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What exactly is Chair Massage?
Well, it’s not the chair you sit on while waiting for your manicure or pedicure at the salon, or at the Massage Kiosk at the Mall.
In the world of Massage there are many Therapist who do this type of massage (chair massage) on a daily basis.
When an experienced Massage Therapist, performs this type of Massage it is extremely beneficial and quite relaxing. The chair used is specialized for an upright massage. There is a face cradle for the client to rest their face, an armrest, for additional comfort, and there is often a support for the knees to avoid sliding forward. Full concentration is given to the neck, shoulders, arms, upper and lower back.
Clients may prefer a chair massage over a table massage, or vice versa. The chair massage can be more comfortable for people who do not like to lay on their back / stomach. Various health conditions may also cause discomfort on a table vs a chair. For example - when someone has difficulty breathing, they may prefer to remain seated.
A Table Massage
A table massage or “regular massage” is more suitable if the client has issues arising in the lower back, hips, hamstrings, quads, glutes, calves, ankles and feet.
This massage is performed with the client lying on a massage table. The client can begin the session either face up, or face down.
Depending on the issue at hand, the Massage Therapist will let you know how he/she would like to begin (having you lay on your back, stomach or side.) The table also has a face cradle which you will use when lying on your stomach. The tables are often very comfortable with padding and clean linen (changed before and after each client) for sanitary reasons.
Clients may prefer a chair massage over a table massage or vice versa.
The chair massage can be more comfortable for people who do not like to lay down. Various health conditions may also cause discomfort on a table vs a chair. For example, when people have difficulty breathing, they may prefer to remain seated.
Chair and table massages have their advantages where one may prove more effective and useful than the other, but there are differences. If your therapist performs both, have a conversation before your session to confirm which choice would be more beneficial for your condition.