NOT ALL MASSAGE TABLES ARE CREATED EQUAL
By Spencer Randon
There is no doubt that even the most relaxing treatment can be ineffective if a massage table is uncomfortable, creaks with the slightest movement or feels like it might collapse at any time.
So whether you are just starting out, or have been a therapist for years, it is important to ensure that you have a good quality table that is appropriate to your practice. This will help you to convey a professional image and will instill trust in your clients.
Although no table lasts for ever, there is a considerable difference in quality and durability across different makes and product types. So if you are considering buying your first massage table or have reached the point where you need to replace your existing one; there are three main criteria that you should consider to ensure that you select the right one to suit your business and your budget.
ü It should be strong enough to withstand regular treatments
ü It should be hard-wearing enough to absorb the wear and tear of sustained usage
ü It should fit with your practice and the type of treatments you offer.
Any table you buy should meet the first two criteria if you want it to last you any length of time. But choosing the right massage table to fit your practice will be where your individual needs and future plans will be of particular importance. Having an idea of the scope of your business will give you the opportunity to buy intelligently, avoiding the need to replace the table before it is truly necessary because the design does not suit a newly added therapy or skill.
The wide range of designs and materials used to manufacture massage tables can be mind-boggling. However, massage tables are all designed using the same principles, it’s just a case of understanding the different processes and design options available to you and how they may affect your usage.
Below are the main areas that you will need to consider when buying a massage table:
1. Supporting structure – do you need wood, aluminium or carbon fibre construction?
2. Foam thickness and composition – what will be best for the type of treatments you offer?
3. Do you need to be seated for treatments? If so, ensure that you have the correct table ends to suit eg. Reiki end panels.
4. Check the stability and strength of your table to ensure it is suitable for your practice. If you envisage carrying out any vigorous massage or bodywork, the strength and stability of your table will be especially important.
5. Do you need a flat or tilting table? A tilting angle is better for certain treatments such as Reflexology.
6. If you are completely mobile, ensure your table weighs no more than 15kgs.
7. Work out the best width of table for you to carry and to work on. Certain treatments will work better with narrow tables where stretching or adding pressure is easier and narrow tables are also easier to carry. However, larger clients tend to be more comfortable on wider tables. The most popular widths in the UK and Ireland are between 26” and 28”, providing a compromise to meet all three variables.
8. Research your supplier thoroughly, check the returns policy and ask their advice on your choice of table.
9. Ensure your chosen table will adjust to the correct height for you and will close when set at this height.
10. Check the table’s set-up mechanism – is it quick enough for your purposes? If you are mobile, you will need to be comfortable carrying, setting up and packing away your massage table as quickly as possible. A cable tension mechanism can be set up from suitcase to table in under seven seconds.
11. Investigate whether a face cradle and armrest would be useful for your treatments. Face cradles can be more comfortable for clients and armrests can provide better access for massage therapies.
This list is by no means exhaustive and your supplier should be able to advise you, but if you begin the selection process armed with the answers to some of the questions posed below, you are less likely to end up making an investment you may later regret.
If you would like further advice on buying a massage table, please email therapyessentials@certikin.co.uk.
About Spencer Randon
Spencer Randon from the Therapy Essentials division of Certikin International is an expert in the design and production of specialist massage tables. Spencer is often asked to train retailers on the importance of choosing the right massage table and believes that if more therapists were given the correct information prior to making a purchase, there would be less disappointment and less money wasted.
Therapy Essentials is a Wellbeing Network Partner Company. For more information on the full range of Affinity massage tables and accessories, and to find out what offers are exclusively available for members of the Wellbeing Network, please call 0800 0854243 and quote reference ‘WBCAFT’.
