Chapter 2: Chair Massage Basic Sequence
The basic sequence demonstrated below is intended to provide a simple yet effective routine for massage therapists who may be unfamiliar when working with clients in a seated position. Although each routine will differ per client and often include other techniques such as stretching and occasionally foot massage, having a basic sequence establishes a sense of security on how to begin and end a chair massage session tailored to each client.
Steps 1-15 will show how to effectively treat most of the body, or what is considered a full-body chair massage. Each technique should be applied at least two or three times at a slow, soothing pace throughout the entire muscle region of focus. Some of the steps will provide a link that you may click on to view a diagram of the specific muscles being worked during that step.
Due to the interconnection of the surrounding tissue origin and insertion sites within a specific muscle, or muscle group, several regions may not be addressed during this basic sequence because of the client being in a seated position.
STEP 1 – Initial Contact & Introduction
The session begins with the massage therapist gently placing their hands on the client’s shoulders. This gives the clients first initial contact and introduction to the treatment in a gentle, relaxing way. Allow your hands to remain on the client’s shoulders as you provide any final instructions, such as to take in a slow deep breath and exhale before starting the opening technique (Figure 2-1).
It is also important for therapists to maintain a proper breathing pattern throughout the treatment session and remain focused on the client’s therapeutic needs.
STEP 2 – Warming up the Spinal Muscles
The opening technique begins by performing compressions to the erector spinae group (or paraspinal) that run parallel to the spinal column. These muscles include the spinalis (medial), longissimus (intermediate), and iliocostalis (lateral). Each column has separate subgroups with multiple named parts that extend and laterally flex the back, neck, and head. Specific tissues within the vertebral column may not be addressed during this sequence or are recognized in one of the following steps.
Steps are as follows:
1. Stand behind the client in a lunge stance with your back straight and arms slightly bent at the elbows. Place both hands palm side down on the client’s back with one hand on each side of the spine (T1 & T2) and approximately between the scapulas (shoulder blade) (Figure 2-2).
2. Begin gentle compressions by leaning forward using the weight from your front leg to apply compressions, then shifting the weight to the back leg when releasing. Next, move your hands down roughly 3 inches apart with each compression and continue movement rhythmically with the client’s breathing. Work your way down to the ilium (hips) and back up to the starting position between the scapulas (Figure 2-3).
3. Repeat the direction of movement, only this time, apply compressions using moderate pressure with soft fists in combination with circular friction, typically 1 or 2 circles with each fist placement (Figure 2-4).
Be careful not to press on any processes or bony landmarks and avoid applying excessive pressure over the kidneys or floating ribs (T11 & T12).
STEP 3 – Working the Middle & Upper Left Region
Step three begins by performing petrissage on both shoulders of the upper trapezius muscle, then moving to the left side of the client to further engage the surrounding tissues of the middle and upper left region. Specific tissues may be further recognized through a previous or following step.
Steps are as follows:
1. In a straight stance, place one hand on each side of the client’s shoulders just lateral of the neck. Next, grasp the tissue between the thumbs and fingers then petrissage the upper trapezius muscle working towards the acromion process, but not over it, and back towards the base of the neck (Figure 2-5).
2. Without breaking contact with the client, move to the left side of the chair in a lunge stance and gently place your right forearm directly over the client’s left upper trapezius muscle at the level of C7. To stabilize the area, position your left hand on the client’s left deltoid when applying movement (Figure 2-6). Starting with light to moderate pressure, move the forearm in a circular or back and forth motion, over the entire left upper trapezius muscle, then gradually continue working around the surrounding tissues of the scapula while adjusting the pressure accordingly. Often positioning the client’s arm down to their side will allow for better forearm access to the region (Figure 2-7).
3. Next, in a straight stance, use your thumbs or straight fingers to slowly apply deep small circular friction to the posterior tissues surrounding the left scapula (Figure 2-8).
4. If additional pressure is required or requested by the client, move back into a lunge stance, and while keeping the right elbow flexed, gradually press down on the upper trapezius and slowly release (Figure 2-9). Move steadily throughout the tissue as needed, and be sure to check in with the client regarding pressure.
5. Continue working the elbow to engage deeper layers starting at the level of the superior angle of the scapula moving inferiorly until you reach the inferior angle of the scapula. To make sure your right elbow does not touch the spinous processes or the scapula, use your left hand to help guide the elbow (Figure 2-10). To better access the rhomboids, ask the client to place their left arm back behind their lumbar area. If this is uncomfortable for the client, then continue without repositioning.
6. After completion of the elbow work, therapists should use techniques such as soft kneading or gentle compressions using light pressure to end treatment within the middle and upper left region.
STEP 4 – Working the Left Arm and Hand
The next step is to begin working tissues of the left arm and hand. Therapists should always be aware of body mechanics, especially when working areas that tend to be lower to the ground and harder to maintain a proper stance. If accessible, sit on a stool, or reposition in a kneeling stance while keeping the back straight at all times.
Steps are as follows:
1. Before performing techniques to the left arm, the therapist can either stand in front of the massage chair in a lunge stance aligned directly in front of the client’s left arm or remain on the side of the chair. If continuing from the left side, gently pick up the client’s left arm from the armrest and slowly bring it down along their side. This position will most likely require you to bend over slouching your back. As mentioned, consider sitting on a stool or repositioning in a kneeling stance to maintain proper body mechanics.
2. Next, grasp the tissues on both sides of the upper arm at the biceps/triceps level and begin compressions rhythmically working the full length of the arm down to the wrist, then back up to the starting location (Figure 2-11).
3. Once compressions are complete, keep your hands in the same starting position, only this time, place both thumbs center over the deltoid muscle. Begin kneading the tissues in combination with circular frictions using the thumbs in the same direction of movement, adjusting the pressure as needed (Figure 2-12).
4. If working from the left side of the chair, slowly, and gently, return the client’s arm to the armrest with their palm facing down. Next, hold the client’s wrist slightly raised with your left hand and begin large circular friction using your right thumb over the forearm extensor muscles starting towards the lateral epicondyle (Figure 2-13). Work the tissues (more medial) down to the wrist and back.
5. Next, turn the client’s forearm over (palm side up), and switch hands now holding the client’s wrist slightly raised with your right hand. Begin large circular friction with your left thumb over the flexor muscles starting towards the medial epicondyle, but not over it. Work the tissues (more lateral) down to the wrist and back (Figure 2-14).
6. Take ahold of the client’s left hand, palm side down, and with both of your hands, apply down and outward pressure to spread the metacarpal tissues apart (Figure 2-15).
7. Turn the clients left hand over, so it is facing palm side up, and use both thumbs to glide over the entire palmar surface with moderate pressure (Figure 2-16).
8. Hold your client’s left hand with your right hand and use your left thumb and index finger and knead the entire length of each digit, ending with traction (Figure 2-17).
9. Gently place the client’s hand palm side down on the armrest and finish with a light brush stroke to the entire left arm, starting at the shoulder and continuing down to the fingertips (Figure 2-18).
10. Without breaking contact with the client, the next step will begin the transfer over to the client’s upper right region.
STEP 5 – Transitioning to the Middle and Upper Right Region
When transitioning from the client’s left region over to their right, stand in front of the massage chair in a straight stance and place one hand on each side of the client’s upper trapezius muscle. Begin kneading the tissues alternating the weight from the right leg to the left leg. With each alternating motion, combine compression with a slight half-circular rotation of the wrist. For example, when applying movement downward with your right hand, rotate the wrist clockwise, and when shifting weight to the left side, use the left hand to apply downward pressure with a half rotation counterclockwise (Figure 2-19). When finished, slowly move over to the client’s right side.
STEP 6 – Working the Middle and Upper Right Region
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to the client’s right side. When ending work, give the client a sense of closure to the area and connection to the client’s neck and scalp.
STEP 7 – Working on the Neck and Scalp
The neck has several tissue layers that attach throughout the cervical and thoracic region. Specific muscles within the neck and scalp may not be addressed during this sequence due to their location, or they are recognized through a previous or following step.
Steps are as follows:
1. Move to the side of the client in a straight stance and place both of your hands gently on their posterior neck. Using light to semi-moderate pressure, petrissage the tissues working inferior to superior (shoulders to occiput) (Figure 2-20).
2. Next, slowly move to the front of the massage chair in a straight stance. Place both hands (palm-side) over the base of the client’s scalp, and position your fingers along the posterior neck tissues on each side of the cervical vertebra. Begin upward traction starting inferiorly using the fingertips moving superiorly to engage the muscles along the occipital ridge of the skull (Figure 2-21).
3. End movement along the occipital ridge then gently perform small circular friction using the fingertips around the entire ridge of the occiput moving from the midline to the mastoid process (Figure 2-22).
4. If the client would like to receive a scalp massage, then continue circular friction throughout the entire scalp (Figure 2-23).
5. Once the scalp is complete, perform a light brush stroke throughout the neck and scalp to give the client a sense of connection to ending treatment within the neck region.
STEP 8 – Working the Mid-Back & Lumbar Region
Due to the location of underlying tissues, specific muscles within the mid-back and lumbar region may not be addressed during this sequence, or they are recognized through a previous or following step. Also, if it is not comfortable for the therapist to work an area in their current position, due to the client’s size, for example, then they can apply techniques to one side of the body at a time. This will not only help protect the therapist from discomfort and possible injury, but it will also allow the client to receive a more effective treatment.
Steps are as follows:
1. Place both hands on each side of the client’s vertebral column, slightly more lateral this time to the erector spinea with the palms at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula. Slowly perform circular friction rotating the wrists with two large circular motions (Figure 2-24). Continue moving down a few inches with each movement inferiorly to the iliac crest. When you have reached the iliac crest, move both hands laterally toward the greater trochanter, but not over it (Figure 2-25), then retrace back to the inferior angle of the scapula and repeat movement.
2. Next, knead the tissues of the latissimus dorsi, oblique’s, serratus posterior inferior, and quadratus lumborum. To perform more in-depth work to the quadratus lomborum, align with the client’s side directly in front of the muscle and use your fingertips or thumb pads to gently perform small circular friction around the attachments sites, gradually adding more in-depth pressure as needed (Figure 2-26).
3. To begin work within the gluteal region, assume the kneeling stance and apply moderate to deep, circular friction to the surrounding tissues using soft fists moving lateral to the spine and just below the iliac crest (Figure 2-27). Due to the client being in a seated position, the gluteal muscle(s) can often be challenging to work, so therapists should do their best to apply techniques to the tissues they can reach.
4. Once the area is loosened, and if deep specific work is needed, perform friction using the forearm (Figure 2-28), or the elbow for additional pressure (Figure 2-29).
5. Next, to complete the lumbar region, apply light compressions followed by a brushstroke to give the client a sense of closure to the area and a connection to the legs.
Therapists should always check with clients beforehand to make sure they are comfortable with specific tissues being treated. Also, depending on the type of clothing the client is wearing, it may be difficult to work the gluteal muscles. For example, hard beads or gems stones attached to the client’s jean pockets can cause discomfort to the hands or forearms when performing techniques. It is best to address any potential concerns regarding the treatment to avoid any issues that may arise later.
STEP 9 – Working the Legs
When performing techniques to clients in a seated position, it is not always easy to reach the full length of the muscles due to the leg being flexed. For example, the tissues within the posterior upper thigh, or the anterior lower leg, are not easily accessible when the legs are resting on the knee pads. Due to the client’s size or possible medical condition, therapists will often position the leg(s) off the padding while applying techniques or wait to work on the legs until the client can be repositioned in the massage chair. Depending on the positioning and location of the surrounding tissue origin and insertion sites, specific muscles of the leg may not be addressed during this sequence.
Steps are as follows:
1. Move to the left side of the client in a kneeling stance. Begin compressions rhythmically using the palms of the hands, or soft fists, starting at the superior anterior tissues of the quadriceps working inferiorly and laterally along the iliotibial band (IT band) towards the knee (Figure 2-30).
2. Once at the knee, continue movement down to the posterior tissues of the lower leg and resume compressions using the thumbs and palms inferiorly towards the ankle (Figure 2-31), then retrace back to the upper thigh.
3. Next, perform the same direction of movement, only this time apply moderate to deep, circular friction using soft fists to the anterior and lateral thigh down to the posterior lower leg (Figure 2-32).
4. Begin forearm work along the IT band and surrounding tissues by gliding the forearm along the lateral upper leg (Figure 2-33). If additional pressure is needed, use the elbow instead.
5. Position the hands on the superior medial and lateral sides of the gastrocnemius with the thumbs position center. Begin circular friction using the thumbs working towards the ankle and back (Figure 2-34).
6. Repeat the same direction of movement, but this time petrissage the tissues surrounding the lower leg (Figure 2-35).
7. To complete the work within the left leg, perform palm compressions followed by a brushstroke to the entire region.
8. Next, without breaking contact with the client, move over to the other leg, and repeat step nine.
STEP 10 – Finishing Techniques
The finishing techniques will depend on the client’s needs and the condition you want to leave them with upon ending the session. For example, effleurage and light brush strokes are sedating techniques, whereas tapotement techniques are fast-paced and energizing. Therapists will often combine both methods when ending treatments.
Steps are as follows:
1. Stand behind the client in a straight stance. Using the outer ulnar edge of both hands, begin light rhythmic hacking movements to the tissues surrounding the back (Figure 2-36). Be careful not to strike with excessive force over bony landmarks or endangerment sites.
2. Next, perform light feather strokes throughout the entire back region (Figure 2-37).
3. Gently place your left hand on the client’s shoulder and instruct them to slowly sit up from the massage chair. If using a paper towel for a face cradle cover, then place your right hand on the paper towel, so it does not stick to the client’s face when sitting up from the chair (Figure 2-38).
4. Once the client is in an upright position (Figure 2-39), you can now perform a few stretching techniques before removing them from the massage chair.
STEP 11 – Stretching Techniques
Although there are several stretching techniques to choose from, it is important to recognize any physical limitations your client may have. When stretching a client, you should always begin with short steady movements then gradually work to increase their ROM. Keep in mind that even though most people appreciate the benefits of a good stretch, there are, however, clients who prefer not too. Below are several stretching techniques that therapists can perform while their client is in a seated position.
Lateral Neck Stretch
1. Once the client is upright in the massage chair, instruct them to bring the right arm up over the top of their head so that their fingers cover the left ear (2-40). The left arm will remain along their side.
2. The therapist will then position their left forearm on top of the client’s left upper shoulder and their right hand on top of the client’s right hand. This is only to help guide and stabilize the head and not apply any additional movement (Figure 2-41).
3. Next, inform the client to inhale a deep breath, and during the exhale, pull their head over with their right hand until they reach a comfortable stretch within the lateral neck (Figure 2-42). Hold for 10 seconds, then gradually release and repeat the movement.
4. Switch arms and perform the same process two times to the other side with the client’s left arm up over the top of their head so that the left-hand touches their right ear.
Posterior Neck Stretch
1. Instruct the client to bring both hands behind their head and interlock their fingers together, with the thumbs just below their occipital ridge (Figure 2-43).
2. Now position your arms under each of the client’s upper arms and place your hands on top of the client’s wrists (Figure 2-44).
3. Next, inform the client to inhale a deep breath slowly, and during the exhale, drop their chin down towards the chest while you gently press down on the client’s wrists (Figure 2-45). When the client verbally indicates a comfortable stretch has been reached within the posterior neck, hold for 10 seconds, then release the head back to the center and repeat.
4. Once complete, have the client place both arms back to their sides.
Pectoralis Stretch
1. Similar to the posterior neck stretch, instruct the client to sit up straight in the chair and interlock their fingers together behind their head (Figure 2-46).
2. Now position your hands around both of the client’s elbows (Figure 2-47).
3. Next, inform the client to inhale a deep breath, during the exhale, gently pull back on the client’s elbows until they announce a stretch has been reached within the pectoralis muscles (Figure 2-48). Hold for 10 seconds, then gradually release the elbows and repeat.
4. Often therapists will modify this stretch by placing their foot on the back of the massage chair to support the client’s back with their leg. If there is not enough room on the seat to support the foot, then do not proceed.
Obliques & Latissimus Dorsi Stretch
1. Stand behind the client and instruct them to raise both arms above their head and interlock their fingers together (Figure 2-49).
2. Next, inform the client to gradually lean to the right side until they have reached a comfortable within the target muscles (Figure 2-50). Hold for 10 seconds, then return to the center and proceed again. Repeat the same movements to the left side.
3. To modify this stretch, instruct the client to raise both arms above their head and grab ahold of their wrist with one hand and gradually pull down on their arm with the other hand to further the stretch (Figure 2-51). Switch sides and repeat the same process.
Biceps Brachii Stretch
1. Instruct the client to bring both arms behind their back and interlock their fingers together (Figure 2-52).
2. Next, ask the client to inhale a deep breath, and during the exhale, and without leaning forward, try to reach up as far as they can with straight arms until they have reached a stretch in their biceps (Figure 2-53). Hold for 10 seconds, then release and repeat.
3. Often therapists will assist by holding the client’s wrists then gradually raising the arms to further the stretch (Figure 2-54).
Triceps Stretch
1. Instruct the client to keep their back straight and reach over their shoulder with the left arm and try to touch their shoulder blade (scapula) with the palm of their hand. The left elbow should be pointing above the client’s head (Figure 2-55).
2. Next, have the client take their right hand and grab ahold of their left elbow then gradually pull back until they have reached a comfortable stretch in the triceps (Figure 2-56). Hold for 10 seconds, then release and repeat. Switch arms and proceed with the same movement.
3. Therapists can assist by holding the client’s left elbow with the left hand and placing their right hand on top of the client’s left hand to secure the arm in place (Figure 2-57). Now, gradually pull back on the elbow until the client verbally indicates a stretch.
Forearm Flexor Stretch
1. Instruct the client to reach both arms out to their side as far as they can, keeping the arms straight and palms facing up (Figure 2-58).
2. Next, have the client bring the back of their hands (dorsal-side) in towards their body until a stretch has been reached within the flexor muscles of the forearm (Figure 2-59).
3. Therapists often assist by placing both of their hands on each side of the client’s fingers then gently pushing in towards their body until they verbally indicated a stretch (Figure 2-60).
Forearm Extensor Stretch
1. Instruct the client to remain in the same position as the flexor stretch, with their arms straight out to their sides, only this time, the palms facing down (Figure 2-61).
2. Next, have the client point their fingers to the ground and bring the palms of their hands in towards their body as far as the can until a stretch has been felt within the extensor muscles of the forearm (Figure 2-62).
3. Therapists will often assist by placing their hands on the back of the client’s hands and slowly pushing in towards their body (Figure 2-63).
STEP 12 – Assisting the Client off of the Massage Chair
Steps are as follows:
1. Stand on the side of the massage chair and place one hand on the top of the chest pad, then place the other hand gently on the client’s mid-to-upper back to help guide them off of the chair (Figure 2-64). If the client feels lightheaded after the treatment, allow them to remain on the chair until they can stand up safely.
2. Instruct the client to position both feet on the ground and place their hands on each side of the chest pad (Figure 2-65).
3. Next, advise the client to stand up and gradually step back away from the massage chair (Figure 2-66).
4. If a therapist is working at a location where a foot massage treatment is available, then the following step would be to reposition the client backwards in the chair or have them sit on a straight-back chair if accessible.
STEP 13 – Foot Massage
When performing foot massage treatments, therapists should always maintain awareness of proper sanitation and disinfecting procedures and make the necessary preparations to have cleaning agents, gloves, or other supplies readily available. Due to the interconnection of surrounding tissues of the foot and lower leg, or the positioning, applied pressure, or client sensitively, specific muscles may not be addressed during this sequence.
Steps are as follows:
1. Adjust the chair by lowering the seat until it is parallel to the floor (Figure 2-67).
2. Next, raise the face cradle up over the chest pad and position it high enough so the client will be able to lean on it comfortably. Depending on the client’s height, therapists will often turn the face cushion around to support the back of the head. Make sure the knobs are securely fastened on the face cradle before allowing them to lean back.
3. Advise the client to sit down and then assist them in the removal of their shoes and socks if desired, then lean back on the chest pad with their head resting against the face cushion. Once in position, you can now place a clean towel over the top of your thigh and gently position the client’s right leg on top of the towel (Figure 2-68).
4. If the client has removed their socks, then begin by cleaning the entire foot using only products that are safe and effective. Be sure to check with the client regarding any allergies they may have to a specific product. Also, if you prefer to wear gloves, then there are several brands available to suit your needs.
5. With the client’s approval, apply a small amount of lubricant to your hands and perform effleurage to the surrounding tissues of the foot (Figure 2-69).
6. Next, grasp both medial and lateral sides of the foot and begin circular friction using the thumbs starting superiorly working inferiorly along the entire plantar region (Figure 2-70). Make sure to grip the foot with a sufficient amount of force when applying techniques. Light, gentle touches can often be ticklish to most clients and disrupt the massage. If the client has any sensitive areas, do not use too much pressure or avoid that area altogether.
7. Now secure your left hand around the client’s ankle to hold it in place, and using your right thumb and index finger, knead each toe ending with traction (Figure 2-71).
8. Continue holding the ankle with your left hand, only this time, make a soft fist with the right hand and begin deep gliding strokes using the knuckles (Figure 2-72). Work superiorly, then moving inferiorly along the entire plantar region.
9. Once complete, use your thumbs or fingers to apply gliding strokes on the dorsal surface, including down around the ankle (Figure 2-73).
10. The finishing strokes can include techniques such as compression, tapotement, or a combination of both, ending with effleurage (Figure 2-74).
11. Make sure to wipe off any remaining lotion applied during the treatment and gently position the client’s foot back down to the ground.
12. Repeat the same process to the other foot.
STEP 14 – Upon Ending the Session
Upon ending the session, the therapist should conduct a brief post-interview or evaluation to get feedback on what the client experienced during their treatment. Depending on the setting, this may consist of a few quick questions, or it can be more in-depth lasting several minutes. For example, when working at an event where clients are lined up waiting to receive a chair massage, the questions need to be quick and to the point. If the therapist is working within a setting where they have time between clients, then the discussion can be more extensive to address any further information concerning the massage. Below is just a few example questions to ask following a chair massage session.
- How are you feeling?
- Do you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment you received today?
- Are you interested in scheduling another session or discussing a future treatment plan?
Lastly, offer the client water or suggest they drink plenty. You should always explain the importance of increasing water intake following a massage (Figure 2-75). Next, collect payment (if applicable) and thank your client for allowing you the opportunity to work together.
STEP 15 – Cleaning Equipment and Hand Washing
After the session has ended, therapists should never cut any corners when it comes to properly cleaning the massage chair, including handles, knobs, and any other equipment used during the session, and thoroughly wash their hands, including between the fingers, under fingernails, forearms, and elbows. Although there are many antibacterial and disinfectant cleaning products available, you should choose ones that are clinically proven to protect against pathogens, as well as products that won’t damage the chair’s material. In general, an antiseptic is an antimicrobial agent that is applied to skin surfaces to prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are used on inanimate objects or nonliving surfaces. Many antiseptics and disinfectants may be used singly or in combination with each other for a variety of conditions, which will vary considerably in the activity against specific microorganisms. Often therapists will select to use germicidal wipes or an all-purpose disinfectant made of (1/2) 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol diluted with (1/2) water combined in a spray bottle. This solution not only destroys a wide variety of pathogens, but it can be applied to many surfaces, evaporates quickly, and is inexpensive. Bleach and alcohol-based compounds comprise a class of clinically proven sanitizers and disinfectants that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA).
The basic sequence presented above is an example of a chair massage routine that will enable massage professionals to perform techniques to clients in a seated position. However, not all routines fit every situation. For instance, some clients may carry their tension in the lower back and do not want their upper region worked on at all. Others may just want hands and arm worked on and nothing else. Some clients may request to have a short five-minute treatment on their neck and shoulders, where others may demand a thirty minute or longer with specific requests. Clients who choose to have what is considered a full-body chair massage, then you will need to prepare enough time to work all regions and modify the routine as needed. Lastly, intention is important, and treatments can only be administered effectively when your intent is to maintain a therapeutic connection with the client and awareness of their needs.
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We hope this online course has met your expectations and provided you with a further understanding of how to perform a basic chair massage routine. Please proceed to the end of this chapter to view the exam instructions.
Course References
Benjamin, Patricia J: “Professional Foundations for Massage Therapists,” 2008, Prentice Hall.
Benjamin, Patricia J: “Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques, 5th Edition,” 2010, Pearson.
Biel, Andrew R: “Trail Guide to Movement: Building the body in motion (1st Edition),” 2015, Books of Discovery.
Bilz, F.E (Friedrich Eduard): 1842-1922, “The natural method of healing [electronic source]: a new and complete guide to health,” Part Second, 1898 Leipzig; London: F.E. Bilz www.archive.org/details/b20417081_002
Brown, Eric: “Chair Massage Techniques, The Relax to the Max Guide,” 2017, Independently Published.
Fritz, Sandy: “Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Sixth Edition,” April 2016, Mosby.
Frye, Barbara: “Body Mechanics for Manual Therapists: A Functional Approach to Self-care Third Edition,” 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Holland, Patricia M., and Anderson, Sandra K: “Chair Massage,” 2011, Mosby Elsevier.
Jouanna, Jacques: “Greek Medicine from Hippocrates to Galen,” 2012, Brill.
Lidell, Lucinda & Porter, Anothony & Cooke Beresford, Carola & Thomas, Sara:
“The Book of Massage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Eastern and Western Technique,” 2001, Simon & Schuster.
Redman, Diane and Lumbeck, Ardath: “Ergonomics: Body Mechanics And Self Care For Bodyworkers,” 2011.
Riggs, Art; Foreword by Myers, Thomas, W.: “Deep Tissue Massage, Revised Edition: A Visual Guide to Techniques,” 2007, North Atlantic Books.
Stillerman, Elaine: “Modalities for Massage and Bodywork, Second Edition,” 2014, Elsevier.
Stephens, Ralph R: “Therapeutic Chair Massage,” 2006, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Tortora, Gerald J, and Derrickson, Bryan H: “Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14th Edition,” December 2013, Wiley.
Course Images
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Image by LightField Studios. www.shutterstock.com
Images by SciePro. www.shutterstock.com
Images by Carol Teitz, M.D. and Dan Graney, Ph.D. University of Washington Musculoskeletal Atlas of the human body.
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