Professional Development 5

Welcome to the 5th installment of Professional Development. This week we will talk about Business Etiquette. I recently worked a health fair for a Chicago company with 5 other therapists. At the end of the day I knew I had to write about this for those who may be unsure or those who have no idea about proper business etiquette. Again these lessons are from my experiences and what I feel work best in the massage world. This is a long post so strap in.

• Prepare: This is number one for a reason. When you are going to work, chair massage special event, etc, please prepare. Make sure you have everything you need like, business cards, face cradle covers, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, massage chair, tools (I hope you use them), music, hand wipes for cleaning, a good breakfast/lunch and whatever else is required to have a successful event. If you will be working with other therapists for a health fair or expo, have a meeting a week before the event. The meeting is to get everyone on the same page and same mindset for the event. At this time schedules should be ironed out for breaks and lunches so that no one is over worked. The meeting is also when a dress code is talked about so that all the therapists look like a team. More on this later. I could go on but I think you get the idea. As a therapist and any business for that matter, there must be a level of excellence that far outshines the next person.

• Skills: When you work an event or just go to your job, you are expected to perform at a certain level. The job required may be lower, high or in most cases medium, which is where the majority of people live. Don't be in the majority! Your mindset should always be one of excellence. A high skill level will enable you to help many more people than your average routine therapist. I have put throughout this blog many ideas and a few people to learn from to take your skills to the next level. Believe me people will notice especially at an event where there are more than two therapists. The ones with higher abilities are usually sought after. Continue to read, take classes that will help you and push yourself to be your best.

• Dress Code: The very clothes we wear are important part when there is an event, look at any sports team. On any team the uniform lets you know who they are but more important the sameness lets everyone know there is a connection, a unit, a mindset. Look on almost any basketball court during the summer and you will see the shirts vs. the skins. It is a real mindset that one must embody to really work with people. If you will be working with other therapists make sure there is something of a dress code. When spectators observe from the sidelines you want to be seen as a unit working together not just working. There is a big difference.

• Hygiene: I can't believe I'm writing about this one but I must. Before you leave the house please bathe, wash your hair, brush your teeth, put on deodorant, cut and clean your finger nails, CLEAN clothes, clean underwear and clean socks. We work with the public and no one wants to smell our Body Odor because we think it's cool not to use soap everyday. That is all that I will say on this topic.

• Professionalism: This is a wide area for most of us so I will do my best to focus it for massage and similar therapies. All the above are part of what it takes to be a Professional Massage Therapist. To get specific about the dress code, I have always worn Adidas track/sweatpants that have a slick, smooth look to the them. My shirts are always polo style made of cotton/polyester blend for easy sweat evaporation. My shirts are also made by Adidas. This "uniform" is easy to move in, comfortable BUT stylish. I try and stick to a white shirt and black pants for every event. I have worked events from parties, law firms, expos, private gigs and I always have a professional look to my sports clothes. I usually wear Adidas sandals with clean socks just in case I want to slip out of shoes for a Thai massage stretch and then slip right back in. Never should you be barefoot at a company event (in fact I'm never barefoot when I work). This smacks of unprofessionalism and bad hygiene.

Time is an important part of being a professional. Always arrive at least 45 minutes early to set-up and then gather yourself through prayer, meditation or whatever you feel centers you. Start and end on time and make sure your sessions are the allotted time so as not to create a pile up. I have seen many therapists get "lost" because they are not paying attention.

Ok, that is enough for now. I think I touched on some areas where massage has to grow and some areas that could be more refined. I hope that in the future we can can have a more of a focused mindset about massage therapy and improve and learn from ever encounter.

PD6 in two weeks.

Peace

Nepatized Thoughts

I'm back. It has been a couple of weeks since my last article due to a lot of work (good thing) in the massage world for me. Today is a new day though, we are in new times. Everything as we know it has changed, is changing as you read this. Business is different make no mistake about it. Please understand both clients and therapist, students, etc that the old models of work and business is dead. YOU must think about and expand your mind outside the framework of the box to grow.

I work with people all the time and a few understand they must have as as Les Brown puts it; a larger vision of themselves. That includes your business. In spas therapist and owners must understand their clientele and trim down some of the unnecessary services and get to the real modalities that help people. I believe the prices in spas should be looked at as well. Massage and like therapies are not for getting rich but helping others.

My business is growing at a steady rate because I understand the times and I act before I need to. This is vision. I have lowered my studio rates but I give even better service. I now offer chair massage in my studio for those who may not be able to afford my table rate. I make the sessions more focused as well as therapeutic. I am doing even more chair massage special events and work with a good friend (SC) to come up with even better event ideas. I'm really working to make the work fresh and alive. I focus on doing the work (read Nepa Massage) not Thai, Tui Na, hot stones, pregnancy, etc. People have no time for all the extras, they just want to know if you can help them with their Desk Stress or sore hip.

Therapists and soon to be therapist should take a look at your business and finds ways to improve even if you are doing well. If your business is struggling take a look at your skills, appearance, where you work and clients. Take a honest look at everything and adapt your massage business for TODAY not five years ago. Be in the NOW.

I had the chance to work a health fair event this past week and it was amazing to see how some of the therapists worked, acted, dressed and talked like it was five years ago instead of summer 2009. I will talk more about this in my next PD article next week.

In closing,I will continue to bring my thoughts and experiences to you so that you may use them as you see fit. This blog and its contents are for these times and thoughts. Again be in the NOW. I believe that we all have gifts and abilities which when used can help the world, the only thing we have to do is begin with fresh and creative thoughts and do the work.

Peace

The Furious 5

On one Saturday every month I get together with the Furious 5 for a Massage Day with Nepa. This an event that is one of the highlights of the month for me because I get to do five hours of massage in one day on these good people.

Now Massage Day with Nepa started almost 3 years ago with just two of them. Then last year it turned into 4 and by the beginning of this year they became known as the Furious 5. During this "Spa Day", I work on each individual person for an hour helping them through whatever ails them. These sessions are never about relaxation but therapy. This time is also a little party with good conversation, laughing, joke telling and great food. I think all this together makes for great therapy and good times.

This type of event is a good idea for family members, friends, massage therapists, etc who are interested in getting a massage on a regular basis with other like minded people. This group atmosphere will keep the cost down and energy positive. With the Furious 5 I work on a massage table but you can coordinate an event with a massage chair to keep the cost even lower.

The best thing about the Furious 5 is that I get to see them improve and feel better physically and mentally. Like I said before; one of the highlights of my month.

Here's to The Furious 5!

Professional Development 4- Gift Certificates

Welcome to PD4! Gift certificates are a good way to "give" massage to those that might not otherwise receive one or for your clients to offer your services to someone they know. People are always looking for the perfect gift and what could be better than a great massage. To me gift certificates are not a way to build revenue but to offer another aspect of your massage services. Your skill and word of mouth is what builds your practice.

Now in my practice I offer different types of certificates; three for table massage and one for chair massage. I like to offer more than one for my table work because people will appreciate some choice in their selections. The chair massage gift certificate is the only one I have found to have an actual background print of someone doing chair massage on the inside. I use these mostly at the law offices that I work with doing chair massage. These are great for birthdays and as "Thank you" presents for co-workers. I also give out gift certificates every now and then just to keep the energy following in my business.

For a good selection of gift certificates click HERE.

Always have a selection of gift certificates on hand for your practice. You never know when someone will ask you if you sell gift certificates and you can always inform your clients you sell them and they will make a great gift.

PD5 in two weeks.

Peace

Massage Relief 2

On June 4 Infuse Yoga Spa will host an event called "A Minute For Diabetes". The event is to raise money for the the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Manuel Cruz, fellow therapist and friend will be offering Thai chair massage sessions for a $1 a minute. Feel good and do some good as well.


For more information click HERE.


Have a great holiday weekend!

Professional Development 3

Welcome to the third installment of professional development. This week we find meaningful and respectable work in massage therapy. I will share with you the ways and methods I have found very useful in finding massage work in the past.

My first resource is Craiglist. Under jobs there is a medical/health section and a salon/spa/fitness section as well. Under both sections there is usually work listed throughout the state you live in. Be careful with CL though. Only respond to jobs that list the company name, email, phone number and website. With the above information you can do some background research on the company. Listings with vague details please stay away from. If they can't take the time to do a thorough job posting they are not really worth much and can be more trouble in the end.

The second is AMTA. On the AMTA website they have a Job Bank, which is a resource for finding work in your respective city.

Monster.com also has massage jobs on their site. So give Monster a try as well.

Now if you are really hunger and serious about working in the massage field, you can look into doing chair massage. There are a lot of companies that focus on chair massage or on-site massage. These kinds of companies are great jumping off pads for those therapists that are looking to gain experience by working on a variety of people in different settings. Just Google chair massage companies and Boom! Some of these companies have been around quite awhile and are on a national level.

The chair massage companies work health fairs, corporate events, parties, sporting events, etc. You can meet all sorts of great people from around the country. There are unlimited potentials to massage therapy.

Talk to your friends, relatives anyone you know about massage. I am offered work all the time because someone dropped my name to someone else. Please have business cards on hand at all times. When you find work, make sure you work in different places (of course on different days). And I know this may sound redundant but work in different offices, spas, chair events, etc. All places and events have cycles and if you are only in one place you are at the total mercy of that locations cycles. But with many places you have a better chance to maintain a balanced income.

With some of your findings the company may only offer a position on a temp basis such as fill-in when the regular therapist is sick or on vacation. Do not turn down this work because this will give you the opportunity to do some of your best work and really show your skills. Who knows in time you may get offered a permanent position. It happened to me on many occasions.

As I have said in PD1, please stay ahead of the game by working on your skills and being the best you can be. Helping people is our goal and the more you know, the better able you are to help your clients. Every session should have purpose and be filled with meaning. Again only the skillful will survive in these times. There is always room to grow.

PD4 in two weeks!

Peace.

Desk Stress 2-Scalenes

The scalenes are a set of muscles, usually three that start on the transverse processes of the neck (side of the neck C2-C7) and attach to the fist and second rib. Constrictions in the scalenes can cause pain, numbness and other sensations in the chest, upper back, shoulder, arm and hand.

When the scalenes become dis-eased (trigger points), they tend to pull the first rib up against the collarbone. This holding pattern, squeezes the blood vessels and nerves that pass through the area on the way down the arm. Now the impeded blood flow and imbalance causes pain, swelling, numbness, tingling and burning in the arm and hand. The collection of symptoms is also called thoracic outlet syndrome.

For homework you can do a light stretch. This will help you throughout the day while at your computer or any time you wish. Make sure you proceed slowly into the stretch and only go as far as your body will allow. For the scalenes stretch click HERE.

As always this, blog and its' content are intended for informational purposes only.

Peace and good health.

Chair Thai Massage Class

On Sunday June 7, I will be hosting and the instructor for a Chair Thai massage class. The class is from 4-8pm. I will share my work experience with chair massage and give a demonstration in Thai massage session in a massage chair.

I will teach the class a Thai 10-20 minute routine for supine, prone and if we have time, side line. We will work lower and upper body. I will also feature will I call "Music Time" and how to have a very professional appearance from your clothes to your chair. Tuition for the class is $50.

This class is open to massage therapy students and professionals. For more info click HERE.

To register for the class please click HERE.

Professional Development 2

This week is the second article on developing your massage business. Now after massage school you must take the national exam to request a massage license. Believe me when I tell you that you would like to pass the first time. I will offer useful tips on exam preparation.

First off, take the test as soon as you can after you graduate from massage school. You want to do this while the information is still fresh in your head. To help with the questions, look into taking a class to help you prepare. Some massage schools offer two day classes for exam preparation. One such school is Cortiva, which has different locations across the country. These classes are open for all massage students not just Cortiva grads. For locations click HERE.

For those about to take the National Exam in Chicago there are some upcoming exam prep dates. Some massage schools in Illinois do not offer exams preparations as part of their curriculum so for some help click HERE.

Now be aware Cortiva and most exam preparation classes may not cover the Asian arts as part of their curriculum. So make sure you study Chinese medicine ( 14 meridians, yin/yang, 5 phase theory). Also have some general knowledge of the chakras. This will get you through the Asian arts related questions.

I hope this helps those ready to take the National Exam. Now next week, I will start the work process and guide you in finding meaningful work. As always this blog is about the times we live in now and how to grow and succeed in these times of change.

Next week PD3!

WHAT THE @$#%!

I was made aware of some information that you ALL need to know about. If you see a chiropractor, will see one or know someone who will, this information is for you. Please be informed.

For the info click HERE.

There is no Yang without Yin, so for the Yin side click HERE.

We are in the midst of change.

Chicago's Very Own

For those who may be unaware, Chicago has its very own massage warehouse. Located on the far north side in Rogers Park is the Best Massage Warehouse. Now this place has many things to get you going in your massage business and keep you going. Best Massage Warehouse has just about everything from oils, sheets, videos, tables, chairs, bolsters, etc. They even ship across the country.

One of the best things about this store are its frequent sales, to see what I mean click HERE.

So if you are ever on the far north side of Chicago check out Best Massage Warehouse. Tell them Nepa sent you.

Professional Development

This week starts a series of weekly articles into the business of massage therapy. Basically how to get work, keep work, increase your skills, how to dress, etc. Hopefully the information will be useful to those therapists still in school, just graduated and even experienced therapists. Our first topic: Knowledge.

In massage we will discuss two types of knowledge; specialized and on the job.

Specialized knowledge must be sought after and absorbed to be effective. Specialized knowledge is learned from mentors, teachers and from the volumes of printed material shared from our ancestors wisdom and experience.

This type of knowledge involves hard work and personal study into topics that will take you back in history. Specialized knowledge is the key to understanding that all things come from one source and you can tap into that source at any time. Some examples in massage are; Tui Na, Thai massage, nerve points (trigger points), acupressure, different modalities, reflexology and Rolfing.

Now this is about understanding and how to be focused in your work. Specialized knowledge brings things into focus because of the hours of dedication you have put into your craft. A general unfocused treatment is very superficial.

The second type is on the job training. The experience you receive while working is very valuable. Your specialized knowledge will be your guide while on the job and will help you when others haven't a clue as to what to do. I have worked in many different places doing massage. This allowed me to "feel" many different body types to understand that everyone is different and will respond or not to different kinds of techniques.

Please note that this type of knowledge must be experienced in different work environments. Each spa, chiropractor's office, etc has a certain kind of person that will go to that particular place. By being in one place you see one type but many places will give you hundreds of people to learn from. That's what on the job knowledge is; learning from the people and everything that makes an individual.

Remember the mother of knowledge is repetition. Keep working, learning and growing.

Knowledge will keep you ahead of the game and a leader in your field.

Next week, Professional Development 2.

Seated Asian Bodywork

Please check out this therapist. He is doing advanced chair techniques.

Believe me, this is only the beginning to what you can do!

To see click HERE.

Desk Stress

This is what I call the condition that many people may feel if they work at a computer for long hours. Symptoms are: tightness and/or pain in the shoulders, upper/mid back, neck, arms and hands. You may also experience tightness in the upper chest.

The above is what happens to the body when the body is forced to sit in one position all day long. The body is designed to move and we do the exact opposite in our daily work. If you do not have some activities to balance this out the body will create holding patterns. Essentially the body will only do what it is used to doing and very little else.

There are some proactive things you can do throughout the day to help yourself.

1) Take a few minutes if you can to stretch, move and shake your body. Reach up over your head like you're grabbing something from the top shelve. Hold that for a few seconds. Slow rotations of the neck and turning the neck from side to side is helpful to relax the neck.

Massage and stretch your hands and arms. Rotate your wrists to remind the body you still like to move around. And if you can, get away from your desk for a couple of minutes.

2) Exercise. Take a pilates, yoga or Tai Chi class. The movement is what we are going for here to stretch, move and also relax your muscles.

3) Take an eye break. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths.

4) Have lunch outside if weather permits.

5) Get a massage. If your place of employment offers chair massage take advantage. A good 15 minute chair massage every other week or once a month can do wonders for your body.

Chair Massage Training

As promised I have some tips for those who would like to learn the art of chair massage. Skills in this area will not only make you a more verstile therapist but also help build your table business. Below I have broken down training into books, video media and actual classes. Please note, over the years I have bought books, videos, etc. and the following are in my opinion some of the best information in regards to chair massage. Let's get started.

Click HERE for the most useful book on chair massage.

For a video companion to the book click Here.

Now useful chair massage classes are few and far between in Chicago but there is a class coming to the city May 30, 2009. This class offers CEU's and will help you learn a "routine" to get you started. For more information click HERE.

I will be teaching a chair massage class with more advance techniques in mid June. In this class I will show supine, prone upper and lower body, Tui Na, Thai massage, trigger points and so much more. Stay tuned for that. But the above should get you started.

Tools of the Trade

Two years ago at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, I taught a Deep Tissue Massage class. As part of the class I made massage tools required for my course. I knew then as I know now that tools are a necessary part of a massage career. Without them we are more open to injury and lose the effectiveness of our craft.

I have been using massage tools since massage school. The tools bring a different level to your work, a refinement if you will. I know many therapists reluctant to use tools for many reasons. But to prevent injury to your digits, arms, shoulders, etc. from working to hard are the reasons to use them.

Now tools have been around for thousands of years as aids for our healing ancestors. They are nothing new. Our ancestors knew back then, that to be effective in their work they needed help from an object that they gave life to, just by using it. Tools are just an extension of your hands, fingers, elbows; because you are in control.

In Chinese medicine they will use anything from a mason jar to a spoon to get the job done. Again, it is not the tool that is in control but you. Ask any Jedi Knight if they want to work without their tool, the light saber!

I use a lot of tools in my table and chair work for different things (right tool for the right job). I use the entire line of Acufore tools. These are some of the best on the market and they come with a instructional dvd to get you started. Just so you know, the Star was my first tool. For more info click HERE.

For ji fa (chopping) I will use Bongers. The Bongers are great for stimulation. Another good tool that I use in my chair work is the Therapist Thumb. This tool as well as the Acuforce Star are great for working on the sub occipital muscles of the neck.

I will also incorporate the Omni massage roller for rubbing along the back and outside of the legs. The Omni along the IT-band is great for breaking up adhesions. Try it in the hip also. To find these tools and others click HERE.

The way to use tools is just like using your fingers, hands, elbow and knees. You must practice and practice. Then one day you will point a tool in a trigger point and feel the point relax or feel the energy of a acupressure point through your tool to your body. Now that is true healing.

Now if you are a therapist interested in learning more about tools and how to use them; Tony Zayner will be teaching a class called Tool Time at the Naprapathy College on April 29. He will instruct the class in over 25 tools from manual to mechanical. For more info click HERE.

Up Coming Classes

I just want inform you of 4 classes I will be teaching over the next 4 Sundays starting April 19.

The classes will take place at the Discovery Center in Chicago. The time of the class is 10am-1pm. The first 3 classes will cover lower body, upper body and full body. The focus of the class are basic massage techniques and stretches that anyone can do. The forth class is the couples class, which is always fun. In this class I instruct the couples the best way to work with their partner, how to listen and communicate through therapeutic touch. All the classes are open to the general public. Hope to see you there. To find out more information click HERE.

Three People You Should Know

I want to tell you about three therapists you should know about. If you need/want a good therapist here are the people to see and where to find them.

Tony Zayner-you can find him at the National College of Naprathic Medicine in Chicago. Tony is doing his internship until October 2009, so you can get his services at a reduced cost. Tony focuses on naprathy in the clinic and will integrate manual and mechanical tools, Thai massage and nutritional counseling. $50 for the first visit and $30 for any follow-up visits. Find more info about the clinic HERE.

To learn more about Naprathy click HERE.

Manuel Cruz-can be found at Infuse Yoga Spa on Thursdays. Manuel was mentored by Tony and myself and is a top notch therapist in the city. Manuel is trained in Table Thai massage, Tui Na, trigger point therapy just to name a few. $90 for an hour session. Infuse Yoga Spa is doing a special promo through April 19th. with half-off Thai massage sessions. Check it out HERE.

To read Manuel's own words click HERE.

Karen Colbert- can be located at Bahdy on the south side of Chicago. Bahdy offers professional massage services for her clients. Karen was also mentored by Tony and myself, so she is trained in a variety of clinical and Asian styles. Since she is first class her services are as well. Now Karen also has a service called Club Bahdy, which offers a reduction in price if you are a member. See more info HERE.

Trust me folks, if you see any of these people your money is well spent. I will feature more therapists in future articles.

Grab a Chair

This is for therapists, soon to be therapists and want to be therapists. If you don't already have a massage chair, get one. Please. There are many reasons but the number one is flexibility.

As I have stated before the world is changing and in order to change with it you must be flexible to do so. The ability to adapt is important. You must be able to be in different places, to help many people and stand above the crowd. If you don't you will fall by the way side. The strong and the unique survive.

Why does it seem like I push chair massage? Because it works as a business and as a modality. I'm not saying get rid of your table but in an hour I can work on about 4 people. Your standard table work will yield 1. Now I can make the same amount of money as a 1 hour table but those 4 people tell other people. And what do they tell them? That here is a guy who can help you with a lot of your aches and pains in 15 minutes or so and it cost $15! Or they can get on a table for 60 or 90 minutes and feel relaxed for a short while. That costs $85-$150!

See the difference?

That is how my business has grown over the last 4 years. I have worked in many different places and received experience. That is priceless! Meeting people led me to other people and so on and so on. That's what Nepatism is about.

Now, if you are thinking where can I get a good chair. I have some answers. There are some good inexpensive chairs because you don't need to spend a lot. When I bought my chair it was $199 on sale. But I would buy it at regular price. See Here.

Also, you'll find a package deal Here.

Another chair under $200 Here.

If you don't already own a massage chair, these will get you started. From there we will go on to training, where to get it and how to develop your SKILLS. This is what brings clients back, time and time again. Relaxation may be the number one reason people will get a massage but helping them with shoulder pain, headaches, sore back and hip tightness is why they come back.

Be Here next week as the saga continues.

Massage Relief

I would like to share a massage story that I came across that you should know about. This is indeed the time for stepping up and helping others. This is one of those stories.

For the massage relief efforts click HERE.

Many know the benefits of massage therapy but the best benefit for the therapist is the honor of touching another person in their time of need. Just you and the client. A touch that lasts a lifetime.

The Stool Is Your Tool

The 21st Century Therapist

The Furious Five

Lifestyle Massage

Best Lil Massage Warehouse in Chicago

Nepa Massage

There is one question that I get from my clients that I have to talk about here so that everyone will know. The top question is; "what kind of massage do you do" or "what do you call this type of massage". The answer is Nepa Massage. A long time client came up with that name 2 years ago and it has stuck ever since. Now I know that Nepa Massage doesn't describe what I do but after I explain maybe things will be that much clearer.

I have trained in Tai Chi for almost ten years from my teacher/mentor Tony Zayner. This same mentor also taught me Asian bodywork (acupressure, table Thai massage, Tui Na), Chinese medicine modalities (gua sha, cupping, moxa) as well as magnets. I was introduced to reflexology, trigger point therapy, passive movement stretching, different kinds of massage tools and my favorite, chair massage. After learning all of the above, I worked to develop my own style and use that with my natural abilities. Each therapist must do the same for themselves.

All these styles and techniques are time proven over the centuries and have been known to work as individual techniques. Now I don't see them as different when I work but as ONE. Unlike some therapists who can do mixture of techniques/styles and piece a little here and there; I feel, act and know they are all one thing. So when I work with a client, I am "talking" to their body which always tells me what is going on. I have to listen and respond (yin & yang). I communicate verbally as well. I may joke with them or just listen to hear whatever is on their mind. My work is really deep because it truly evolves.

It has evolved for me into working more with chair massage than with the massage table. I feel chair massage allows more freedom to play (yes, play) and have fun (yes, have fun) because the client is in an upright position and I can dance around them. The shorter time frame trains my mind/body/spirit to be very focused on working with the client and the opportunity to see more people. Not to mention the cost factor, which is of utmost importance to everyone right now. That we cannot ignore.

So Nepa Massage is the spirit of the work which is in touch with eternity. And in eternity, there are no techniques.

Hold On To Your Seat

The sitting position in Thai massage is one of the most effective for releasing tightness, pain and soreness in the neck, shoulders, chest, back and arms. Thai massage focuses not only on muscle tissue but the sen (lines) of energy that flows throughout our bodies. In Thai, the feet, knees, hands and elbows are used as tools for compressions along the sen. A Thai massage session will also include range of motion movement and stretching to help heal and balance the body. By using Thai techniques on the upper body and neck/face muscles you can help treat headaches, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel and so much more.

Chair massage is rapidly growing around the country as the method of choice for bodywork. Because of the inexpensive cost and shorter sessions, the demand for chair massage will continue around the country and even the world. If you haven't noticed but the above chair is made and used in Thailand.

Here are some useful positions for those therapists out there that might want to add some seated Thai techniques to their chair massage treatments: pressing the shoulders, thumb press the neck, backward arm lever, hacking the shoulders, arm lock, butterfly shoulder stretch & twist and the bear hug. In supine you can try the "cross town" (be careful). In prone you can also try the feet to back stretch. You should sit on a stool to do this one.

These are a just few of the techniques I use in my chair massage practice. In future posts, we will go deeper into the world of seated manual therapy.