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Massage Beds & Accessories
How to select the right massage table?.
A
massage table (also known as massage bed or massage couch) is probably the
most important equipment that a bodywork therapist will need to purchase .
Except of some oriental treatments, related to yoga, like Shiatsu and Thai
massage, which are conducted on a mattress, most massage and beauty
therapy will require the use of a massage table.
The
first question will be what kind of treatments do you give? Most of the massage tables will cover the major therapy
techniques but in some cases you may want to modify the model, for example,
for Reflexology and Beauty Therapy you may ask for a table with an
adjustable back rest.. For Osteopathy, Sport massage and Deep Tissue Massage
you may prefer a firmer table , narrower and with adjustable height legs. For Aromatherapy,
Reiki or Relaxing Massage you may look for a wider soft table.
The second question will be where? If you plan to do mobile work then you will look for a lightweight, portable massage table, mostly an ultra light aluminium bed or light wooden massage table or a combination of aluminium and wooden tensor. A good light massage table will weight up to 10kgs. If you plan to work from home or from a massage salon then you will be better with a fixed, electronic or hydraulic table which are solider then the portable ones and normally last longer. If you plan to work mostly from home but from time to time to go and see a client at his home then you can choose a portable medium weight of 10kg – 15kg which is solider then the ultra light massage table and can carry more components such as a back rest, adjustable height, face and arm rests .
Ideally, you will purchase a solid bed for home/clinic and portable light bed for
mobile work.
What height should the massage portable or non portable table be?
The standard height of a massage table is 75 cm. To check for the right
height for you, simply make a fist and rest your hands
at the side of your body. Your fists should reach the bed. If you are taller
or shorter than average then you will need a specially made or adjustable
height massage table. If more then one therapist will be working with the
same massage table then an adjustable height massage table will be
advisable.
What will be the right wide of the massage table? Normally massage tables for holistic/Swedish massage are of 60 to70 cm. The wider the massage bed is, the more comfortable it is for the client, but will result heavier bed that will be less convenient for the therapist to move around . Therapists normally prefer the 70cm wide but if you are a short therapist you may find it easier to work with 60cm-65cm. The same is if you give sport massage , deep tissues or osteopath where the bed need to be as narrow as possible to allow the stretching movements
Wooden or aluminium ? This is absolutely your own choice, there is a miss concept that aluminium is lighter and more reliable, a good quality wooden bed will be as light and reliable as the aluminium massage bed.
How much?
This is up to your budgets. A good portable massage table will cost between
250-600 euros. You are warned from trying to buy a cheap table, some of
them may look very nice on advertising but will not last long “cheap is
expensive”. Also be aware of buying a second hand massage table, you may get
stuck with no spare parts.
Lastly you would be advised to buy from a known
company. We at the Mistiyan Academy for natural therapy are distributing in
the Costa del Sol, Ecopostural and Vital tables which are recommend for our ITEC
students for their good quality, reasonable price and 3 years guarantee.
The tables which are manufactured in Spain are also made in a
way that allows you to start with a basic massage bed and add components
and accessories in the future so it give you the flexibility which other
models are lacking.
Alon Meshel
Director of Mistiyan