Discovering The Best Massage Therapy Tables
Several factors are involved when considering the purchase of a massage therapy table:
1.       It must support the therapist ergonomically first.
2.       It must be comfortable to the client
3.       It should be durable. Invest in a decent table or chair for more longevity.
Researching different companies that sell massage therapy tables and comparing quality and price are essential, especially to new therapists just starting a new business. Below are simple tips to start a therapist in the right direction:
The Features of the Massage Therapy Table:
Width: Most massage therapy tables are between 28 and 30 inches wide. Proper body mechanics for the therapist determines a great deal of the decided width of the table. Some tables that are 28 to 29 inches are easier for a therapist that is short to reach across the table. Taller therapists should work with a wider table, between 30 to 31 inches wide. The second important factor in considering the width is the size of your client. Large –framed clients may not feel comfortable on a table 28 inches wide, because their arms tend to hang off of the sides of the table.
Height: All portable and stationary massage therapy tables have an adjustable range of height. The height is usually between 22 and 34 inches high. Adjustments are usually made by lengthening or shortening the legs of the table. The adjustments are normally half-inch increments.
There are three methods to determine the height of the massage therapy table for Swedish massage:
1.       Stand by the table, arm at your side, and open the palm of your hand, facing the floor. The top of the table should rest under your palm.
2.       Have your arm at your side next to the table and make a fist instead of an open palm. Bottom of knuckles should rest on top of the table.
3.       Stand again with your arms to your side with wrist and fingers down straight. The fingertips should barely brush the edge of the table top. This method is preferred by many therapists who practice deep tissue techniques.
Some deep tissue therapists favor adjusting the massage therapy table heights even lower than normal to be able to use their body weight behind the downward pressure. Then again, some therapists who practice Trager, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, or polarity mostly prefer a higher than normal massage therapy table since it is more comfortable for them.
Length: Most massage therapy tables are 72 or 73 inches long. A face rest adds 10-12 inches. A 6-8 inch bolster will shorten a client’s leg length when it’s put under the knees or ankles. Bolsters used on clients can reduce the occupied table length by 6-12 inches.
Frames: The majority of massage therapy tables have wooden or aluminum frames. Wood frames are heavier and make good stationary tables. Aluminum tables have an advantage of quicker leg adjustments. Stay away from aluminum framed tables that are fastened with rivets because they can come loose and are difficult to tighten back up. Although, the aluminum framed tables are lighter and therefore easier to transport. Some massage therapy table manufacturers have an inverted truss system. Most companies of massage therapy tables claim it adds little extra support. Also stay away from companies that offer a deep tissue upgrade. That is mostly a marketing gimmick.
Padding: When looking for padding for the massage therapy table top, consider three main factors:
1.       Layering: Best are multilayered with the densest foam on bottom to support the bony structure of the body. Each layer should be glued to each of the other layers and attached to the plywood of the massage therapy table top. If the layers aren’t glued together, the foam tends to shift, and sometimes roll into waves.
2.       Density: Most pads have three grades of density: light, medium, and high. Higher density foam has a better memory which has the capability of returning to its original height after being disturbed.
3.       Thickness: Most foam thickness ranges from 1.5 (firm) to 3 inches (plush). Deep tissue therapists work on firm foam thickness. Plush foam is preferred by stress reduction practitioners because of its comfort. All massage therapy table manufacturers have government regulations that enforce padding that is chlorofluorocarbon-free (CFC-free) so it won’t harm the ozone layer.
Knowing the basic criteria for a well-made massage therapy table allows the massage therapist to make the best decision for one of the most important pieces of massage therapy equipment to having a great business in body work.