Portable Massage Therapy

In providing portable massage therapy, you'll be furnishing your massage services at a nonpermanent location. Make sure to approach these appointments with your customary professionalism. Contact your certifying organization to ensure your massage therapy license is in order and obtain extra copies if needed.
Because therapists in many states obtain certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, this organization can help with your request.

Markets

If you're creating a portable massage practice, you'll have several markets you can develop. You can serve clients who can't get to a fixed massage setting during normal business hours. Your business can be taken to office buildings and professional practices. In fact, some companies are now including massage therapy as a wellness benefit.
Finally, you can conduct massage demonstrations at health fairs as well as work in partnerships with other medical professionals.

Types

You can perform two types of portable massage. Chair massage is conducted in a specially designed massage chair that folds up and travels easily in many vehicles. When you arrive at your destination, the chair is placed in a convenient corner. Your massage focuses on the head and upper body, and your client remains fully clothed.
Another option is to transport a standard massage table to your clients' locations. Unfold the table and place it in a room with sufficient work space to perform a professional massage. Although this is a viable option, the table is large and heavy. You'll need a covered truck or large sport utility vehicle to safely transport the table and you may require help with set-up and tear down.

Benefits

Although you are performing your massages in temporary quarters, you can offer valuable benefits to your client. In an office setting, you can provide stress relief in a sometimes hectic environment. If clients have been sitting for long periods, you can help alleviate stiffness and soreness. If you're working in a chiropractor's office, you can address the needs of sports injury patients. Massage has been shown to provide all of these benefits, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Equipment Sources

You can find portable massage chairs and tables through the American Massage Therapy Association website. If you're an Association member, you may receive a discount on your purchase Massage chairs and tables are also available from other commercial sources.

Considerations

Before you purchase your portable massage equipment, evaluate your local market's income potential. Make some anonymous telephone calls to determine if chiropractic and alternative medical offices have a massage therapist affiliation. Call local upscale spas to gain the same information. Finally, recoup your travel costs by scheduling multiple appointments in more remote locations.