Seated Massage

The benefits of learning how to do seated massage?

Seated massage is a term for what is more commonly known as "chair massage". Seated massage is a short massage, anywhere from five to 30 minutes, done over the clothing. Seated massage typically focuses on key tension areas in the upper body including the back, neck, and shoulders. Although a professional chair massage therapist typically performs the seated massage in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair, it can also be done in a standard chair.

The term "seated massage" started to come into popular use in the early 90’s. Seated massage was originally referred to as "on-site massage" because the massage chairs were portable and were usually brought into a workplace. However, this kind of corporate massage service is now more commonly referred to as simply "chair massage" and sometimes as "seated massage".

Seated massage is performed in all kinds of environments from gyms and chiropractic offices, to tradeshows and golf events. We’ve even seen it done in truck stops and Laundromats. Because the media has focused on seated massage in the workplace, most people think about corporate massage when they think of the massage chairs.

Seated massage has many benefits over traditional table or Swedish massage in the workplace. Some of the benefits of chair massage in corporations:

• Seated massage is done over the clothing so that no special space is required. No special change room is required and customers typically feel more comfortable not having to undress, especially at work.
• No oils or lotions are used so that employees don’t need to shower and their good work clothes don’t get stained
• It is convenient because it can set up anywhere: In a hallway or even in a cubicle. No dedicated space is required.
• Seated massage typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes, no longer than a coffee break, so even the busiest employee can find the time to use it
• It’s inexpensive - anybody can afford it
• It can be done out in the open and that makes potential customers feel safe because they can see exactly what it’s all about and who’s doing it
• It targets key tension areas where people need massage - the back, neck and shoulders

Seated massage is not just for stressed out employees however. Retail chair massage stores, both dedicated massage stores and stand alone massage booths or massage kiosks are becoming increasingly common and make seated massage accessible to anyone.

Relax to the Max is the only school in North America specializing in seated chair massage. Explore the links to the left to find out how you can learn to do chair massage as a career.