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 too 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 every day? Regular massage will help to alleviate the health problems that are associated 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 while 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 depends 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 have been in full-time, private practice since 1997. I am registered in the State of Colorado (#765). I am a Certified member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and carry both professional and business liability insurance.