Chair massage techniques are unique. Many
massage therapists try to use traditional
Swedish massage techniques when doing chair
massage, but this kind of approach doesn’t
translate well to seated massage.
Swedish massage techniques largely consist of
gliding strokes and this method is doesn’t work
well because chair massage is done over the
clothing and no oils are used.
There are essentially six types of chair massage
techniques:
Compression techniques: These are
what you may think of as acupressure
techniques and are the most commonly used
chair massage techniques. The creator of the
chair massage concept was trained in Amma
massage, an ancient system of acupressure
techniques and this style of massage is often
used in chair massage technique training.
These can be hard on the thumbs as they are
typically used, especially since many trainers
lack adequate knowledge in the application of
these techniques. However, at Relax to the
Max, students are taught to do these
techniques safely with a great deal of
emphasis on the biomechanics of the movements.
As well, the thumbs are used very seldom used
in the Relax to the Max chair massage
techniques as other contact points are often
used, including fists, the heels of the hands,
knuckles, elbows and forearms.
Squeezing techniques: With these
types of massage techniques, the practitioner
squeezes the muscles between two contact
points. These are often performed on large
muscle groups and muscles that are not firmly
attached to underlying structures. It is
critical when doing these techniques to
accurately identify the edges of the muscles
and this is a big focus on training when
learning to do these chair massage techniques
at Relax to the Max.
Kneading techniques: These are
circular movements. Like the other chair
massage techniques we’ve already discussed,
there are ways to do these techniques that put
minimal stress on the body. Whereas most
schools teach students how to do this with the
thumbs, Relax to the Max utilizes unique
contact points like the elbows and pisiforms
when doing these techniques to save your
thumbs and to reduce the amount of effort.
Percussion: These stimulating
techniques are what many people refer to as
karate chops. When applied properly these
percussive chair massage techniques feel
great. Customers often report that this is the
favorite part of their seated massage
experience.
Friction techniques: This is an
adaptation of traditional Swedish style
movements and are used occasionally in the
chair.
Gliding techniques: Although not
performed frequently, there are times when
these can be used effectively. At Relax to the
Max you learn when these kinds of chair
massage techniques are indicated.
If you are going to learn chair massage
techniques, be sure to get adequate training
from specialists who know what they are doing.
Relax to the Max is the only massage school in
North America that specializes in chair massage
techniques and is a first choice for chair
massage training by professionals from around
the world.
