lntroduced in the I980s, chair, or seated, massage has grown in popularity and is found in many settings, from shopping malls and airports to private offices. A massage chair takes up a relatively small amount of space compared with a mas sage table. Seated massage is perform ed on the client while he or she is completely clothed. (For more information on seated massage.) Many therapists purchase a massage chair after their table purchase and use it as an adjunct to their table work. Some therapists practice solely with a massage chair. The cost of a massage chair is almost the same as a massage table.
SUMMARY
Career success depends not only on knowledge, skills, and abilities but also on your capacity to use wisely tbe tools of the trade. Massage equipment or tools include the massage table, face rests, arms shelves, carrying cases, table carts, linens, bolsters, and massage lubricants. Equipment should be chosen with consideration to ergonomics, client comfort, longevity, and investment wisdom.
The massage table is your most important tool. When purchasing a stationary or a portable massage table, table manufacturers let you decide the specifications of features such as width, height, length, frame, padding, and fabric.
Massage l inens include towels, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bolster and face rest covers, and so on. Popular linen fabrics are flannel, cotton, cotton blends, and percale.
Massage media or lubricants include oils, gels, creams, butters, lotions, powders, and liniments. Good lubricants should nourish the sk i n.The therapist must consider client reactions and effect of fabrics when choosing a lubricant.
The massage room environment ties everything together. Considerations should be made for temperature, lighting, color, music, decorations, and client comfort.
Finally, the treatment facility must be safe for all who enter.
Using these recommendations can produce a great saving of time and money and improve the quality of the therapist’s work.