msg chair desktop unit

[fresh to death [:]

Need advice... I'm trying to "get my show on the road" with a massage chair, and my main problem is transportation.  None of the models I've seen will fit in my dinky car, so I'm driving my boyfriend's huge clunky van around (boo hoo!).  Anyway, I've seen ads for these little desktop units. They're basically just a chest pad and face rest with a base for standing it on a desk or table, while the client sits in a regular chair.  Does anyone have any input on these?  Do they work?  Are they comfy?  Are they a good middle ground solution until I can get a bigger vehicle, or should I just skip it and go for the full-size chair?Thanks much,Dawn

 

[veritypendragon]

We used the table tops and chairs for training in school.  Some things you will want to keep in mind is that the table top unit is going to vary as to the surface it is placed on and how you are going to set up your environment. - Are you going to set up one location/cube that everyone comes to?  Or are you going to go from office to office/cube to cube?  If the surface is a standard desk or mounted cube desktop that doesn't  move, you are okay.  But if the table can move, it probably will.  We had to put students on opposites sides of the table in class to keep the tables from sliding.  Also, what about the chair they will be sitting in.  Stationary or adjustable.  Will it roll?  Will the client go rolling to one side while you are applying compression on the other.  Or if it a standard, straight back chair will it be high enough for all clients.  The table top units don't have any real adjustments so they can be uncomfortable for shorter clients.I am not saying the table top is a bad idea, but you may want to check eBay or for a used one.  Another thought would be if there is a school nearby that rents chairs, etc. you may want to call to see if they have one to rent before investing the money.  

 

[Noni J]

msg chair desktop unit

Hi, Abundant Health.com has a place for used equipment for sale,just thought I might ad this to the conversation.

 

[Shikha]

The units you are talking about are fine but keep in mind that if the client has a really high back office chair, you won't have any place to position yourself.  I learned this the hard way having to search all over the place for someone with a small chair to borrow.  It's great work if you can find it, don't undersell it and push your private sessions as well.  Bring lots of cards and even a promo offer for friends and families.  Good luck, Joe E.

 

[barson]

Thanks all - I'm not sure yet what all venues I'll be going to, but I know they will vary and some will be outside.  It sounds like a standard chair is the best way to go.  There is a place that rents them nearby, so I'll be able to try some different ones out.Dawn

 

[4REEE]

Greetings,I've been wondering about this same topic.  Any comments as to brands?  I'm considering the OakWorks Desktop Portal.  I'm also considering a fold-up stool with padded seat (for those times when clients' office chairs may have too high of a back or are on rollers).  I'd love a full massage chair, but I don't want to go any further into debt right this second.Comments?Thanks, Monica

 

[Chen-Chu L]

msg chair desktop unit

I would just like to add that the chair (regular massage chair) made by Golden Ratio is a really great chair and is more compact than any other chairs that I've seen.  It folds VERY flat and I have always been able to fit it in any car.  (my bro had dinky little car and it fit with no prob's)It weighs about 14 pounds and like I said, folds very flat.  You may also want to look into purchasing a "Lafuma" recliner chair.  You would offer more of a hand and/or foot massage session in this chair but it great for indoor or out.  Check into the golden ratio though, I think you'd be VERY pleased.  here's the link.... http://www.goldenratio.com/GRW/Chair/QuickLite.html

 

[Bralon]

msg chair desktop unit

I agree about the "LaFuma" chair. I borrowed one to use during one of my "SpaSunday" events and it was great! I have used a desktop unit before, but after I tried the folding recliner, I prefer the recliner.Obviously, it takes more room to set up than the desktop unit, but it's lightweight, easy to set up, and is client friendly. Folks seemed to be much more comfortable with the recliner than the desktop unit. With them in the reclining position, I was able to work on their necks and shoulders as well as their feet or hands.And since 90% of my clients complain about neck pain, I'm sure you could tailor a treatment to use this type of chair. I'll be purchasing one in the next few months and plan on using it for reflexology, facial acupressure, free 5 minute massages at my next open house, and for a quick nap between clients!I would highly recommend you borrow one and see how you like it. It could be be a very versatile addition to your practice.Lorraine

 

[Spending Cheese]

msg chair desktop unit

Monica,Personally, I thought the desk units looked unprofessional. Kinda like a full-service spa that uses bowls of hot water to do a pedicure. Gets the job done, but doesn't look professional. I went cheap for my chair, only paid a little over $100 on ebay, and that was the buy-it-now price. It's worked fine, looks professional, easier than most to set up, and is a LOT lighter than other chairs I've used. Comes with a carrying case as well. The chair paid itself off and then some the first chair event I went to. Sure, I'd like to get a nice $500 Custom Craftworks chair and have the lifetime warranty, but since I do more table than chair massage, my little chair does nicely for me, and I really don't think I'll have to replace it 5 times, making it worth my while to go cheaper on it. Just something to think about.

 

[Jesus U]

Thanks Seforum.xxxgnat (sp?).I decided to first invest in "the table of my dreams" (33" wide Oakworks Nova w/ arm rest, reiki end panel, shiatsu cables, ultra-touch upholstry) + stool, air bolster & deluxe bag, rather than a chair at this time.  Of course, about a week after my table arrived, I was contacted to do corporate chair massage! LOL!  Fortunately, I was offered use of an associate's chair for the time being.  I've been watching eBay, and will buy a chair asap.  I've decided against the desktop version, primarily for the reasons you mentioned.Enjoy your day,Monica