chair massage

What is Chair Massage?
(Also referred to as Seated Massage)

The term "Chair Massage" describes the type of massage that is performed while the client sits fully clothed in a special chair.

This unique massage chair is ergonomically designed and offers full support of the head (face forward), arms, torso and legs. Chair massage is performed by certified and insured practitioners who use a combination of deep tissue and swedish massage techniques, usually on the muscle groups in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.

The massage chair folds up easily and is completely portable. It can be set up just about anywhere. A conference room, spare office or quiet room are perfect but if need be, the massage chair can be set up right in front of a desk. No more than a 5x6 foot area is required. This, and the fact that the client remains fully dressed, makes chair massage very convenient and also eliminates the need for total privacy.


Staying dressed and publicly visible has had a tremendous impact on how people perceive massage. With seated massage there is no mystery or fear of the unknown. After all, how can you relax if you are anxious about the experience. Now everyone can enjoy the many benefits of massage and it is perfectly acceptable to watch someone, or be seen, getting a chair massage.


A Brief History of... Chair Massage

And brief it certainly is. In the early 1980's, which isn't so long ago, David Palmer (founder of the TouchPro Institute) thought of ways to make massage more acceptable to the general population. Mr. Palmer is a practitioner and teacher of chair massage as well as traditional Japanese massage, or Amma, which is a combination of deep tissue, acupressure, stretching and percussion techniques.

Having people leave their clothes on overcame the first obstacle. Then, in 1986 he invented the portable massage chair in order to make it even more convenient. With the mobility of the chair it became possible to bring massage to the people, anywhere, anytime; and the term On Site Chair Massage was born.

Massage Therapy for Inflammation After Exercise

Massage Therapy for Inflammation After Exercise
Research through the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario indicates that massage therapy reduces inflammation of skeletal muscle acutely damaged through exercise. The study provides evidence for the benefits of massage therapy for those with musculoskeletal injuries and potentially for those with inflammatory disease, according to the lead author of the research.

The study found evidence at the cellular level that massage therapy may affect inflammation in a way similar to anti-inflammatory medications.
The researchers “found that massage activated the mechanotransduction signaling pathways focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), potentiated mitochondrial biogenesis signaling [nuclear peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)], and mitigated the rise in nuclear factor κB (NFκB) (p65) nuclear accumulation caused by exercise-induced muscle trauma.”

Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by generalized pain, joint rigidity, intense fatigue, sleep alterations, headache, spastic colon, craniomandibular dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. This study demonstrated that massage-myofascial release techniques improved pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

The study found reductions in sensitivity to pain at tender points in patients with fibromyalgia.
Patients in the massage group received 90-minute massage for 20 weeks.
Immediately after treatment and one month after the massage program, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain and quality of life were still improved.

Talking to Your Physician About Massage

Talking to Your Physician About Massage
According to the results of a recent survey conducted by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum and Samueli Institute, a nonprofit research organization, 40 percent of hospitals indicated they offer one or more alternative therapies—up a full 37 percent from 2007.

Responding to patient demand and the increasing cost of health care, more and more hospitals are taking a good look at complementary and alternative therapies—including massage therapy—to help patients with a variety of issues. From back and neck pain to stress relief, doctors and hospitals are beginning to think a little differently about how they might help patients better deal with some of these conditions.

“Today’s patients have better access to health information and are demanding more personalized care,” says Sita Ananth, study author and director of knowledge services for the Samueli Institute. “The survey results reinforce the fact that patients want the best that both conventional and alternative medicine can offer, and hospitals are
responding.”

Of the hospitals that responded to the survey, 64 percent reported using massage therapy as part of outpatient care, and 44 percent use massage therapy as part of inpatient care.

These results dovetail nicely with the findings of a reader survey published in the September issue of Consumer Reports, where three out of four adults reported using some form of alternative therapy for general health. Chiropractic, deep tissue massage and yoga all dominated the lists of helpful alternative treatments for conditions such as back pain, neck pain and osteoarthritis.

According to the report, survey respondents indicated that yoga, deep tissue massage and Pilates rated the same as prescription medications for help with back pain. And some of the respondents initially looked to complementary and alternative therapies upon the suggestion of their physicians. “Twenty-eight percent of readers who used deep tissue massage, usually for back or neck pain, said their doctors had recommended it,” the report explains.

What This Means For You
As we begin to learn more about the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies, don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor about how these options might fit into your overall health care regimen.

Additionally, talk to your massage therapist openly and honestly about the benefits you want to receive from massage therapy. Take some time to gather information on your own. There are quite a few resources out there that can help you better understand the research being done on the benefits of massage therapy, as well as the different techniques and modalities your massage therapist might use.

More Resources
AMTA has a wide variety of information fo consumers—including clinical research on the efficacy of massage therapy, how to find a qualified massage therapist, as well as tips for getting the most from your massage.

Massage Therapy for the Pain of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Massage Therapy for the Pain of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Research supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) showed that sixty minute sessions of Swedish massage once a week for those with osteoarthritis of the knee significantly reduced their pain. Each massage therapy session followed a specific protocol, including the nature of massage strokes. This is the latest published research study indicating the benefits of massage therapy for those with osteoarthritis of the knee.

The study involved a total group of 125 subjects, with 25 receiving the 60-minute massage over 8 weeks, while others received less massage or usual care without massage.
Previous studies on massage for the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee showed similar results, but were on a more limited number of subjects.

massage finder

Consumer E-Newsletter
AMTA's e-touch is a quarterly, e-newsletter geared toward massage therapy consumers. Regular features include massage in the news, health and wellness tips, and massage in your community.

Consumers can subscribe to this free, e-newsletter to keep on top of the latest trends in massage therapy and wellness. Or, massage therapists can email this informative e-newsletter to their clients.

Living Right: Practicing Presence
Dec 11, 2012
Your body gives you a lot of information about how you need to take care of yourself—if you take the time to listen. Read on and find out how recognizing cues from your body can be an important aspect of your overall wellness routine.
In Season: Avoiding Burnout
Dec 11, 2012
The demands of an over-scheduled life, especially during the busy the holiday season, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. The loss of energy and commitment, coupled with exhaustion and frustration, can be the first sign that burnout is settling in.
The Gift of Massage
Dec 11, 2012
Show your friends and family you have a stake in their health and wellness by giving them the gift of massage. There's no better time of year to treat those on your nice list to a massage, a proven stress reliever.
Living Right: Integrate Massage Into Your Exercise Routine
Apr 18, 2012
After a winter spent mostly indoors, an increase in physical activity and exercise can leave muscles feeling sore and overworked. Now, a new study shows massage therapy can reduce inflammation after exercise.
Living Right: Talking to Your Physician About Massage
Dec 6, 2011
Responding to patient demand and the increasing cost of health care, more and more hospitals are taking a good look at complementary and alternative therapies—including massage therapy—to help patients with a variety of issues.

massage finder

Philadelphia - Massage Therapy Finder


If you are looking for a massage therapist in Philadelphia, this directory can get you started. The links below contain listings of massage therapists in Philadelphia.

The American Massage Therapy Association - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
The American Massage Therapy Association, the largest national massage therapy association, is a good place to start. You can search their directory of member massage therapists in Philadelphia, and click on the massage therapist's name to find out hours and areas of specialization.
Go to the American Massage Therapy Association massage listings for Philadelphia.

Massage Network - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
The Massage Network was created in 1998 to help professional massage therapists share and learn how to build a successful practice.
Go to the Massage Network's listings for Philadelphia.

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
This organization was established in 1987 and is comprised of more than 40,000 practitioners across the United States and Canada. Verifies that practitioners have graduated from a recognized training program. Go to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage and Bodywork Search Engine and enter your zip code.

Massage Register - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
Search Massage Register to find massage therapists in Orlando. Organized alphabetically.
Go to Massage Register's listings of massage therapists in Philadelphia by entering your city or zip code.

I Want a Massage - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
I Want a Massage is an online directory of massage therapists. Member massage therapists pay to be included in this listing.
Go to I Want a Massage's listing of massage therapists in Philadelphia.

massage finder

Spa

Take a break and treat yourself with an online gift card. Many spas offer a wide range of body wraps, massages, manicures, and pedicures; some have saunas and whirlpools.

Massage

Those in need of some kneading are in good hands with a SpaFinder Wellness Email Gift Card. There are many health benefits as well as stress relief with multiple massage types and techniques.

Pilates

SpaFinder Wellness Instant Gift cards help you enjoy being healthy. The popularity of this core strengthening workout has spread around the world. The focus on flow and movement becomes a form of meditation and de-stressing.

Yoga

Yoga is a discipline that utilizes the mind-body connection to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and enhance well-being. SpaFinder Wellness email gift cards are accepted at Spas and fitness centers offering a number of yoga modalities to suit you.