quick chair massage can elevate your mood and improve your emotional well-being.
Besides improving your mood, endorphins can help reduce discomfort from conditions like headaches, back pain, and arthritis, ultimately alleviating your mood.
Accessibility and convenience
Chair massages are designed to be brief (10 to 20 minutes) and don’t require you to remove your clothing. Hence, this type of massage can be an ideal way to decompress and relax even if you have a tight schedule.
Adding to the accessibility, you can find chair massages at workplaces, public spaces, or events.
What to Expect During a Chair Massage
In general, all massage treatments begin with a quick safety check to ensure that you have no physical issues around the area to be massaged, such as your neck, shoulders, arms, and back. You also don’t need to remove any clothing, except if you wear a jacket or a bulky sweater. If you have long hair, you must tie it up to prevent it from getting tangled or pulled.
Next, the massage therapist will position you on the chair. This involves sitting with your face forward while your chest and stomach lean on a special cushion, and your head placed in a padded cradle. This way, the therapist ensures the chair supports the weight of your upper body, arms, and neck.
If you want to focus on specific areas or adjust the intensity of the massage, make sure to tell the therapist before the treatment. Alternatively, the therapist will use a combination of medical massage therapy techniques and focus on relieving tension through acupressure points in the neck, shoulders, and back.
But how much time does this process take? While chair massage sessions can last as little as five minutes, they generally last 15-20 minutes.
Chair Massage vs. Traditional Table Massage
When we hear the word ‘massage,’ we generally picture the traditional table massage, covered by a sheet, with the therapist using lotion or oil to work out tension and tight muscles.
However, as we explained, in a chair massage, you’re fully clothed and sitting in a specialized chair.
Other differences between these types of massage lie in the following.
- Duration: While chair massages last 15-20 minutes, table massages typically take 30-120 minutes
- Focus: Chair massage sessions target the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and head, whereas table massages target the whole body, including legs, feet, and hips
- Setting: As a massage table takes more space than a chair and must be performed in a room, chair massage is more accessible and can be done particularly everywhere
- Technique: Contrary to techniques like kneading, compression, acupressure, etc., used in chair massage, table massage employs a wider range of techniques, including stretching and long, flowing movements.
But which type of massage is better for you?
A chair massage can be more comfortable if you don’t like to lie down and is ideal for quick relief and targeting specific tight muscles. On the other hand, a table massage offers a more complete experience, allowing for full-body relaxation and through muscle therapy.
So, ultimately, it comes down to how much time you can spare, your preferences, and your comfort level with disrobing. It also depends on the specific areas of tension or the level of relaxation you seek.
Chair Massage Cost
The cost of a chair massage session can vary depending on several factors. For example, the fee depends on the length of the massage, with shorter sessions costing less than longer ones.
The price also may depend on the location or setting where the massage takes place—a chair massage at a resort or spa can be more expensive than one offered at a local business office.
With all these variables in mind, it’s difficult to give an estimated range for how much a chair massage might cost. However, as a general guideline, a chair massage can take as little as $1 per minute, making a 30-minute session cost $30.
Because massage therapy is effective in healing many types of injuries, some health insurance companies cover massage therapy. Therefore, consult with your insurance provider directly to understand the coverage of your insurance package.
Conclusion
As one of the most popular massage (mostly attributed to its accessibility and affordability), chair massage offers numerous benefits such as improved circulation and stress reduction.
So, if you haven’t tried it already, join the many people who have incorporated chair massage into their lives. Try first and let the results speak for themselves.
Once you try chair massage, you’ll be more than ready to experience the depth of Swedish and aromatherapy massage at our Holistic Wellness Center. Book an appointment and allow us to improve your overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What do you wear to a chair massage?
To get the best chair massage, avoid wearing bulky clothes such as hoodies, wool sweaters, thermals, or waffle shirts. Alternatively, the best clothes for chair massage include button-up dress shirts, slacks, light knit tops, and T-shirts.
Who benefits from chair massage?
Chair massage can benefit anyone who wants a quick massage that focuses on the neck, back, shoulders, and arms. So, whether you’re an office worker struggling with stress or a nurse with sore muscles, a chair massage can help you relieve tension and reduce fatigue.