Music In the Massage Room
Hi Everyone! As with anything in the massage community, there always seems to be a fair amount of misinformation spread between colleagues. After my post about some of my favorite tunes to play in the massage room, Mik from TunePocket contacted me about writing a post about legally playing music in a business location for commercial purposes, such as a massage room or spa. I am not a lawyer, and Mik says he isn’t either, but this is an area he knows a lot more about than I do. So, here are some things he wanted to share with our community.
When it comes to using music for commercial purposes, many business owners feel confused. In this post, I will explain what you need to legally play music in your place of business.
Can I play any music in my place of business, massage room, or spa?
If you use music to support or enhance any commercial activity, like a spa or a massage, there is a good chance you may need a special music license. These licenses are called “music performance licenses” and you can get one from one of the performance rights organizations (PROs), like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC.
Do I always need to get the license?
Even if you legally purchased all the music you use (or have a paid subscription to a streaming service like Spotify or Apply Music), playing music in your place of business still may require the performance license.
The reason for this is that any music you purchase or stream from a music store is owned by someone (a musician, a record label, and so on).
When you use their music to help your business and presumably to make more money that’s considered commercial use. That’s why the copyright law dictates that the music owners must be compensated if you use their music commercially.
As with any law, it’s best to follow the rules. The fines for violating copyright laws are notoriously steep and may range from $750 to $150,000 per infraction.
At this point, you probably think that you should stop using music for good. Here is some good news. The US copyright law provides exceptions that can help small entrepreneurs.
You may not need the performance license if your place of business satisfies any of the following conditions:
1. The music is played quietly in an area designated exclusively for the employees.
2. The music is only played through a small radio or television (like those people use at home) and the broadcaster determines which music is played.
3. Your place of business is below 2,000 sq. feet.
4. You don’t charge any admission fees to let people enter your establishment.
(Source: The Palo Alto Legal Bar Association)
Disclaimer: Please note I’m not a lawyer and this can not be considered legal advice. Consult a qualified legal professional in your area to make sure you qualify for any of the above exemptions.
Is there any music I can legally play in my massage room without a license?
Don’t feel like paying a lawyer for a consultation? There is still music you can safely use without having to worry about the license.
1. Music that isn’t under copyright. In the United States, music published before 1926, is generally considered public domain.
2. Music created by musicians and composers who are not affiliated with a PRO. PROs can only collect royalties on behalf of their members.
At TunePocket we offer a large collection of relaxing royalty-free music created by non-affiliated composers. That music will work great as background music during a massage or in a spa without the need to purchase any additional licenses.
About the author
Hi, I’m Mik, a music composer at TunePocket, a great place to get music for all kinds of commercial use. I will be happy to answer your questions. Contact Mik here or via TunePocket’s contact form.
Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager Review
NAIPO contacted me again about reviewing another one of their products. This time, I asked them to choose one, and they send me their Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager.
I am always honest about what I like and do not like about a massage product. But, also, I understand that there are tools I do not like that may be perfect for someone else. Here are some details about the Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager and some things I liked and did not like.
What is it?
This is a cordless percussion massage tool, but it is not a percussion massage gun. And it is not trying to be one. Percussion massage guns are incredibly powerful massage tools. If you are looking for something like a massage gun, but with less intensity, this may be the massage tool you are looking for.
More about percussion massage tools
Like a massage gun, this product uses percussion to massage an area. Percussion means that the tool will hit or strike the body. The massage heads do not go round and round, meaning this tool will not knead your muscles. If you are looking for something that will knead, check this excellent product by NAIPO, the oPillow. It is honestly one of my favorite massage tools.
What I liked
First of all, this tool is incredibly easy to use. Pick an attachment and press the power button. Done.
5 Unique Attachments
The attachments are atypical of a percussion massage gun. There is a curved attachment for forearms or calves, a prong attachment for knee massage, one for specific “trigger” points, and two more multipurpose massage attachments.
Different Modes
This tool does not just use steady percussion, but a few different pulse modes. And each mode has Different speeds
Automatic shut-off
I appreciate this feature because I have a tendency to leave massage tools on too long and overwork an area and regret it the next day. You can over-massage an area, and it isn’t fun.
Long Handle
This is one of the best things about this tool. The 15-inch handle allows for a person to massage difficult areas to reach. If you have shoulder/arm mobility issues, you may be able to reach all areas of the back yourself. If you have ever tried to massage gun your own back or between your shoulder blades, you know it feels awkward and is actually really difficult to do.
The handle is also about half the diameter of my massage guns, making it handheld massager easier to grasp.
Light
This tool is lighter than a massage gun, weighing 800g or 1.7 lbs.
Gentle
The handheld massager is gentle enough that you can safely use on the neck, unlike massage guns.
Quiet
It is much quieter than a percussion massage gun.
What can it be used for?
- Back pain
- Shoulder/neck pain
- Leg/knee pain
- Foot pain
- Arm pain
What I did not like
There was only one thing. It is not a massage gun and that is what I kept comparing it to. I prefer the deeper pressure of a massage gun or the oPillow.
But this tool is not all about me. I understand not everyone wants or prefers a massage tool that makes them feel like they got worked over by a power tool.
This massage tool is absolutely more appropriate for many people that do not prefer intense pressure and would make an excellent gift for those who prefer less pressure. For example, I gave this to my 70+-year-old mom and she loved it. I checked out the reviews on Amazon and there were over 3000 reviews, and they were very positive.
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for something less powerful than a massage gun, or a gift for someone special, check the NAIPO handheld massage tool out (affiliate link). The price is lower than most massage guns. Currently, it is $36, or less with a coupon)
If talked you out of this tool and into something with more pressure, here is NAIPO’s percussion massage gun (affiliate link).
TENS Unit Massager Review
You may have used one at physical therapy, your chiropractor, or even your massage therapist’s office. You may be surprised to know that anyone can buy their own personal TENS unit for use at home. With the 2020 pandemic I have focused on reviewing massage tools anyone can use at home, such as the very popular percussion massage guns. Another massage tool that most people can safely and easily use at home for pain relief is a TENS unit massager.
Thank you to AUVON who sent me a free sample of their TENS massager. In today’s review, I will talk about the benefits of owning a personal TENS unit with a few more details on AUVON’s specific TENS unit.
What is a TENS Unit? How does a TENS unit work?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a small, battery-operated device to stimulate the nerves (which causes the muscles to contract and relax) for therapeutic purposes. You may also see a TENS unit generically called an Electronic Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, machine. They are different, but the AUVON does have TENS and EMS modes.
Why use one?
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
Those two benefits are enough for most people want their own. Pain relief and pain management is one of the most common reasons for health care visits. TENS untis have helped many get the relief they need.
For a small size (similar to a smartphone), the AUVON delivers an electrical stimulus to the muscles that can be gentle or strong and therapeutic. Here a few more things I like about the AUVON TENS unit.
[Read More…]
Eye Massager Review
This past year, with so many transitioning to online school, online jobs, and Zoom calls with family friends- our eyes have worked overtime and suffered. They are staring at screens more than ever. An eye massager might just be what you need to keep your eyes relax.
Your eyes have several muscles that surround them. They make finely detailed movements all day and night. And they are often neglected and difficult to relax. You cannot use typical massage tools on them or percussion massage guns . They really need their own special tool that is gentle and relaxing.
Not only have I worked as a massage therapist in a dimly lit room for years, but I also work online when I am not in the massage room. I have seen my eye doctor previously about having “tired eyes” or “eye fatigue”. While new prescription eyeglasses have relieved much of that complaint, I am always looking for additional ways to relax my eyes at the end of the day.
NBRelax was kind enough to send me a free sample of one of their products. I choose the eye massager for all of the reasons above. It has been a tough year on my eyes too. Here is what I thought about it.
RubBall: Vibrating Massage Ball
As I opened every Christmas guide this year, there was something I had never seen before- massage guns, so many massage guns (my most recent reviews are here and here). But, there was something else in the ads- a self-care tool that has recently gained popularity, the vibrating massage ball.
RubBall was kind enough to send me a sample. They quickly shipped me one and I have been using it over the last month. Like all other reviews, I ask family, friends, and clients to give it a try and provide feedback on things I may have missed. Here is what we liked and how you can make the most of this massage tool.
Rooftree R20 Massage Gun Review
Well, 2020 Christmas is just around the corner. We are all looking for gifts we can buy online or for gifts that might bring our friends and loved ones joy after a difficult year. Or, if you are not celebrating Christmas, maybe you are looking for something to help you feel a little better physically. You have my permission. It has been a rough year.
One thing that has suffered this year, in my opinion, has been touch. And one gift that I think would be great for many people this year, is a percussion massage gun.
Recently, Rooftree sent me a new massage then to try. I’ve tried so many massage guns and I only try to review units that have different features than previously reviewed massage guns. Rooftree’s massage gun has metal attachment heads, which is new to me, so I agreed to do this review on their product.
Here is what I found out about Rooftree’s Massage Gun (affiliate link).
Size
As you can see, the size of this massage gun is smaller than the last standard massage that I’ve owned, the Vybe Pro. If you read that review, one of my complaints is that the handle on the Vybe massage gun was a little too big. I thought it might be too big for many other female massage therapists with smaller hands (or anyone who wants a massage gun and have smaller hands for that matter). I’m able to grip around the Rooftree massage gun better. However, I do wish it had the silicone grip that my other massage gun had.
[Read More…]
Naipo oPillow Back Massager Review
Knead a Massage? The last few articles I have written been about self-care in the COVID era and using percussion massage guns for tension and pain relief. However, there is much more to a massage than just percussion/tapotement. We have the big five strokes in Swedish massage: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration. Today, we are going to look at a massage tool that uses petrissage. There are the tremendous benefits of petrissage, or kneading. NAIPO recently sent me a sample of their NAIPO Back Massager, the oPillow, to try out. Here are my thoughts about NAIPO’s latest self-care massage tool.
First, as massage therapist, I think it is essential that we first talk about petrissage and kneading.
What is petrissage?
The ever-popular tool that everyone has been talking about for the last couple years- the percussion massage gun, uses tapotement. Tapotement is the striking/hitting of the body and muscle tissues. Other massage tools, often cheap ones, use superficial vibration. Rarely do you have a massage tool that uses petrissage, and that is what I was excited about with the oPillow.
The origin of the word “petrissage” is the French word “petrir” which can be translated to kneading, or working the pastry dough. In petrissage, both hands are used, working alternately together as one. It may be hand over hand, one hand towards the other, or one hand moving away from the other, but it is always a kind of one-two rhythmic movement. The NAIPO oPillow captures this movement.
Often, massage therapists like myself, will warm up the client with some nice effleurage, or gliding strokes. Next, we move into deeper petrissage strokes, kneading, lifting, rolling, and wringing the muscle tissues – compressing them against each other. This stroke is the one you go to a massage therapist for. It is the one your spouse is only able to apply to your shoulders for no longer than five minutes. It takes skill, hard work, and stamina.
Benefits of Petrissage
The benefits of petrissage are simple but important. Petrissage increases circulation, reduces muscle tension and pain, and promotes relaxation. Good stuff.
More About NAIPO
NAIPO is not a new company. I have seen their massage tools for a few years now. Their other tools include their small precursor to this unit, Shiatsu, or the oCuddle.
But they also have a TENS unit, a few foot massage tools, and a percussion massage gun. You can see all of NAIPO’s massage products here.
Things I liked about the oPillow
Deep Pressure
Unfortunately, most massage tools just vibrate. They don’t really do more than make you talk like you are speaking into a fan. They do not address any deep muscle tissue, and they rarely relieve muscle tension. The makers of NAIPO oPillow mastered the replication of deep circular palm pressure. This isn’t an easy thing to do to replicate a massage therapist rhythmically pressing their palm into your body, lifting and kneading the muscle tissue. However, NAIPO nailed it.
Consistant Heat
You have the option to turn on the heat. The heat button is right below the power button. When on, the oPillow has a consistent temp of 109.4 Fahrenheit. It is not too hot, not just warm.
Tip: The heat start automatically turns on when you turn on the unit. This confused me at first. The green button does not indicate the unit is on, it indicates the heat on. Just tap the button under the power button to turn the heat off. You will then see the green light turn off.
Versitile
The oPillow is much more versatile than I originally gave it credit for when it first arrived. “Great, another tool for the low back.” However, it does far more than just that. Even though it says on the box it is a back pillow, it really is able to address many other areas of the body.
- Neck (The curve of the unit is ideal to fit the cervical curve)
- Between shoulder blades
- Mid back
- Low back
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Calves
- Feet
- Abdomen (Combined with heat can provide some PMS cramp relief)
Reverses Direction of Pressure
The direction of the circular pressure changes automatically. The first time it did that, I was not prepared. I did not know I needed that switch in directions of pressure, but NAIPO knew I did. This relaxes muscles further (This is something I will be taking to the massage room with me). I tend to go clockwise most of the time, but now will make a more conscious effort to reverse the directions of more massage strokes.
The unit reverse directions after two minutes Then it continues to switch directions every minute until the twenty-minute mark.
Here is a video of the oPillow reversing directions at the fifteen-second mark.
Auto shut Off
After twenty minutes, the unit turns off automatically. For good reason too. That way you don’t fall asleep or lay on it all afternoon and overwork an area of the body. Yes, overworking a muscle is a thing, and it is painful.
Other Specs
Size
Size and dimensions here for those of you that us the metric system can be found here.
Price
The unit will sell for $39.99.
Warranty
The card that came with the unit says the oPillow unit has a warranty of 2 years plus 90 days for registered products.
Limitations and changes I would have made to the oPillow
All tools have limitations. With this tool, there are some things I would have changed/
Short Cord
My kids seem to walk behind the couch and trip over the course and rip it out of the wall because it does not reach very far. I would have liked just a couple more feet. If you plan to use it in the middle of the floor while you play Call of Duty, you will need an extension cord to run this unit.
Chair Hanger
One of the selling points of this product is the velcro with the adjustable hanger, so you can position this tool in just the right spot for the back. You can move forward in your seat from time to time without it slipping down.
However, not every chair, actually most thicker-backed office or home chairs, will not work with the hanger. The only chair in my house or office it worked with was the dining room chairs I had made by some Amish friends. If you have a captain’s office chair or a big comfy recliner, the hanger will not work. If your office chairs are thin, then this will work just fine with the hanger. I would have preferred some elastic straps, or something that would work with more chair styles.
But, this does not mean you cannot use the oPillow without the hanger. Honestly, I rarely use it and find that when you remove it and use it on the couch or lying down in bed is where this tool really shines. I just prop it up on my pillows in bed or lean back against it on the couch without the hanger 95+% of the time.
If you are a massage therapist and wondering if you could use this in the massage room, I do have an opinion on that. I could see myself plugging this in and putting under a client’s neck while I work on the anterior side of the body, or under a hamstring that is bothering someone (with proper sanitary covers, of course).
But, this tool is really not about the massage room, it is about self-care in between massages. This unit is small enough to take with upiu on trips, quiet enough to use in your office without bothering others, and simple enough you will kick back at the end of the day to relax. And after five minutes, the NAIPO’s “hands” will not be tired.
Final Thoughts
I would like to compare this to the NAIPO’s other shiatsu pillow without the hanger. If this one is considerably more expensive than the one without the hanger and provides the same pressure, I would opt for the one without the hanger.
I absolutely love the statement NAIPO had on their “About Page“.
In a modern world of fast living and full of stress, Naipo is committed to developing the best massage and relaxation products to deliver well-being and value to customers around the world.
With this tool, NAIPO delivered.
On a personal note, this review is fresh off a natural disaster hitting my home in Iowa. Just this week, I have cut down and helped haul dozens of trees, handed out 100+ meals in my community, and taken too many cold showers. I did not have power for eight days. Stress and tension have been high. But, seriously, the first thing I did when my power came on at 8:55 PM last Monday night was plug in my oPillow. It felt so good to lay down and relax for a few minutes for some genuine self-care. Thank you, NAIPO! This is an excellent product!
Want Your Own oPillow?
If you decide to purchase your very own oPillow, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do (or whomever you decided to gift it to). The new launch price is $39.99. The estimated delivery date should be September 25th, 2020.
Remember, for the presale NAIPO will give customers 33% off their newest product. Enjoy!
Addition Cautions or Warnings
As with any massage or tool, it may not be appropriate for everyone. This should not be used over new scar tissue, inflamed or swollen areas, damaged skin, or after a recent injury or surgery. Talk to a health care professional if you have concerns about using this product and read the product’s warnings.