As you gear up for your future as a professional masseur, chances are you’re looking for some help on how to establish your practice and reputation in the massage therapy landscape.
While your trade depends on your hands, one thing that people often forget is that the equipment they choose can make a big difference in their daily practice. Finding the right massage table, for example, can ensure more positive outcomes for patients and distinguish you from other masseurs in your area.
Massage tables are no doubt the most critical tool of the trade. The good news is that technology now has a significant impact on the number of available table options out there.
To make your quest easier, here are some tips to help you out.
Table of Contents
Fabric Quality and Styles
Leather is usually considered the favourite material for the top of tables for massage. Aside from being durable, cleaning leather is as easy and simple as 1-2-3. Many tables today feature some sort of synthetic table. Make sure you check the specific leather substitute or leather used in the table before you buy and compare reviews.
PVC leather is also a very in-demand type of material you can find in many massage tables. This particular type of leather is known for its durability although it doesn’t feel that smooth to the skin. It means that it might not offer your client as much comfort.
Massage tables can be made of different materials. The padding is usually made of high-density foam and can be covered with vinyl or leather. There are lightweight and easy to transport portable massage tables available.
PU leather is yet another type of synthetic leather known for being soft to the skin and offering the same luxurious feel as that of genuine leather. Its durability is also better than that of PVC, not to mention that it is also easier to clean.
You also need to consider the specific material that the table is made of before you decide to invest your money in it. Remember that the material will affect the table’s weight, as well as its visual appeal, and overall longevity.
Aside from that, if you’re thinking of getting a wooden table, you might want to double-check the wood’s quality and the common flaws such as cracks and knots.
Height and Length
If you’re shopping for a portable massage table, you also need to take note of the height. As far as the height is concerned, you have to consider not only the table’s height but also your height. Different tables have different heights so you have to look for one that best suits you.
The height of the table must be comfortable and easy enough for you to use when performing a massage on your clients.
Whether you’re 6 feet or 5 feet tall, it’s a must to look for a table whose height is comfortable and easy enough for you to use when performing a massage on your clients. Getting a table that is too high or too short will ironically mean that you will need a good massage yourself because you’ll be suffering from posture and back problems.
Since these measures are all meant to ensure the comfort of your client, make sure you consider the length and height of the table for your clients. It’s also critical to consider your height so you can comfortably work with both your client and the table itself. It’s also worth noting that most tables normally come in a size of 73 inches which caters to most demands.
On the other hand, if you prefer a longer table, see to it that it comes with an adjustable face cradle that will give the table an additional 7 to 9 inches. Unfortunately, not a lot of people know this. So, make sure you keep it in mind.
Weight
The weight factor is the primary concern for practitioners who are working as mobile therapists. For starters, it’s important to choose a table with a weight that you can easily unload and load with just a single hand. On the other hand, wooden tables used mainly in clinics and spas weigh, which means you need more strength to move them around.
Most masseurs agree that the ideal weight for a massage table is anywhere from 22 lbs to 46 lbs. Portable tables with wooden legs are heavier compared to their counterparts. The weight in general is dependent on the table’s size and the specific material it is made of. That’s why it’s important to make a wise choice. Of course, you have to opt for a table with the lightest weight as well as portability that you can manage and handle daily.
A portable massage table made of aluminum is generally lighter than one with a wooden frame. The material saves several kilograms and makes transportation more comfortable.
Remember that when it comes to weight, portable is the main keyword here, and the very last thing you’d want every time you transport your table from one client to another is that tiring feeling as if you’ve just finished a workout routine.
This is why it would be great to look for a table with a lightweight professional design. For instance, if you’ve chosen a lightweight massage table made of aluminum, you can expect the table to be extremely sturdy but still light enough to allow easy transport.
Width
The table’s width is also equally essential when looking for one. You have to find a table that suits almost all types of body shapes. It will ensure that your clients will be comfortable enough regardless of their size. This way, you can work on all patients of all shapes and sizes. To make this possible, you need a table that comes with the right width.
In addition, your height as a skilled worker is also a critical factor when looking for a table with an accurate width. If you’re on the shorter side, opt for a narrower table with a width of 28 inches. If you’re taller, look for a wider table that can also offer your clients their much-needed comfort. For this, you need a table that measures 30 to 32 inches wide.
In this video, we’re going to review the pros and cons of the top 5 best portable massage tables right now.
Some of the best tables for massage come in bigger widths. If you wish to be more inclusive, try to invest in a fairly wide portable table. A wide massage table can safely and comfortably accommodate larger clients while letting you work on them without any risk of them feeling uncomfortable or falling off.
