Frequently Asked Questions
What is chair massage?
Office chair massage is performed by a certified massage practitioner while the client (employee) sits in an ergonomic chair. This chair is specifically designed to reduce pressure on the spinal column and hip joints. The client leans forward and rests his/her torso and head comfortably on the support cushions.
The practitioner uses a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu-type massage techniques to relieve tension in the muscle groups of the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.
Office chair massage sessions are usually 15 or 20 minutes in duration but can be anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes (or longer) depending on determining factors such as: number of participants, venue/occasion, time, or budget.
How will my company benefit from this service?
Statistics show:
- A return on investment of $3.40 for every dollar invested in wellness initiatives as shown by reduced turnover, increased
productivity and decreased insurance claims. - Health Canada
- Regular 15-minute chair massage sessions result in decreased job stress, better performance, and increased speed and accuracy
in math computations. -International Journal of Neuro-science 86, 197-205
- Massage therapy has been shown to strengthen the immune system
- Journal of Neuroscience, 1996
- In a two month study of low back pain at University of Guelph, Ontario, 63% of respondents reported no pain after six
massage therapy treatments.
How do I sit in this?
Each chair is different, if there are knee pads than kneel, otherwise just face the face cradle and rest your arms in the arm rest and relax.
Why in the workplace? When people feel better, they work better.
What areas of the body does a seated massage cover?
Generally the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Sometimes the scalp,
Do I remove my clothing?
No. This is one of the great benefits of chair massage. You remain fully clothed and no oikls are used. Total privacy is not necessary and it is perfectly acceptable to observe or receive chair massage in public.
If you wear a suit and tie, you may want to remove your jacket, loosen your tie and undo the top button of your shirt.
How much space do you need?
Our therapists are able to work in all sorts of spaces, conference rooms, an empty office, or outside. A 5'x6' area is sufficient per chair and practitioner.
What style/technique do you use?
Each therapist has their own style. Chair Massage itself is its own modality. A combination of swedish and shiatsu techniques are used, sometimes trigger point therapy, acupressure point therapy, reiki, Thai, cranio-sacral techniques may also be incorporated.
My back hurts, can you fix it?
We can't make any promises, however, studies have shown that after several massage treatments, patients have reported significant relief from massage. "It's not really harmful, and it does help a significant chunk of people who have not benefited from other treatments," says study researcher Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD, associate director and senior scientific investigator with the Center for Health Studies at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.
What causes knots?
The most common causes of muscle knots are
1) Postural Stress – Sitting too long with poor posture, sitting with no support, & lifting improperly
2) Accidents - Acute trauma, such as bad falls & sports injuries that strain you joints and muscles
3) Overstimulation – Strenuous exercise and sport activities, especially lifting weights
What can I do about it?
To treat the muscle knot, simply roll the massage ball (tennis ball or lacrosse ball) pressed either to the wall or the floor one side, and your body on the other over your muscle. You can use two tennis balls if you want to go firmer or deeper. You can put the ball into a sock or sleeve so it’s easier to hold onto and you won’t need to chase it down in case it drops.
Another tool you might want to consider is the foam roller, which looks like a giant Lincoln Log. Seen people sitting or lying down on one while rolling back and forth in your gym? They’re foam rolling to cause their muscle fibers to loosen up, which allows blood flow to increase back to the area.
To avoid muscle knots in the future, it’s best to stay consistent with foam rolling and deep tissue massages, which can work wonders.
Is it customary to tip?
Gratuities are not expected or necessary, however, they are appreciated. Just as your employees enjoy feeling appreciated, so do the therapists. So, if you received outstanding service, feel free to tip.
I'm pregnant, can I still get a massage?
Massage is okay, as well as beneficial during pregnancy. It can help to increase circulation, help to improve digestion. It promotes relaxation, it helps reduce swelling, can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby. There are also studies that have been done that indicate that regular and routine massages may lead to a decreased labor time.
Will I feel sleepy/drowsy after the chair massage?
You may relax to a point where you actually fall asleep for a few minutes during the massage. This is just a little cat-nap (not a deep-sleep phase) and beneficial because it gives your whole system the opportunity to re-set itself. Stand up slowly after the massage and do some easy stretching to overcome any drowsiness. It is also recommended to drink water after massage in order to re-hydrate and help eliminate toxins. Sleepiness will subside quickly and be replaced by increased energy and alertness.
When should I NOT get a chair massage?
Generally, there are very few conditions that are aggravated by chair massage. The practitioner will ask you a few health-related questions before the massage at which point you can inform him/her of any acute or chronic conditions such as fever, hypertension, herniated discs etc. Sometimes it is better to pass the opportunity for an office chair massage but in cases such as a fractured ankle or a cut on the hand, the practitioner can usually adjust the chair or work around the affected area.
What counties do you cover?
We cover Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Santa Clara and Sacramento counties. A traveling fee may apply for areas outside these zones.