Since chair massage is an easy, portable means of providing your services to a wide range of clients, you will want to have two or three chair massage routines that you can offer. Because the client remains fully clothed and no oil is used, you can set up anywhere and offer quick, inexpensive massage. This basic neck and shoulder massage is good for relaxation, and great for offering at corporate health fairs or as a community service. Coffee shops and retail sites would also be a good place to offer neck and shoulder massage.

If you do not have a massage chair, you may also have the client straddle a chair (seated backward), with hands folded in the lap or placed on a table in front of them.

If you’ll be doing several hours of chair massage, you will want to save your thumbs and fingers. When using the thumbs or finger pads, try not to flex or bend them, but instead use direct pressure. You can also use your forearms and fists to good effect, as shown below.

TO START: Place hands on the client’s shoulders and ask him/ her to take a deep breath in and out. Matching your breath with the client’s will help you to form a connection and help the client to relax.

1. Repeat 3 times
   Begin by kneading the shoulders, starting with a light touch, then going deeper to suit the client’s comfort level.
2. Repeat 3 to 6 times
   Using the forearms, place gentle pressure on the tops of shoulders, with a rolling motion. This takes some practice to master, but gives a good, even pressure and loosens the shoulders easily. Start at base of neck and move out toward shoulder.
3. Repeat 3 times
   Stroke with thumbs between scapulas, alternating hands. Remember not to bend the thumb joints, as this places unnecessary tension on your joints.
4. Repeat 3 times
   Again using the thumbs, press along the edge of the scapula. If you find areas of tension or tightness — which is very likely — you can gradually apply more pressure to work those triggers. The edge of the palm also works very well for getting under the scapula without “digging.”
5. Repeat 6 times
   Knead the neck, beginning with gentle pressure. If you are not using a massage chair, support the client’s forehead with one hand while massaging with the other. Alternate hands after 3 repetitions.
6. Repeat 1 time
   Using the pads of the thumbs, work along the occipital ridge, beginning at the center and working your way toward the base of the ears.
7. Repeat 1 time each side
   Work along the underside of the clavicle with fingers or thumbs — whichever is most comfortable for you.
9. Repeat 2 times each side
   Knead or squeeze the deltoids from shoulders to elbows and back up again.
10. Repeat 3 times
    Using the edges of palms or light fists, use tapotement or hacking to stimulate blood flow along the upper back and shoulders.
11. Repeat 3 times
    Use effluerrage to finish the massage, stroking lightly from the head down past the shoulders, as well as from the shoulders to the elbows.

TIME: Once you’ve used this routine a few times and become comfortable with it., you will be able to provide a complete massage in 5 to 7 minutes. If you have time, you may add steps to focus on specific problem areas for the client.

Other articles in this series:
Using Chair Massage to Market Your Massage Business
Adding Hand and Arm Massage to Your Routine