Chair Massage - A Quick Way To Relax And Relieve Stress

With the busy day to day lives that most of us lead, it is hard to schedule time in for a full body massage. This lead to David Palmer creating the chair massage around twenty years ago. This technique was first known as the "on-site massage". It was and still is because the chairs are portable and can be easily brought into the work place. It was a quick way for corporate employees to relax during a stressful work day.
These types of massages can be performed anywhere. The massage is done over the clothing, which makes it possible for it to be done in public. This service is still typically offered in corporate offices. These massages are usually short, lasting from around five minutes to half an hour.
This type of massage is very popular for many reasons. Convenience plays a major role in it's popularity. You can find a chair and a professional willing to give a good massage in many places that you may visit, or at least visit places nearby on a daily or weekly basis.
If you are a shopper and you visit the mall a lot, you may have noticed areas in the mall where a few therapists have chairs set up for the shoppers' benefits. You may have also seen this same set up at a health or natural food store. If these are not places you visit often, spas also offer massages this way, or you could even have a therapist visit your office.
There are many reasons why people go for a massage like this. For one, a lot of people feel threatened or uncomfortable taking off there clothes and lying naked while having a complete stranger massage their bodies. In other words, nudity is not allowed when going for this type of massage, and many people find this a relief.
Another reason why people like this type of massage better is because it is easy on their wallets. Because it is not a full massage, it is usually quicker and professionals charge for the amount of time they spend massaging a client. Therefore, money is not usually an issue when it comes to having this type of massage done.
There are many other reasons why you should consider getting a chair massage. The ones I have mentioned are just a few on the list of many. Next time you are out and about and you see an area set up for massages, go ahead and have a seat. You won't be disappointed; you may even keep going back.

The Importance Of Licensed Massage Therapy

With a range of national massage therapy professional regulations, and states with little to no professional massage therapy requirements, it is easy for consumers to get lost. But quality licensed massage therapy as performed by a true massage professional is essential to getting not only the best results, but the safest as well.
Many people looking for massage therapy services are not even aware that they should be looking for licensed professionals. The incongruity between state requirements and a lack of federal regulation has resulted in confusion for the massage-buying public. And though it is in no way practical for a potential client to research every detail of his or her state's laws regarding the requirements for licensed massage therapy, there are some questions a consumer can ask of a prospective therapist before committing to his or her care, and there are some additional steps that can be taken to further research qualifications for a given therapist.
Questions For Consumers To Ask
Starting very simply, ask outright
• Are you licensed in massage therapy?
• Who granted your license?
• Is your license valid in this state?
• Where did you complete your training in massage therapy?
• What did your training include?
• If you are interested in specialized massage therapies, ask about the therapist's background in specific types of massage. You might ask, do you specialize in any types of massage? Do you have specialized certifications?
• Are you certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)?
It is important to understand that not all states have a requirement for licensure to practice massage therapy; only 37 states and the District of Columbia have requirements regulating it. While this means that a therapist may not be legally required to hold a license, it does not mean that receiving therapy from an untrained "therapist" or "masseuse" is a good idea. If the answer to the first question above is 'no', ask 'why not', and continue to ask what training and certification (such as an NCBTMB certificate) proves his or her professional abilities and expertise. Certification by the NCBTMB and membership in a professional organization (namely, the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA) can be taken as a respectable substitute for a state license, as these are the standards that are used by most states that require licensed massage therapy for the licensing of massage therapists (just be sure the certification is current and in good standing).
Certain safeguards online can be used to double-check information as provided by a massage therapist. In most states, licensing status for licensed massage therapy providers is accessible through state databases, and the AMTA can also be queried regarding certification status of individuals. Of course, an easy online search is a quick way to determine whether a training program looks legitimate as well.
Surely, taking the steps to learn about licensed massage therapy does take some added effort, but the time is worthwhile; after all, more than relaxation is at stake, health and safety are as well.

Massage and Corporate Wellness

Businesses across America are discovering something that athletes have known for many years--massage improves performance. Not just athletic performance, but performance in general.
Most people have a pretty good idea about the health benefits of a massage on a massage table in a spa. But you may not know about chair massage.
Seated chair massages can reduce stress, fatigue and pain. They also can improve function of the immune system, improves a depressive state, and increase a person's ability to concentrate. Seated chair massage has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation while simultaneously enhancing employee alertness.
Physicians and health care providers have now come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between stress and disease and stress related ailments are the main cause of productivity decline in the workplace. More than half of all employee absence can be attributed to stress induced high blood pressure, headache, and even chronic pain. Massage as a stress management tool fits well into the corporate world's business leaders.
Major corporations including the Ford Motor Company, American Airlines, and Bank of America are enjoying the benefits of on-site seated, fully-clothed chair massage. They are finding that massage optimizes employee performance and mental alterness. But you don't have to be a major corporation to benefit from a seated chair massage. If you have one employee or many, all will benefit from a seated chair massage.

How An Employee Can Benefit From Seated Chair Massage

As an employee, would you like to improve your immune system, relieve chronic pain and alleviate stress-related ailments? Do you want to break the cycle of stress and tension in your life? Do you want relief from muscle aches and spasms in the neck, shoulders, back and arms? Do you want to feel better about your job? Are you ready to take control of your physical and emotional well being?
The statistics are in:
70% of our workers agree that job stress causes frequent health problems.
75% - 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for people seeking help with stress related health problems.
Stress keep over a million people from going to work every day in the United States.
Job stress and subsequent related problems cost companies over $300 billion last year.
Stress is the number one cause of disability.
More and more is required of employees and employers every day, contributing to workplace stress.
These facts are alarming and as an employer, we found a great, workable solution:
This is a progressive step in reducing workplace stress, thereby reducing absenteeism. This method is simple and quick. Seated chair massage is a very dynamic method to help employees and employers to relax, refresh and refocus. When stress is reduced, productivity increases, absenteeism is reduced and interpersonal relationships between everyone at the workplace improves. We guarantee all our employees will feel better and thus perform better after receiving their 10 - 15 minute professional seated chair massage on a regular basis.
We are talking about de-stressing and we want this to be as easy as possible for our employees because the office still has to keep on working. With an on-site seated chair massage, everyone benefits. You, the employee, will have better morale and that will improve our bottom line.

The Amazing Benefits Of A Full Body Massage

There is nothing in the world like the feeling you get after a full body massage. That sense of peace and tranquility pervades every muscle and seems to be just the thing to help you get a good rest. But a full body massage can do more than just feel good. There are a whole host of benefits that massage can give you when delivered by a licensed professional massage therapist.
The number of benefits associated with massage therapy is enormous.
Humans need touch. It's as simple as that. Without touch, we get depressed, ill, and stressed. A newborn who is not touched will not thrive. A well done massage takes our need for touch to a new therapeutic level. It can not only relieve tension and stress, it can help rehabilitate a muscle injury. It can also help prevent injury. Massage helps keep muscles loose and well-nourished, so they respond better when stressed. Massage improves circulation, which can aid healing and cell growth. The lymphatic system benefits as well through massage... like your circulation, it flows through channels throughout your body. Manipulating the muscles and these channels help clear up blockages and keep the lymph fluid flowing. Regular massages can contribute to a healthier immune system. Regular massages can also help you overcome sleep problems; enabling you to get more rest and be more alert while you are awake.
If you've never had one, you are in for a treat. Here's what you can expect.
A professional massage may cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more for an hour-long treatment. Once you've experienced one by a licensed masseuse, you'll know it is worth every penny. When you arrive at the massage therapist's office, you will be shown to a private space. Once there, you will need to undress and lie on the massage table. Sheets are wrapped around you, both for modesty and to keep you warm. Only the portion of your body that is being massaged will be uncovered at any one time. When you are ready, the massage therapist will come in. They may use oils for the massage that enable their fingers to slide more smoothly over your muscles. These oils are easily absorbed by your skin, and may be mixed with aromatherapy oils for additional benefits.
The therapist may start at your feet, loosening the muscles one by one with a series of strokes, pressures and other manipulative movements. They work their way up the legs, into your hips, releasing tension and restoring full circulation as they go. Most methods of massage will focus on moving the blood back towards the heart. Depending on what method of massage you choose, you may experience more methods of applying pressure, or more stroking... each method is different.
The therapist will work their way through your back, shoulders, arms, hands and neck, finishing at your head.
Sounds wonderful doesn't it? But remember to always use a licensed therapist for a full body massage. A licensed massage therapist has undergone rigorous training in the systems of the body and how they work together. They have studied how to apply pressure and stroking techniques to various parts of the body to increase circulation and loosen muscles without causing harm to the client. And they have passed a stringent written and practical exam by their state to qualify to provide massage therapy to the public.

The Essential Must Have Massage Equipment for Massage Therapist

Every massage therapist that is thinking about getting into this business needs to have the right massage equipment in order to perform their best. While many massage therapists will prefer not to spend the extra cost of acquiring all what that is needed, I would not cut too many corners if you want to succeed.
Many people benefit from massage therapy. It is not just used to relax people anymore. When we think of massage, we often imagine luxury spas where people are pampered and spoiled. This is no longer the case massage therapy is now used to improve performance in athletes and help people with chronic pain, injuries and even for anxiety and other emotional disorders
A massage therapist just beginning in practice may benefit from being available at moment's notice often visiting homes of those who are in need of a massage. So the first essential item, a portable lightweight massage table. And I would also considering purchasing a portable massage chair for marketing purposes and corporate accounts. This is huge I brought in aprox. 50% of my clientele from using the chair alone, the chair offers many advantages that a massage table will not.
Business cards and a website
You must have a way for your potential clients to contact you, get more information and learn about your massage techniques that you specialize in, a website allows this potential client to gain valuable insights about your services without having to stay by a phone even if you are with another client. Today our websites can now book clients, and send a text message with that confirmed appointment to your cellphone without you ever taking a call.
Your massage therapy business cards should have all the general information on it name, phone number, services offered and a call to action. Your call to action can be something very simple like, come in this month and save $20 off your next massage. Or get 30 minutes free when you buy 30 minutes, but be sure to have an expiration date ending in a week or two, you can always extend it.
Your website need not to be anything real expensive of fancy due to the reason that you will probably be making a lot of changes on it as you grow your business. You do need to make sure that it has an email optin form, this is for building your network of clients. If you have their email address, then at anytime you move or have a special offer, letting your all clients know is just a few keystrokes away. Your website should once your busy, have an online scheduling system, this way your clients can book right from their computer plus you can set it up to capture a physical address, phone number, birthdays and get informed of any special considerations that the client may have prior to them coming in. This alone can make a huge impact, our clients love it. Consider offering gift certificates, it is not too difficult to set up.
For those who wish to set up an office practice, it is necessary to have all the necessary equipment such as proper stationary, tables, mats, chairs and other misc. items. But if want to make a winning impression, get a good lotion, I prefer Biotone Dual Purpose. Do not buy some cheap oils they will make your clothes have oil stains on it so will your sheets. And if you do not have a shower available; chances are pretty good that your client will get oil stains on their clothing as well. Last key equipment would be a table heater or pad for your massage table, have it on prior to your client coming in, they will love you for it.

Massage Therapist Need To Understand Golgi Tendons & Muscle Spindle Cells

As a massage therapist it is vital to know the various parts of the human body and understand their significance. Two terms that you should know and understand are Golgi tendons and muscle spindle cells. As a massage therapist it is important to know these two sensory neuron proprioceptors and know what they do. The muscle spindle, for instance, is a proprioceptor that relays information regarding changes in the length of muscles. The Golgi tendon is a different type of proprioceptor that relays information regarding muscle tension changes. These two proprioceptors are important for stretching muscles and conditioning muscles. Together they help to protect the muscles from overstretching and becoming injured. First, though, it is important to know what each is and its particular function.
What are Sensory Neurons
Neurons are cells that work to carry messages through the body. The neurons are responsible for telling you to bend your finger or flex your foot. They also make sure that you don't overstretch your muscle or apply too much tension to a tendon, thus avoiding injury. Every neuron is comprised of a cell body and nerve fibers. It is the nerve fibers that receive impulses from other neurons and then send that information to the cell body. The fibers then send the impulses away from the cell body to other neurons.
The Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindle cells are both sensory neurons called proprioceptors. These sensory neurons are located in nerves and tracts but their cell bodies are found just outside of the spinal cord. They move messages from sensory organs in the tendons and muscles to the spinal cord. Some of these neuron fibers are called proprioceptive fibers. These fibers monitor the way that a muscle contracts and stretches as well as measures the tension that is in a tendon and transmit's that information to the spinal cord so that the information can be processed. This feedback allows the body to know positions and postures of the limbs even when they cannot be seen.
What are Golgi Tendons
Golgi tendon organs are located in the collagen fibers of the tendon at the point where the tendon fibers merge with the muscle fibers. While they function in a manner that is similar to muscle spindle cells in that they measure muscle changes, they only become activated when there is contraction of the tendon. They also monitor changes in the tension of the muscle that comes from a change of the muscle length. When the tendon or muscle is overstrained, it sends a message to the muscle which causes it to relax. This is important for preventing injury.
What are Muscle Spindle Cells
Muscle spindle cells are located in the muscle fibers, parallel to them. Their function is to monitor and measure muscle length on a continual basis, both when the muscle is at rest and when it is stretched as well as the speed of changes in muscle length. The muscle spindle cell is located inside the muscle while the Golgi is located at the end of the muscle.
How the Golgi Tendon Organs and Muscle Spindle Cells Work Together
The muscle spindle cells have a very effective working relationship with the Golgi tendon organs. The muscle spindle monitors the changes in length and the speed of those changes within the muscle. It sends the message to the spine to convey the information to trigger the stretch reflex. This stretch reflex, for which the Golgi tendon organs are a part, tries to stop the change of the length of the muscle. This is a protective feature of the human body that prevents injury. The more the muscle tries to stretch and the faster it tries to stretch, the more the Golgi tendon organs cause it to contract. Over time, the muscles can be trained so that the stretch reflex allows for more and more of a stretch before contracting.
As a massage therapist it is important that you understand how the Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindle cells work together to prevent injury to muscles. As you work and stretch the muscles of your client, you must pay attention to the response of their body. Learn to detect the muscle spindle cell's span and ability to stretch, but also learn how to detect when the Golgi tendon organs begin to work to prevent injury. Then learn how to work with that push-pull action to help lengthen the muscle and increase the muscle spindle cell's ability to stretch the muscle until the Golgi tendon organs attempt to stop the stretch. This will help you prevent injury to your client and help them work with sports injuries.