She graduated in December 1997 and soon after passed the state-mandated exam to receive her license to practice massage therapy. Although she learned several modalities including shiatsu, hydrotherapy, infant massage, craniosacral therapy and acupressure, she focuses her practice on Swedish massage and seated massage. Swedish massage is probably the most common technique. It generally involves a light to medium pressure along with some oil to help manipulate the muscles. This is the type of massage that people use when they give someone a back rub.
Seated massage requires a special massage chair.
This type of bodywork is done while the client is fully clothed. The massage therapist usually focuses on the back and neck. It's common in the corporate world. Many employers offer seated massage as a perk during break or lunch or as a part of health plan benefits. Either way, the American Massage Therapy Association has found that employees who receive massage therapy become more productive in the work place.