Founder David A. Palmer
Pioneering the Modern Chair Massage Movement
Pioneering the Modern Chair Massage Movement
David Palmer, often referred to as the “father” of modern chair massage, is a groundbreaking figure in the massage therapy industry. His revolutionary contributions have reshaped how professionals approach seated massage, and his work continues to influence millions worldwide.
Massage Magazine hailed David as the “father” of contemporary Chair Massage in 1997 for his pivotal role in shaping this specialized bodywork technique. That same year, the American Massage Therapy Association honored him with the prestigious President’s Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the industry. A decade later, his legacy was solidified with an induction into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame.
The Journey to Influence
David’s professional massage career began in 1980, under the mentorship of Takashi Nakamura at The Amma Institute, the first U.S. school dedicated to Japanese massage. It was here that David first experimented with seated massage, planting the seeds for what would become a global phenomenon. By 1989, he left his role as Director of The Amma Institute to dedicate himself entirely to the development of the Chair Massage industry.
Revolutionizing Equipment
David’s vision extended beyond technique to innovating tools that enhance the seated massage experience. In 1983, he began designing the world’s first specialized massage chair, introducing it to the bodywork profession in 1986. This chair, developed in collaboration with Living Earth Crafts, set the gold standard for massage chairs that are still in use today. Over the years, this design has inspired numerous variations, with hundreds of thousands of practitioners benefiting from these tools worldwide. Today, David continues to refine the modern massage chair in partnership with Stronglite, ensuring it remains the best on the market.
Educator and Advocate
David’s mission has always been to disseminate the benefits of chair massage far and wide. His book, The Bodywork Entrepreneur, became a staple for business education in massage schools during the 1990s, while his guide, Marketing Chair Massage, remains a go-to resource for practitioners.
Known for his engaging lectures, David has been a keynote speaker at countless national and international massage therapy conferences and events, sharing his insights on everything from massage industry trends to the art of chair massage.
A Legacy Beyond Massage
Before his massage career, David dedicated a decade to social service development, including creating the National Runaway Switchboard in 1972 and staffing the formation of the Weinboldt Foundation, the first private family foundation association in the U.S., the Donor’s Forum.
Today, as the Founder and Executive Director of TouchPro International, David’s mission is as ambitious as ever—to make the benefits of chair massage accessible to all. Whether he’s creating innovative tools, mentoring practitioners, or promoting the science of touch, David continues to shape the industry he helped pioneer.
[Read more about David Palmer and his contributions to Chair Massage here.]
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