what to expect at your first table massage event - employee receiving table massage

What to Expect at Your First Table Massage Event

Amelia Wilcox
July 29, 2015
October 9, 2022
HR

Whenever we book new clients for a table massage event, we like to give them an idea of what to expect. It's particularly helpful for companies that have never had a massage event or program before, so they can be prepared.

We put together this guide as a way to help companies understand what to expect at their upcoming table massage event.    

What to Expect at Your First Table Massage Event

What is table massage?

Table massage is therapeutic bodywork done by a trained, licensed professional on a massage table. Depending on the kind of massage, the client could be fully clothed, or unclothed while modestly draped with a sheet. For example, sports massage is a clothed table massage that is used to prep athletes before a sports event and to help improve muscle recovery following an event such as a race.  

Table massage vs. chair massage

Though both can be a great therapeutic massage, there are key differences between table massage and chair massage. Because chair massage is done while the client is fully clothed, and because a massage chair is much lighter than a massage table, it's a much more portable form of massage that can happen pretty much anywhere. However, there are some massage techniques that are best done on a table.  

Why have a table massage event?

Table massage is a great treat at a company event, trade show, or retreat. In addition to providing the many physical benefits of massage therapy, a table massage event is a great way to boost employee morale, increase traffic at your booth, or provide an additional perk to conference attendees.  

What happens at a table massage event?

Table massage events can occur as a stand-alone occasion, or as part of a larger event, like a conference, company retreat or employee appreciation event. Clients each get a turn at a table massage by following a schedule. When more than one massage therapist is present, more massages can happen at any given time.  

employee receiving table massage

Where do table massages take place?

At a massage event, there will be a private area set up for the massage to take place. For example, at a corporate retreat, a spare private room can be used to set up the massage table. If sports massages are being offered before a race or other athletic event, some massage tables may be set up in public view, as clients don't disrobe.  

How long do the massages last?

Table massages can be any length of time, generally 30 minutes to 2 hours. At a table massage event, with several people getting massages, usually the session will last no more than an hour to allow enough time for everyone. However, this all depends on the nature of the event and the space being used.  

I have more questions about massage!

Here are some more resources on massage:

Disclaimer

By participating in/reading the service/website/blog/email series on this website, you acknowledge that this is a personal website/blog and is for informational purposes and should not be seen as mental health care advice. You should consult with a licensed professional before you rely on this website/blog’s information. All things written on this website should not be seen as therapy treatment and should not take the place of therapy or any other health care or mental health advice. Always seek the advice of a mental health care professional or physician. The content on this blog is not meant to and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Amelia Wilcox
Amelia Wilcox
Amelia Wilcox is the Founder and CEO of Nivati, a leader in corporate massage and employee mental health support since 2010. Her high-growth B2B company provides employee stress management tools that arm businesses with actionable data and positive employee experiences to improve wellbeing, boost morale, and increase engagement. Amelia has exponentially grown her company from a solo living-room service business to an international technology brand.