Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 14 Seated Massage

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Seated massage: applied to fully clothed client sitting in special chair (chair massage). Onsite massage: taken to clients at businesses, homes, events, or situated close to businesses they frequent. Event massage: onsite massage delivered at event (music festival, sports event, community fund-raiser, community activity).

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Advantages of Seated Massage –Affordable and convenient for busy schedules. –Employee benefit; means to promote employee health (see Box 14-1). –Applied without use of lubricants. –Cost-effective for therapists. –Larger client base; brings new clients into regular practices.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Disadvantages of Seated Massage –Difficulty controlling environment at business/event. –Less time to conduct health history interview and establish parameters of therapeutic relationship. –Modifications in techniques required. –Some body areas not accessible. –Certain treatments cannot be given.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Seated Massage Environments –Airports –Community events; Conventions –Corporate environments –Fitness environments –Health care environments –Malls; Natural food stores –Sporting events

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Onsite Logistics Management –Professional equipment important: provide comfort for client; protect you from injury. –Desktop support systems less expensive; easy to transport; adjustable face cradle; chest support pad with clamp; connects to desk or tabletop. –Not as functional as massage chairs. –Difficult to work with client’s arms and hands.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Onsite Logistics Management –Well-designed massage chair has padding to support legs, seat, chest pad, armrest, face cradle. –Accessories: carrying case; face cradle covers; sternum pad. –Supplies: client forms; money; music system; safety supplies; sanitation supplies; time; enhancers. –See Box 14-2: Checklist of Supplies for Onsite Massage.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Onsite Logistics Management –Contraindications and cautions for table massage same for seated massage. –Sites of caution: kidney region, spinous processes, anterior and posterior triangles of neck, brachial plexus, floating ribs. –Back injuries and bone fractures during seated massage have led to insurance liability claims.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Seated Massage as Part of Your Business Model –Seated massage main practice. –Diversified practice ensures income stream; keeps practice interesting. –Seated massage to grow table practice; instant income. –Before setting fees, research market rate; what are seated massage businesses charging per minute.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14–1: Introduction to Seated Massage Seated Massage as Part of Your Business Model –Identify prospects. –Generate interest. –Obtain account. –Promote yourself. –Follow through.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 14 Seated Massage

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Adapting Swedish Techniques to Seated Massage –Modify; applied without lubricant and over clothing; use lubricant on skin not covered with clothing. –Be careful not to get lubricant on client’s clothing or hair. –Ensure hands and forearms clean of lubricant before moving back to clothed body area. –See Technique 30: Adapting Swedish Techniques to Seated Massage.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Compression –Compression strokes: push muscle belly directly toward bone beneath it; rhythmic pumping action. –Effects depend on stroke’s depth, speed, rhythm. –Heels of hands, fists, forearms, thumbs, fingertips used to apply compression strokes. –Pay attention to client’s reaction to stroke. –See Technique 31: Compression Strokes in Seated Massage.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Pin and Stretch Adapted for Seated Massage –Muscle first shortened passively or actively; then “pinned” by therapist’s hand at its origin, insertion, or muscle belly, before lengthened passively or actively. –Used to reset proprioception and lengthen chronically shortened muscle. –See Technique 32: Pin and Stretch Adapted for Seated Massage.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Stretches Adapted for Seated Massage –Stretching works well at end of seated massage because muscles are warm and soft; stretching stimulates client to help transition back to wakefulness. –To stretch client, take joint to firm end feel; gently, slowly, evenly push a little way past firm end feel. –Work slowly and pay attention to quality of tissue. –See Technique 33: Seated Massage Stretches.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Exploring a Seated Massage Routine –Find out what works well, what works with some client body types, what doesn’t work at all for you. –Pay attention to your body mechanics; use strokes that tire your hands or body only in moderation. –Sequence strokes into basic outline for relaxation routine. –Practice sequence of strokes you choose for your relaxation routine on each body area.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Putting It All Together—A Seated Massage Session –Welcome: greet client; briefly explain how session will proceed. –Health intake review: when client has completed health form, briefly review to ensure all medications and conditions listed. –Orient client to chair: show client how to get into and out of massage chair without touching chair or face cradle yourself.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Putting It All Together—A Seated Massage Session –Massage: open massage by stating beginning time and session’s ending time to prevent any confusion about length. –Session end: use stretches to end session; ensures client sits up out of face cradle for period of time before standing up.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Putting It All Together—A Seated Massage Session –Process payment: when session ends, allow client to stand up; escort back to entry area. –State fee for session; process payment. –If practical, offer cup or bottle of water.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Putting It All Together—A Seated Massage Session –Transition to next session: sanitize your hands and greet next client. –Client can fill out health form while you wipe massage chair with disinfectant and put in place fresh face cradle cover.