Chair massage is a short massage, anywhere from five to 30 minutes, done through the clothing. Chair massage typically focuses on key tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders and arms. A professional chair massage practitioner performs the chair massage in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair.

Chair massage was originally referred to by its creator, David Palmer, as "on-site massage" since the massage chairs were portable and were usually brought into a workplace. However, this kind of onsite massage service is now more commonly referred to as simply "chair massage" and sometimes as "seated massage".

Chair massage is performed in all kinds of environments. Most people know about the service as a corporate massage service, although probably only half of all chair massage is done in the workplace. Retail chair massage, either done in massage stores or as stand alone massage booths or massage kiosks is becoming increasingly common.

One of the benefits of chair massage is that it takes a service that is typically done behind closed doors and makes it visible to the public. Because it is done out in the open, people getting chair massage know exactly what to expect. They can see who is doing the massage and what they are doing.

Another benefit of chair massage is that it is done over the clothing. Many people feel uncomfortable getting undressed for traditional massage that is done on a table. With seated massage, people can avoid the discomfort and awkwardness that they may feel having to disrobe.

The sessions are usually shorter than traditional massage making it very convenient for anyone to fit into their schedule. And because the sessions are shorter, the cost for a chair massage is relatively low.

These benefits make chair massage a safe, convenient and affordable. It's no wonder that more people are introduced to massage through chair massage than through any other massage technique.

Relax to the Max is the only chair massage school in North America that specializes in seated massage. Visit their site online at http://www.chairmassagetraining.com.

About the Author

Eric Brown RMT is the director of Relax to the Max. The only massage school in North America specializing in chair massage.