Massage Table Guide to buying a Portable Massage Table

A Portable Massage Table is an expensive essential piece of equipment to invest in for your business.

So take your time choosing and ask questions:

* is it suitable for the type of therapies you will be practising?
* does it have all the features and accessories you will need?
* is it comfortable not only for your client; but for you too?
* is it strong, sturdy and durable?
* is it a manageable carrying weight for you to handle?
* is it an affordable price for you?

There are so many massage tables and therapist couches on the market - literally thousands to choose from - go online and see what's available and what may suit you, new or second hand.

Then take the time to visit a few shops and stores to look at and try out all different massage tables - try out for height, width, comfort, carrying weight, etc.

Look out for Heath and Beauty Exhibitions, Hair and Beauty Shows, Holistic Events which are quite often held around the time the schools, colleges and universities begin their new year, when students get their lists of equipment they need to buy. Many suppliers of massage tables attend these events (I used to do so regularly) and offer substantial discounts for buying on the day.

The type of Massage Table you buy will depend on what Therapies you are going to practise. Make sure your Massage Couch has the necessary features you will need.

Are you planning to study further? Are you going to be learning and then practising additional treatments?

The Massage Table you buy will need to be versatile to include any additional features that you think you may need in the future.

For example, a Flat Massage Table is perfect for Massage when your clients will just be lying down; but a Table with a lifting backrest is more versatile, as your clients will also be able to sit upright, enabling you to offer additional treatments.

The carrying weight of Massage Tables vary considerably, from about 9kgs to 20kgs and more. Go and have a look at the Massage Tables on the market and make sure you try out carrying the table when it is folded up. Now just imagine when you are out and about having to carry it for a long distance or up a flight of stairs - - - go for the lightest weight that you can afford; it will be worth the extra expense.

24" is the standard width of a Portable Massage Table and wider widths, 27" and upwards (depending on the make) are available. The width you choose depends on what treatments you are offering, what is comfortable for your client, and what is comfortable for you to work with.

Do consider your own needs, not only your clients - after all you need to keep yourself in tip top shape to give your best and keeping earning your living..

The wider width is, without doubt, more comfortable for your client especially if they are of a larger size. However, the wider the width, the heavier the Massage Table is going to be and when you are mobile, lugging a heavy weight around is not very good for you or your back!
If you are quite short in height, have shorter arm length etc, you will find it more difficult to reach across a wider width table especially with a client on it - again not too good for you or back.

Many Portable Massage Tables come with additional accessories such as:

* Adjustable face cradles added to one end of massage tables adds extra length for taller clients.
* Arm rests on either side of a massage table will add a few extra inches to the width, so will be handy for larger clients and you won't have lug a heavier wider width massage table around.

Research and go and try out all different styles of Massage Tables to find one that works for YOU before you buy anything.

A fantastic feature to look for is to be able to adjust the height. Usually you are able to extended the legs of the Massage Table to different heights very easily. For example, this one pictured has clip leg extensions that you need to unclip out (one at a time) when the couch is laid down on its side and clip back in to the desired height.

* If a few of you are sharing one Massage Table (perhaps in a Salon or Spa or College), having the feature of height adjustable legs enables each of you to adjust the table to the working height that suits you.

* With a height adjustable Portable Massage Table, if you offer a variety of treatments requiring the Massage Table to be at a high height or much lower to the ground, it's so handy to be able to change the height quickly and easily for each treatment.

You have invested a lot of money in your Portable Massage Table, so keep it in good shape and it will last a long time.

Make sure that you do a thorough safety check on your Massage Table regularly to ensure that all connections, braces, nuts and bolts, cables etc are in good working order to avoid any mishaps.

Most Massage Tables are upholstered with an easy to clean vinyl fabric. Use a gentle cleaning product to wipe down the surface often to keep it fresh and clean. Afterwards, I love to mix an essential oil like Tea Trea or French Lavender with water and wipe down again - they're natural antiseptics and makes the massage table smell lovely.

A paper towel roll is a great way to cover your massage table and protect it from the stains caused by massage oils. There are Paper Roll Holders available to fit the end of your couch to hold the Paper Roll and make it easy to then cover the length of your Massage Table.

Do you find carrying a massage table around and still doing full massages a bit strenuous and tiring for you?

As an alternative or (maybe in addition?) to the Portable Massage Table what about these handy little tools? Desktop Massage Units and Portable Massage Chairs are very easy to carry around as they have their own carry bags and being small, only weigh a couple of kilos (well, the Portable Massage Chair weighs a bit more...).

Desktop Massage Units will stand on any flat surface like tables or desks. The client sits in a chair, rests their arms around the unit which will also anchor it in place and puts their face into the face cradle. They are then in a comfortable position for a massage of neck and shoulders or head etc. These massage systems are not that expensive and could be a great way to start off your own small business.

* You could go to businesses at lunchtime and offer neck and shoulder massages for 5 - 10 minutes to office workers while they are seated at their desks. Everyone who is desk bound and stuck in front of a computer all day could do with a few minutes of massage.

* You could approach local Hairdressing Salons and offer your services - a neck and shoulder massage for customers while they wait for their turn with their Hairdresser. A lovely extra bit of pampering as well as a new hair style!

* Take a stand at local fairs, exhibitions, even markets and fetes etc and offer 5 - 10 minutes neck and shoulder massages - if your price is competitive people will be queing up!

* Volunteer at Hospices and Care Homes or wherever you think people could would benefit from your help. It may lead to an income based business eventually.

* Learn additional techniques and treatments such as Indian Head Massage that would also suit the use of a Desktop Massage Unit to appeal to a broader range of people.