If you are a mobile massage therapist then there is one primary piece of equipment that is fundamental to your success – the portable massage table. There are several items you must consider when selecting a portable massage table in the areas of functionality, ergonomics, and comfort. This article will address several items in these areas and hopefully give some helpful tips on this important purchase.
1. Who is your client?
Are your client’s women, men or children? What type of body style do Gynecological Bed your clients have – heavy set, tall, short etc. Are your clients athletes? Are your clients experiencing pain? Are they mostly pregnant women? Do they suffer from specific ailments? Or is your client base a mixture of all of these types? The answers to these questions are vital to the table you need to support your clients. There are specific massage table types and accessories that are designed for each of these clients. Heavy set clients require a table that has a weight rating typically over 500lbs. There are accessories made for women who are pregnant and for breast support. Athletes may be tall or large and require wider and longer tables.
2. What type of massage do you practice?
Do you practice deep tissue massage like Aston Patterning, Sport Massage, or Canadian Deep Muscle Massage? Do you practice a lighter technique like acupressure, hot stone massage or Reiki? Do you focus on a specific part of the body like Reflexology, Lymph System Massage, or Chi Nei Tsang? Or do you practice an integrative approach that incorporates different modalities depending on the client’s needs? Modalities that are deep tissue oriented require a portable massage table to be very sturdy and strong because of the pushing and pulling techniques. Having a stable and strong headrest is needed for massage modalities that are focused on the head. Massage modalities that focus on the body core and organs require a reinforced center area, usually thicker plywood and truss supports.