Rolfing with a Shiatsu Massage Chair
Patients who suffer from various types of back pain, muscle fatigue, or stress might sometimes be tempted to purchase a massage therapy chair to help them relieve occasional symptoms. While a store-bought massage chair (Shiatsu massage chair, for example) might indeed provide some immediate relief, there is no way that any made-to-order device can provide comprehensive relief to the whole body. A patient who wants to receive Rolfing massage therapy, for example, probably won't find much benefit in a Shiatsu massage chair, or any chair for that matter.

What Exactly Is Rolfing?
Rolfing is a style of massage in which the various muscle groups and connective tissue are all aligned along the vertical using long sweeping strokes of the hand and forearms. In essence, you are stretching the various muscle groups lengthwise so as to better oxygenate the blood, release tension, and provide patients with feelings of euphoria and general well-being. A Shiatsu massage chair, while effective for some types of treatment, cannot come close to approximating the many therapeutic benefits of a Rolfing session.

Does That Mean You Still Shouldn't Buy a Shiatsu Massage Chair?
This doesn't mean that patients should not buy massage therapy chairs if they have the space and income. What it means is that they must be prepared to supplement their at-home therapy with true massage therapy from time to time. So they should occasionally need to come to you for true, hands-on bodywork. So if your patients asks you for advice about whether or not to buy a massage chair, encourage them to do so since this will not substantially reduce your overall business.