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How do you deal with......

How do you deal with people who try to sit on the chair backwards (esp if they don't speak English)?? I don't want to embarass them, but.....

I volunteer once a week doing chair massages at the local Ronald McDonald House and invariably get someone who sits down backwards on the chair. And many of the parents don't realize that massage is just as good for the kids as it is for them.

Or, how about "oh you can't hurt me" (watch me...<grin>).

I'm trying to get in with the Eating Disorders program at the Childrens' Hospital to set up my chair there.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erica Olson on April 3, 2010 at 11:05am

Ah, easy enough. If they speak English, I ask if they've ever had chair massage before. If not (or if they haven't seen anyone receive prior), I instruct them like so:

"Straddle the seat so you're facing me, like you're riding a horse. Put your shins on the pads (as I point), and lean your chest here (gently guiding the client forward). I'm going to bring the face cradle up to you and adjust it so it's comfortable for you--let me know. Okay, hold still for a second and let me lock this down. Good. Okay, you comfortable?"

If they don't speak English, I just demonstrate.

For "tough guys," I laugh and say something like, "Never say that to someone whose business depends on knowing the details of human anatomy. Besides, this about relaxing, not me beating you up."

Permalink Reply by Choice Kinchen on April 3, 2010 at 4:04pm

I agree with Erica.....there is no reason to overthink this. I do something similar. I've never had anyone embarrassed when they try to sit down backwards only to find they have to turn around. Keep it light and loose and you won't have any problems.

Samantha.....I have had people sit in the chair backwards so I could work quads, calves and feet. It's not that uncommon. You can also do pec work from that position.

Permalink Reply by Marion McCall on April 4, 2010 at 8:50am

If there is no one else there, there should be no need for embarrassment. If there is another chair massage practitioner, just point to the person in that chair and say gently that you can get at their back and neck better when they are positioned like that. Occasionally you will find someone who does not want to sit in the chair face forward. Just work with them that way.

As to language, it is amazing what you can get across with sign language!

I am a strong believer that lighter pressure gets more results - I teach practitioners how to incorporate myofascial release into chair massage. Instead of mashing into someone's traps, lift them the traps gently but firmly for at least 90 seconds. You might be surprised (and they will too!) at how well they soften. This works for all areas that you would compress too.

Permalink Reply by Janet on July 15, 2010 at 10:52pm

I'm starting a 100 hour chair course Sunday that will include working on people backwards, in wheel chairs and at desks. It's about myofascial release.