Chair Massage Routines

If you don't have time for or can't afford a standard table massage, a chair massage can be a relaxing and inexpensive alternative. Chair sessions typically last from 15 to 30 minutes and can address the full body. You will sit in a specially designed massage chair and the therapist will work over your clothes. If you want any area to be addressed or avoided, be sure to let your therapist know.

Back Strokes

• Like a table massage, most chair massages start with work on the back. The therapist will compress the tissue on the back and may use some sweeping strokes to bring energy to the area. They will perform deeper work on the muscles of the shoulder and neck, as these are easily accessed when you are in the chair. They also may use the chopping or pounding strokes, known as tapotement, to relax the tissue in the area.

Arms

• Your arms are fully accessible while you're sitting in the chair, and the therapist may squeeze them or use light, soothing strokes to address the area. If you are wearing a short sleeve shirt, the therapist may apply a small amount of massage oil so that his hands glide over the area. The therapist may also spend time working on your hands, with gentle movements intended to increase relaxation and range of motion.

Legs

• Your legs are harder to access while sitting in a massage chair, but the therapist still has some tools to address this area of the body. They can use compression on the thigh and calf area, to bring blood to the tissue. Many therapists are schooled in the body's pressure points, and they may address pressure points on the leg with their fingers.

Scalp and Ears

• While the face is not accessible during a chair massage, the therapist can perform work on the scalp and ears that is usually very relaxing. The therapist may address your scalp with their fingers, using light, circular strokes. They may lightly pull your hair to loosen the connective tissue underneath you scalp. The ears are full of pressure points, and they may squeeze or gentle pull your ears to address these.

Deep Work

• Deep work on the back is possible when you're in a massage chair. Let the therapist know if you have an knots or sore spots. They may use their hands or even their elbows to work these trouble spots with friction and compression.