Demand for wellness-related products and experiences has risen as people are focusing on their mental and physical wellness now more than ever before. As a $68 billion industry, the spa industry plays a large role in meeting that skyrocketing demand.
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Demand for wellness-related products and experiences has risen as people are focusing on their mental and physical wellness now more than ever before. As a $68 billion industry, the spa industry plays a large role in meeting that skyrocketing demand.
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One solution spas are finding useful is incorporating water massage chairs that provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for customers while helping to offset staff shortages.
Body Benefits of Hydrotherapy Chairs
Chairs and lounges that utilize hydrotherapy technology are able to provide an effective, targeted massage by circulating water stored underneath the lounger. This produces a “jet like” experience without the client having to be undressed or in water.
Such products can provide a number of benefits:
- Temporary relief of minor aches and pains, muscle soreness, stiffness and tension,
- Increased circulation,
- Reduced stress and anxiety,
- Enhanced feelings of well-being,
- Deep relaxation.
Guests who enjoy hydrotherapy offerings will leave spa feeling relaxed, even those who have new, heightened expectations. These massage chairs can be offered as a stand-alone treatment or as an elite “waiting room” experience to warm up the muscles prior to a massage therapy appointment.
With high demand comes the potential for wait time, and these chairs can alleviate frustration by giving customers a comfortable setting. They also function as touchless treatments, which is appealing to many guests, and options with self-guided screens make the experience immersive, personalized and easy to navigate.
Business Benefits of Massage Chairs
In addition to providing a new and calming amenity for customers, there are several other benefits of installing these products in a spa.
For one, they don’t require any staff, meaning once they’re set up, the user can control the entire experience from start to finish. In a time in which spas are still experiencing staff shortages, this is an ideal way to offer specialty services that don’t require additional staff. The chairs and lounges allow spa operators to serve more clients without having to enlist more employees than necessary during a given time.
Related: 4 Ways to Cure "Empty Treatment Room Syndrome"
Adding new amenities such as hydrotherapy loungers can drive new customers in, assist in retaining existing ones and add a revenue stream. Spas can charge for each use as a separate amenity, or charge extra for a package that includes both a massage from a threapist and a pre-massage relaxation session.
For spas that offer monthly memberships, these products can be added with a fee as a “top-tier” membership benefit. Bringing in this type of added service and personalization will lead to positive reviews and customer referrals, further boosting company growth.
Lastly, hydrotherapy chairs are easy to maintain and keep clean. Once they’re set up, staff members don’t have to do much more to keep them working well. Some brands are even designed to keep the water within the tank clean, and are topped with a sleek slip that is easily disinfected between uses.
The wellness industry continues to grow rapidly with no signs of slowing down any time soon. Relaxation experiences are in demand now more than ever, so the more tools spa owners have at their disposal to meet that demand, the more success they’re likely to see. Hydrotherapy products can help enhance operation, increase the number of clients coming in and maximize profits.
Paul Lunter is the founder and CEO of WellnessSpace Brands (formerly HydroMassage). He founded the company in 1989 to focus on providing hydrotherapy beds and chairs to chiropractic offices, fitness centers, spas, hotels and more.
