Steps
- 011 min
Set-up in the chair
Adjust the seat, chest pad and face cradle so the client leans forward comfortably and the cradle does not press on the sides of the neck. Rest your hands on the upper back for a few breaths.
- 022 min · Back
Back compressions
Press rhythmically with flat palms or soft fists up either side of the spine from the waist to the shoulders, then back down. Lean with your body weight and check the pressure.
- 031 min · Back
Gliding over clothing
Glide up the back either side of the spine and out over the shoulders to warm the area. Keep the strokes broad and even.
- 041 min · Back
Frictions up the back
Palm or finger-pad circles up the muscles beside the spine to between the shoulder blades. Stay off the spine.
- 052 min · Shoulder
Shoulder kneading
Knead the upper trapezius with alternating hands from the neck out to the shoulder, one side at a time. This area is often tight, so ask about pressure.
- 062 min · Shoulder
Shoulder circles
Holding the upper arm and cradling the shoulder, circle it slowly in both directions within a comfortable range. Do each side.
- 073 min · Arm
Arms and hands
Knead from the shoulder down the upper arm and forearm, then stretch the palm and knead the base of the thumb. Gently rock the arm and return it to the armrest; do both arms.
- 081 min · Neck
Neck and base of the skull
Knead the back and sides of the neck from the shoulders up to the base of the skull, light at first. Keep off the front of the neck.
- 092 min · Back
Scalp and closing strokes
Rhythmic finger-pad circles over the scalp, then several long glides from the lower back to the shoulders. Let the client sit up slowly before standing.
Set-up
Seated massage is done through clothing, without oil. Adjust the chair so the client leans forward comfortably with the chest supported, and check that the face cradle does not press on the sides of the neck. Ask the client to remove glasses, scarves and bulky jewellery. General hygiene and set-up follow Draping and room set-up (a fresh face-cradle cover for each client), and pressure checks follow Pressure scale and check-ins.
The diagrams use the back view.
Order
- Back (about 4 min): Compression, gliding Effleurage and Circular friction up the Erector spinae.
- Shoulders (about 4 min): Petrissage of the Trapezius and Passive range of motion shoulder circles.
- Arms and hands (3 min).
- Neck, scalp and closing (3 min).
Keep one hand in contact as you move around the chair, and use a lunge stance so the work comes from your legs (see Body mechanics).
Closing
Finish with long glides down the back. Ask the client to sit up slowly and take a moment before standing, to avoid dizziness.