On-Site Supplies List

[DwD]

Hi. I am new to this forum.  My name is Denise and I live in NJ. I am a recent Massage School Graduate.  I was just invited to do a paid on-site chair event. I accepted, and also just bought a chair!!  This is my first chair massage event.  I am wondering if anyone can give me tips on what to bring.   I am not sure yet, but the organizers may be bringing sign up sheet, so im not concerned with that.   Just need some good tips on how to organize and bring stuff I need (chair cleaner, antibac , lotions, business cards, signs, etc.)  I want to advertise myself at this event as well.  Any experienced on-site chair massage therapists have any good tips or ideas for me?   Also, what to wear???  They didnt tell me I had to wear any formal logo shirt or anything, so I am assuming I can wear what I want.  Thanks Denise

[Texas-gal]

I am wondering if anyone can give me tips on what to bring.   I am not sure yet, but the organizers may be bringing sign up sheet, so im not concerned with that.   Just need some good tips on how to organize and bring stuff I need (chair cleaner, antibac , lotions, business cards, signs, etc.)  I want to advertise myself at this event as well.  Any experienced on-site chair massage therapists have any good tips or ideas for me?   Also, what to wear???  They didnt tell me I had to wear any formal logo shirt or anything, so I am assuming I can wear what I want.  

Hi Denise.  Welcome to the forum.

I use a wheeled "backpack" for my massage chair work.  In it I have:

• CD player
• CD's
• Intake forms (already hole punched in a three ring binder)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wipe cloths (like Lysol) for the head and arm rest
• Business card holder
• Business cards
• Small clock
• Pen/pencil
• Hair clip or band
• Fingernail file
• Small change (quarters/nickels/dimes)
• Small kleenex packet
• Tic-tacs
• Bottle of water
• (occasionaly one set of peanut butter crackers)
• A coaster (like one that you get from Bennigans - just in case I get a bottle of water and need to place it on a table that shouldn't have it "directly" sitting on there)
• .... for the girls - one tampax (just in case)

CD's/player and three ring binder are in the large compartment.  Water in one side pocket and lysol wipes in the other.  Everything else in the front - my front zipper portion has two pockets inside, where I keep the clock in one and business cards in their holder in the other.

Hope that helps.  :)

-=-=-

As for the consent form I have... It looks something like this:

Here's a sample:

Please complete this confidential form to assist the massage therapist in providing a specialized seated massage.
Name:
Male/Female
Address:
Date of Birth:
In Case of Emergency:
Have you recieved massage before?
Are you currently being treated by a physician for any condition?
If yes, please explain:
Recent illness/injury/surgery (please explain):
Previous broken bones:

Please check all applicable medical conditions we should know about:
Currently pregnant
Herniated disc
High blood pressure
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Sciatica
Whiplash
Allergies
Rashes
Frequent Headaches
Varicose Veins
Contagious disease
Cardiac or Circulatory problems
Epilepsy or seizures
Fainting spells
Bruise easily
Diabetes
Cancer
Asthma
Other:

Please list any medications you are taking (including non-prescription drugs):
Do you have any areas of tension you would like focus work on?

Then of course the standard......
If at any time during the session you feel pain or discomfort, please inform the therapist so that the massage may be adjusted to your needs.

And the consent....
I consent to the massage therapy services I am receiving through (insert name of company).  The part about not diagnosing would go here as well, and something regarding an affirmation that the medical information provided was correct.  Also, a sexual clause with some info that if any inappropriate gestures or remarks are made, the session will be terminated and the client will be liable for payment of the scheduled appointment.

Client Signature:
Date:

Hope that helps.

[DwD]

Thank you!!! :-)  Boy that sure is all the information I need!!  That is wonderful of you to post it for me so nicely!!! <br><br> There are things on your list that  I didn't think of, so im glad i asked!!   I have a few weeks to get everything in order.   I just found this forum this week and am so glad I did.  I will visit here often. Im also studying for my national exam and have visited some postings on there as well. Looks like a hard test!<br><br>Denise<br><br>

[jdcan]

and face rest covers or cut-out paper towels to cover the face rest.<br><br>I would think you could wear what you want (within reason!)<br><br>Have fun with your new adventure

[DwD]

Oh yeah! the face cradle covers!    I just ordered some, they'll be in soon.  I think I got them from bodyjaz, they were recommended on this forum.  <br><br>If you have good music recommendations for chair, lemmie know!   I like drum and percussion for chair, but im also thinking maybe some upbeat Latin music.  Looking for ideas!<br><br><br>

[Masthera]

In addition to what has been mentioned above:  I recommend bringing extra batteries.  Just in case.<br><br>I wear black yoga pants (one size bigger so they are not tight) and a light blue short sleeve shirt from Massage Warehouse.  It is professional looking, but the clothes don't get in my way.<br><br>As for music, I don't have any specific recommendations. IMO, keep it at little more upbeat.<br>Since I do chair mainly for businesses, I don't want the clients being sleepy for too long after their massage.

[DwD]

Hmmm, i'll check out massage warehouse tops.   Ive been meaning to buy some massage tops.    Do you wear sneakers?    <br><br>Where did you buy your wheeled back pack?  I can't spend alot, but do need something very functional.  Im still looking around.   Kohls had one, really nice Dockers one, but $51, on sale!  Thats too much for me right now.   <br><br>

[Texas-gal]

*does the "I-promise-I'm-not-a-dingbat" mantra*

HAHAHAHAHA... YES!  and the face cradle covers!!!!!!   ;D

Actually, I have those in the front zipper of the bag that holds the table, so I am sure that is going to be my excuse for not adding them.  I only put down the stuff in my rolly-bag in that first post.  But, PAAAAA----LLLLLLEEEESSSSSSEEEE don't forget the face cradle covers!!!! *hehehehe*

Where did you buy your wheeled back pack?  I can't spend alot, but do need something very functional

 Wal-Mart.  I'd say you may find something at BigLots too... or possibly Tuesday Morning.

Here's a link to the Tuesday Morning stores.... http://www.tuesdaymorning.com/

As for what I wear.... I do it pretty easy... Black Scrubs... works for me, but I have read a whole thread here somewhere on what people wear to work, and I have to admit.... I am not as "a.nal" about it as I was on that post anymore.  Something that looks nice and professional should do.  I'll try to hunt up that clothing thread for you.  :)

Here it is...

What do you wear at work??
http://www.bodyworkonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=165

[DwD]

nice clothing thread, i perused thru it.  Got some good ideas.  I found some really nice polo's at khols for $8.  all colors. i bought 3, blue, white and turquoise blue color.  I would say polos are not the most comfortable, but when im working i dont actually notice discomfort in it like when i first put it on.  <br><br>as for pants, maybe even some nice capris or to the ankle khaki's be nice too.    time to visit the gap outlet or old navy i guess.  i think for shoes, sneakers, white is nice, and i always work barefoot as well, but to greet clients, sneakers are my thing!  <br><br>Im still look for employment, i just got out of school a week ago.  Have a few leads, hope something turns up soon.<br>i cant afford my own space yet, but ultimately thats what id like to do.   <br><br>still looking for wheele backpack, target has some nice ones.   may stop in there tomorrow to see.<br><br><br><br><br><br>

[Texas-gal]

God luck... thanks for keeping us posted.... I know I am always wondering "What happened...?" on a lot of these posts!  :D

[DwD]

How many 15 minute chair massages are possible in a 6 hour day.  I would think only 3 an hour are possible, if you include short breaks in between and time to clean off chair for next client.    If I was on-site at a company for 6 hours and did 3 an hour, that would be total of 18?  would that be killing myself in a 6 hour day?? or is that possible to do?<br><br>  

[ymdw2004]

How many chair massages to do.......<br>hmmm......<br>at health fairs, where we don't charge ---- and they're 10 minutes, I do 5 in an hour...... doesn't take long to wipe down and chair and put on a fresh face cradle cover while they complete and sign the consent form.  I try to take a break every two hours..... just block off that signup slot on the sheet.<br><br>Oh, and I learned the hard way to get them to check themselves off the sign up sheet.  I don't know them by name, and then have no idea who waited and got their turn and who didn't.<br><br>Good luck!<br>Linda in NC

[DwD]

Thanks for your reply.  That was helpful advice.  I may do 15 min ones for corp, but 10 minute at events or shows.  <br>Good idea about the signout sheet, I wouldnt have thought of that.    has anyone worked with infinitemassage.com?<br>was wondering what that was all about and if worth signing up with them.<br>

[LaLoba]

I am doing my first health fair on Friday.  It is a "promote massage" and the profession event.  I was going to do a short version of my informed consent, but do I need a full blown intake form?  I don't have a massage chair, but people who did it before used a regular chair with pillows.  Not the most comfortable situation, but it is what I have to work with.<br><br>Last year they didn't have a sign up sheet and they had a line. I don't think that would be relaxing for them or me.  I thought about having them check on the sign up sheet if they want hands or neck/upper back.<br><br>Any suggestions?<br>LaLoba<br>

[Masthera]

I learned at a chair seminar about using Brawny extra large paper towels and tearing them about 2/3 the way up the middle for the face to go in. Way, way, way cheaper than any fancy face cradle covers and feel fine to clients.EB

<br>The purchased face cradles are much nicer, but the clients don't seem to mind the paper towels.  I have used both and now only use paper towels.  <br><br>For "free events" I offer 5 minute chair massages.  I feel that is enough time for the person to try out the massage.  I have done this and gotten regulars jobs every time.  <br><br>As for intake forms, ABMP offers a short one and here is a link to another, http://www.sohnen-moe.com/formfiles/seat_mas.pdf<br><br>

Last year they didn't have a sign up sheet and they had a line. I don't think that would be relaxing for them or me.  I thought about having them check on the sign up sheet if they want hands or neck/upper back. <br> <br>Any suggestions? <br>LaLoba

<br>For my regular jobs there are sign up sheets, but for "free events" I just have a line.  This worked out fine for me and it also gave them a chance to sign up for my drawing and  to fill out the intake.

[Gaspen]

I like the 5-minute limits for free events - makes going through a bunch of people a whole lot easier and quicker. You could always spice things up for yourself by swapping out techniques.<br><br>! I love this site !

[Texas-gal]

If I was on-site at a company for 6 hours and did 3 an hour, that would be total of 18?  would that be killing myself in a 6 hour day?? or is that possible to do?

It's possible, but it makes for a really long day.

Consider working with some friends and family for about three or more hours and see how it goes beforehand, to give yourself an idea.  Usually it's that 4 and1/2 or 5 hour mark that makes me start to get a little "bleh".

Let us know how it all goes!  :)

[LaLoba]

For "free events" I offer 5 minute chair massages.  I feel that is enough time for the person to try out the massage.  I have done this and gotten regulars jobs every time.  

As for intake forms, ABMP offers a short one and here is a link to another, http://www.sohnen-moe.com/formfiles/seat_mas.pdf

For my regular jobs there are sign up sheets, but for "free events" I just have a line.  This worked out fine for me and it also gave them a chance to sign up for my drawing and  to fill out the intake.

Masthera,

Thanks so much...

Since this is my first time, I am having trouble picturing doing a massage every 5 minutes for 3 hours!!!!  w/o a sign in sheet and with a line, how do you pace yourself? or do you?

Can you, or others, give me some more specifics...

You are massaging someone and the people in line are filling out an intake form and waiting their turn.  When do you take a break? How can you take a break with a line?

Am I overthinking this?

Help!

LaLoba

[DwD]

Im curious too how the whole thing unfolds. I have a my first FREE chair event, 5 min massages on May 17th.   Im trying to picture how it goes.   There will be only a small sign up sheet, nothing like an intake form with alot of questions.<br>More to get names than anything else.<br><br>But my question is for 15 minute chair massage event which is a paid chair event, and you have a somewhat of a substantial intake form to fill out, do you think it's somewhat of a deterrant and some people won't want to fill it out?  Do you think it scares people off to give out information (such as ailments/illlness/medicine/etc)??       Do you ever do one on someone who really wants the massage but doesnt want to fill one out?  Ive not done any chair events yet so im just trying to figure out what to expect.<br><br>This site is great. Thanks for link to the intake form!  Im so glad I found this website! Sure makes things so much easier to talk to others in same profession!

[Masthera]

Masthera,

Thanks so much...

Since this is my first time, I am having trouble picturing doing a massage every 5 minutes for 3 hours!!!!  w/o a sign in sheet and with a line, how do you pace yourself? or do you?

Can you, or others, give me some more specifics...

You are massaging someone and the people in line are filling out an intake form and waiting their turn.  When do you take a break? How can you take a break with a line?

Am I overthinking this?

Help!

LaLoba

Your welcome!

I will try my best to explain how this worked at a health fair.

The health fair was set up in a large room.  Each person had a table to set up on and I had additional space for my chair.  The employees came to the fair when they had their morning and lunch breaks so at times you had a line and then you didn't.  The breaks are scattered thought out the morning for the employees, so you have scattered breaks as a result.  Lunch was provided by the company.  But, I was the last to eat since my area got a lot of attention during lunch break.  This was fine because I came prepared with good quick snacks (granola bar, carrot sticks, cheese sticks,  water, ect).  When I was done with a line and I wanted a break I would sit down.  If some came in an wanted a massage I would pay attention to how I felt and I would decide if I wanted to rest or not.  With the 5 minute massages I didn't feel worn out.  If I needed to go to the bathroom I just went during the slow time.  Or you could briefly excuse yourself to go.  

I stretched really good before the first massage and I quickly stretched whenever I was about to start a new massage.  The health fair was a total of 3 hours and I didn't find it hard to keep up with the pace.  Remember to keep good body mechanics.

Consider working with some friends and family for about three or more hours and see how it goes beforehand, to give yourself an idea.  Usually it's that 4 and1/2 or 5 hour mark that makes me start to get a little "bleh".

I agree with this.  Get some practice in and see how you feel doing chair for long periods of time.  This will help give you a gadge of what your stamina is.

But my question is for 15 minute chair massage event which is a paid chair event, and you have a somewhat of a substantial intake form to fill out, do you think it's somewhat of a deterrant and some people won't want to fill it out?  Do you think it scares people off to give out information (such as ailments/illlness/medicine/etc)??  Do you ever do one on someone who really wants the massage but doesn't want to fill one out?  Ive not done any chair events yet so im just trying to figure out what to expect.

I use the form from ABMP for my free events.  It askes for name and age.  If they currently suffer from any ailments.  If they are under Dr's supervision for an ailment.  They then read the statement and sign.  The statement goes:

The practitioner whose signature appears below in not responsible for the aggrevation of the conditions which were present, but not disclosed, at the time of the massage and which may be affected by the massage.

If the person doesn't want to take the time to fill out this short form then I will refuse to do the massage.  I have sign that also politely states this.  BTW, this has NEVER happened.

Some may feel that this is not enough, but I find it is short enough that people don't mind filling it out.  

At free events I do a drawing and they have to fill out a form for that.  It includes address and phone information.  That way I can still get the information of people who are not getting the chair massage.  Some just don't have the time.  Work certainly doesn't stop for the health fair.  

I use a more specific form for my regular jobs.  Including address, phone, specific ailment lists, ect.  

The set-up with each thing will be different.  Find out the set-up ahead and try to plan accordingly.  Just be as prepared as you can.  It is a lot of fun and people really enjoy it.

You might even have to turn down a few marriage proposals! ;D

Please feel free to continue to ask more questions if you are still confused.  

[DwD]

Thanks Masthera.  That makes sense. I like the statement you have.  It is nice to learn so much for everyone here when I am just starting out. Thanks for your all your input and advice! You have no idea how its appreciated! I feel like i have hotline# now for Q&A. its great!   <br><br>

[DwD]

Forgot one more question.  Well, more like 2 questions:<br><br>1)  Is there enuf time when there is a waiting line to read all the information on form??   <br><br>2)  For what conditions would you turn someone away?  I was taught my pathlogy and disease in school, but just wondering if you treat it same way as if you were doing one hour full session on a table? For table massage where condition are contraindicated, would they be the same for chair massage??

[jojo]

Hi Denise,<br><br>You had a question about Infinate Massage.  I just had my first gig with them this past week.  It was a blast!!  Easy money and got to network with some other therapists in my area.  We all enjoyed it and the way it was set up was very well orchestrated.  I consider them sorta like a "temp" service for therapists.  Whenever a sponser calls them up for their services and it's in your area, you get called.  You need to have your own chair, insurance and then they email you the event information and you just show up.  During this particular event, it was with a cruise ship company and they arranged the whole scheduling themselves for their guests.  <br><br>I would give them a try.  It's not a guarantee that you are going to be working "steady" for them, but it gives you a little variety when they need you.  You may do one a year, or you could do 10 a month.<br>Have fun!

[DwD]

oh wow! great! im gonna sign up then! they looked pretty good! thanks for the update, this is great!     i could use the extra money.  what do they pay? per hour?