According to David Palmer, co-developer of the first massage chair and founder of the TouchPro Institute, most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. MassageChair, a private practice in the Denver-Metro area operated by Sandra Gill, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, provides over 15 years of experience to assist clients with professional chair massage.

Chair massage counters the circulatory problems inherent with office work—and provide an appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, raise energy levels and help keep the body injury free. Your employees will have a renewed capacity for calm thinking and creativity, with a reduction of anxiety.

When workers suffer injuries from ergonomic hazards in the work place (called WMSDs meaning work-related musculoskeletal disorders), it costs business millions of dollars per year in medical claims and lost productivity. Here are some facts:

• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are now a leading cause of lost-workday injuries and workers' compensation costs.
• WMSDs account for 34% of all lost-workday injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• WMSDs account for $1 of every $3 spent for workers' compensation.
• WMSDs each year account for more than $15-$20 billion in workers' compensation costs. Total costs add up to as much as $60 billion.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, one form of WMSD, leads on average to more days away from work than any other workplace injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome cases involve more than 25 days away from work, compared to 17 for fractures and 20 for amputations.
• Perhaps most important - WMSDs are preventable.

Chair massage can be a strong part of a company's ergonomic program to both protect their employees and improve worker performance.

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Questions About Chair Massage

Where will the chair massage be performed?
I usually set up in a meeting room, boardroom or spare office. If these aren't available any quiet area that doesn't receive too much traffic will do.

What type of payment arrangements may be made?
This depends on the company and the employees. Some companies cover the entire cost for their employees; other companies provide the time and space while employees pay out of pocket. Some companies set a regular schedule for chair massage while others bring in my services to reward employees for successful completion of a task, an employee health day or company picnic.

Will I need to undress during my seated chair massage?
All seated chair massage is performed through clothing without the use of oils. If you are wearing a coat you may want to take this off and you can loosen your tie.

Do I need to provide anything or do anything during my massage?
All equipment and materials are provided. All you need to do is make sure you let me know if the pressure is too hard or soft. Closing your eyes aids in the relaxation process and is recommended. Otherwise just relax and enjoy your massage.

What kind of massage will I receive?
At the start of your massage I will ask if you have any problem areas. If so, I will concentrate my attention on the areas that most require it. The massage is comprised of moves from different massage modalities. These include Shiatsu, Swedish, T-touch and Trigger Point. Chair massage is designed to work on the areas most affected by constantly sitting, talking on the phone and keyboarding. Pressure is firm, but will be adjusted to your needs.

What do I do if the pressure is too hard or soft?
I will ask if you have a preference of pressure before I begin the massage. I will also ask you at different points during the massage how the pressure is. If you need more or less pressure, PLEASE tell me. Many people feel uncomfortable doing this, but I will not take offense if you ask for more or less pressure. After all, it is your massage and everybody is different.

It is my first time having a seated chair massage and I don't know what kind of pressure I want or where my problem areas are. What do I do?
It is my pleasure and privilege to provide you with your first chair massage experience! Simply let me know that this is your first massage and I will explain everything in detail and make sure that I discover what kind of pressure you like. When clients are having a massage for the first time, I start off with medium pressure and then adjust according to the client's wishes. Remember that the more massage you receive, the more benefits you will derive.

Why should I have a massage on a regular basis?
Do you sit and sometimes slouch at your desk regularly? Do you get stressed at least once a day? Do you ever experience headaches, mental fogginess or difficulty making decisions? Do you work through your lunch break, rush around meeting deadlines and often experience overload? Do you stare at a computer for hours, talk on the telephone and type? Or quite possibly, do you experience some or all of the above everyday? Regular massage will help to alleviate the health problems that are associate with these daily stressors.

The effects of massage are both immediate and cumulative. This means that even a 15-minute massage can calm brain activity allowing for increased concentration, greater mental clarity and speed, improved productivity, a generally more peaceful and happier disposition. Regular massage allows for some time to slow down and to reconnect with yourself. Often solutions to problems simply pop into your head when you finally relax. The effects of massage increase over time and massage should be seen as part of health maintenance, not as a luxury. Having a massage regularly means that muscle tension is kept under control. Regular chair massage can identify potential problem areas early and, if action is taken, this can save you and your employer time, money and pain.

Do I have to talk?
Only at the beginning when I will ask you some general health questions. After this, it is totally up to you if you wish to talk during the massage. I will let you instigate conversation if that is your desire. Some people like to chat, others don't, so I let my clients start the conversation to ensure I don't encroach on their massage.

I pay for my own massage. Do you provide receipts for health plans (such as cafeteria plans)?
Certainly. Just let me know and I will provide a receipt for your employer.

Can I have a massage if I am on medication?
This depends on the kind of medication. Usually there should be no problem with having chair massage whilst on medication; however, you must inform me that you are taking medication. Some medications can affect your blood pressure causing it to slow down and I need to be informed if this is the case.

Are there any negative side effects of massage?
Occasional side effects such as lethargy, headaches or sleepiness can be experienced. Massage can stimulate the release of toxins into the system and these toxins will be released by the elimination systems of the body. Any drowsiness will pass in a short period of time. It is recommended that you drink some water after each massage session as water is essential to the elimination and healing process. Once these symptoms have passed, clients often experience increased energy and mental clarity. If you ever experience discomfort after a massage, even if it passes, be sure to talk to the therapist about it at your next session.

While rare, massage can occasionally trigger a drop in blood pressure. If this happens during your chair massage, you can experience feelings of nausea and lightheadedness sometimes accompanied with a change in body temperature and sweating. This usually occurs in conjunction with other situations such as when a person has or is recovering from a cold or virus, they have not eaten or are dehydrated, they are taking medication that slows down blood pressure, or they have low blood pressure. If this occurs, please let me know immediately.

Will I be able to have a seated chair massage if I have an illness or injury?
This is dependent on the type of illness or injury. All clients are screened for health problems or issues before massage is given and this is the time to discuss these issues with me. Some health conditions will require written approval from your specialist or General Practitioner. Everything discussed with me is kept in the strictest confidence.

What happens if my health situation changes?
It is the responsibility of the client to let me know if there are any changes to their health. You need to discuss your new circumstances with me as soon as possible.

Can seated chair massage heal my illness or injury?
The healing power of massage has been well documented in many studies. Massage in any form whether it be delivered on a table or via the chair is beneficial. Chair massage is designed primarily for relaxation, and the release of muscle tension in the major areas. Professional Massage Therapists will encourage you to seek more intense treatment if needed and may be able to recommend therapists in different modalities dependent upon your needs.

Will my therapist be qualified?
I carry National Certification (NCTMB) and have been in full-time practice since 1997. I am registered in the State of Colorado (#765). I am a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and carry both professional and business liability insurance.

Do You Provide a Newsletter?
Yes I do publish a quarterly newsletter! My April-June 2013 newsletter is online in PDF format. The Adobe Reader is available free at this link.

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Chair Massage at Events

Set yourself apart with a proven crowd pleaser. Use chair massage at your next event to make that event even more successful. Weddings, grand openings, sports events, large parties - all are made more memorable with chair massage. Chair massage leaves a lasting impression.

The brief massage of the neck, back, and shoulders will be the talk of your event. Whether as a special treat at social gatherings, or part of a larger event, my professional approach to providing chair massage at your event will be a benefit. It is fast and easy to set up. Given a 6’X6’ space, my colleagues and I can be set up and ready to massage within minutes. We are flexible to your needs and will be a seamless addition to your event. After a quick screening, all the participants will have to do is sit down and enjoy their short period of relaxation. Our professional therapist will work to satisfy your needs to make your event perfect. The price is right too. Because the massages are brief, the per person cost is a fraction of the cost of a regular massage.

My Public Chair Massage Schedule

Where	When - 2013
CHUN Capitol Hill Peoples Fair 2013 Civic Center Park - Downtown Denver	June 1stand June 2nd 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Taste of Colorado 2013 Civic Center Park - Downtown Denver	August 30th to September 2nd 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Labor Day Weekend

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Biography & Fees

I am Sandra Gill, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCBTMB) who specializes in Chair Massage. Since 1997, I have provided chair massage throughout the Denver-Metro area as well as therapeutic table massage at my office located in Thornton. I am legally registered as a massage therapist in Colorado (No. 765). In addition, I maintain National Certification as a Bodyworker and Massage Therapist (NCBTMB) and adhere to their national Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. I belong to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and adhere to their strict Code of Ethics. My Curriculum Vitae is posted here.

Annually, I participate on the sports massage team for the Children's Hospital Courage Classic Bicycle Tour and donate a portion of my fees to Children's Hospital as well as the MS150, where a portion of our fees are donated to the MS Foundation. I also regularly support the Smile Train, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Engineers Without Borders and the Adams County Alternatives to Family Violence (Women's Shelter).

My clients include Ballard & Spahr, LLC, Hyland Hills Water World, the 1998 All Star Baseball Game, A Taste of Colorado, the Capitol Hill People's Fair, U.S. Mint, Mike McGetrick Academy, CableLabs, American Express Business Travel, Bonfils Blood Center, Colorado College, Lowes, Leonard Rice Engineers, Juvenile Diabetes Walk for the Cure, 68West Engineering, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Westwood College, University of Phoenix, Corporate Travel Services, ThorntonFest, Ashby Drilling, Western Union, Westminster Faire, Nordstrom, Dillard's and Macy's.

My fees are very competitive and my service provides a memorable experience for your employees/clients. My fee for company-provided chair massage is $60 per hour. For employee paid chair massage, the fee is $ 10 for ten minutes, $15 for fifteen minutes, $20 for twenty minutes and $30 for 30 minutes. If you have a larger group, I can bring additional qualified massage therapists to assist. Please feel free to contact me at 303-349-7277 or send an e-mail to relief@getmassagechair.com.

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Introduction | Questions About Chair Massage
Chair Massage at Events | Biography & Fees
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