How To Choose A Massage Table

Massage tables come in many sizes, builds and materials. It can be confusing to pick one that looks great, is comfortable for your client, and that suits you to work on.

There are wooden massage tables, aluminium massage tables, tables with head cradles, arm rests, belly slings, tables that having lifting back rests, tables with hourglass shapes and tables that have a combination of all these things… the list of features goes on and on.

So how do you choose between the different types of massage tables available?

Well, first up, there are a few questions to ask yourself.

• What is the table being used for? Something vigorous, like sports massage, or something gentle, like reiki?

• Is your practice mobile? Does your massage table need to be light in order to be carried to appointments regularly?

• Do you have patients who are elderly or pregnant, who may benefit from a back rest during some treatments?

• Are many of your clients very broad, requiring extra width on the upper part of the massage table?

• Are you tall or short, and how will your own body be affected by the width and features of the table?

Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ll have a better idea of where to start.

If your table needs to be portable, or will be used for a vigorous practice, it’s best to choose analuminium table, as these are very light, while also being extremely durable, strong and steady.

If your practice is more gentle, or you are working in a fixed location, awooden table may suit you better. The wooden tables look beautiful in a fixed therapy room, and are also very durable to withstand a variety of treatments.

Should you need a table with a lifting back rest, it’s again important to consider whether you need the table to beportable or whether it’snot as important, and from there to decide which suits you best.

If you are of smaller stature, you may benefit from a table that has anhourglass shape. This will give you greater access to the client when they are both supine and prone, without compromising your own posture and back.

If you are taller, there is more flexibility in the shape of the table you use, and you may benefit from havinga wider table to lean across.

Or, you may want a combination of features! In that case, you want anall-in-one table, so that you get the best of all that is on offer.

Of course, you can always contact us at Massage Warehouse for a helping hand if you need more details or simply want a therapist’s recommendation on what would suit you best.