A regular table massage client loves to two-time this massage therapist every chance she gets. I do not mind at all. My client has fibromyalgia, travels frequently and loves to get chair massages.
The service she uses most often is at an airport near her employer’s national headquarters. She looks forward, especially on a day-hopper trip, to stopping in for 20 minutes of relief.
Initially I was scared to use them, she said, worried they might not understand someone like 
me. But I just did it one day when I was desperate – and it really was very good.
There are two therapists at the terminal chair massage shop she loves to get – and so far most of the ones she doesn’t know have been pretty good, too.
Given the opportunity, I’ll ask questions. Market research? Perhaps. So what’s good about a good chair massage?
I like that they look at me and talk to me before I sit down, checking in on what I want and don’t want, she said. My name is in their computer so they can check on what I’ve had done before.
Most of the time I need firm pressure, especially to relieve the burning spots in my shoulder. They know that too much pressure increases my pain, but just the right amount helps.
The good ones seem to know the pressure, but they always ask me if it’s right. I like being asked.
The only time I didn’t like the chair massage, I think it was this guy’s first day. Probably his last. He wouldn’t look me in the eye and didn’t ask me anything. I had to tell him I have fibro and pointed at my left shoulder burner. He just nailed me with the point of his elbow, no warm up or rocking in. My shoulder went off like a flare gun.
When I told him it was too painful, he switched to super-light and annoying. I finally just got up from the chair and left. The receptionist said I didn’t have to pay, which was good because it was a one-minute torture massage. Aargh.
I still go there, and I love my regular massage therapists. I make sure I give them good tips, so they will be there when I am in town, she said.
You can’t beat the relief after a bunch of meetings. I can tell them I want my arms, neck and back, or focus on neck and shoulders and less time on the other areas. It helps keep me sane, she said.
