Massage therapy is an easy and enjoyable way to relax and get rid of muscle tension, ease migraine headaches and help low back pain, as well as many other conditions, reports Massagetherapy.com. It's available in spas, resorts, cruise ships, from massage therapists in private practice, and some doctor's offices. Mobile massage therapy is when massage therapists do house calls or come to business offices or malls to perform massage.
Types
There are several types of mobile massage. Often, mobile massage therapists use a special massage chair and transport it to homes or offices.
For a chair massage, the client remains dressed and sits in the chair with his stomach and chest against a padded board and his face in a face rest, allowing the massage therapist access to the neck, shoulders and back. The arms and hands are sometimes worked with chair massage as well.
Other massage therapists use a portable massage table and will perform either a normal full body massage in your home, or a quicker, more targeted massage of problem areas, such as the back.
Benefits
Mobile massage has benefits for the massage therapist and the client. The therapist has a smaller outlay of costs when starting her business. Instead of renting an office, all that is needed is a portable massage table or massage chair, massage oils if used, sheets and disposable headrest covers. The client has the convenience of having the massage in his own home or work space.
Drawbacks
Some massage clients might be uncomfortable with the idea of a stranger coming to their home. There also can be more distraction when receiving a massage at home or work than there would be in a private room at a spa, for example. Massage therapists might be uncomfortable going to the home of a stranger to perform a massage and be concerned for safety reasons. Therapists can also dislike having to carry a heavy table or chair around, and performing mobile massage might not be cost effective when driving time and fuel cost are factored in, particularly in rural areas.
Getting Ready for a Mobile Massage
For the massage client, all you need to do is make sure there is enough room cleared for the massage therapist to set up her table or chair, and to be able to move around the table freely while working. You might want to consider forgoing makeup the day of your massage, as makeup can become smeared during a massage. If possible, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. The therapist should remember to have directions to the destination at the ready and leave extra travel time to arrive on schedule.
Warning
Prospective massage clients who have any medical conditions or take medication, should check with a doctor before having a massage, as certain medical conditions make massage more risky, such as infectious diseases and some cancers, according to Massages.org.
Also discuss with your massage therapist any concerns you have, so special care may be taken. Always use a massage therapist who is certified and has plenty of experience. It's okay to ask for references.
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