Author's advice on how to choose the right massage table

Dimensions

The first thing you should take care of is what size your massage table will be. massage people of different sizes on it ; and at the same time narrow enough to provide you with comfortable access during massage of any part of the body. Make sure you can get close enough to the table to rotate at the waist so that your shoulders are parallel to the client's hips and your arms are parallel to the client's spine.

Width

As a rule, most of the most popular and ergonomic models have a width of either 70 or 76 cm. You can find narrower ones, but only if you are short and you are not comfortable working with a standard size table. Another option is to look at massage tables with an hourglass-shaped cutout , i.e. tapering in the middle. Then you can get closer from the side, and the client will feel comfortable due to the extensions at the top and bottom of the tabletop.

It is quite obvious that clients still find it more comfortable to lie on a wider surface, so if your height is above average, then before you decide to choose a wide massage table , you can first do the test , which will be described below.

Length

The length of the massage table is also important for your clients. The standard is 185 cm, but you can, of course, find more, about 195 cm, or, conversely, shorter - about 180 cm, but in fact 185 cm is best. If the massage table has a hole for the face, then the structure is extended by 20 cm, i.e. the normal length is about 205-210 cm.

If you choose the wrong length of the massage table, in my opinion, a couple of inconveniences will arise. If you make a mistake and choose a table shorter than necessary, then the client’s legs will stick out too far from the tabletop, but, quite possibly, in this case you will save a little on the width of the massage table, which can be very important for a very mobile and active massage therapist. If you “overdo it” and take a structure that is too long, 195 cm long, then it will have more width, and this will complicate your task.

Best manufacturers and prices

The price range for couches given below in rubles is very arbitrary.

The final cost depends primarily on the current exchange rate of the dollar, euro or national currency.

* prices are indicated only for stationary couches, folding couches are on average 20-25% cheaper;

** the lower price level is indicated, since the upper one depends on the number of electric drives (from 1 to 3), additional gadgets, the presence/absence of heating and has a very wide spread.

Adjustable height

Nowadays, almost all portable massage tables are equipped with height-adjustable legs. It is quite natural that a massage table should provide a fairly wide range of design adjustment levels for heights for massage therapists of different heights. Typically, a setting within 60-83 cm allows almost any specialist to work confidently and comfortably. Still in doubt? preliminary test then The entire setup process should take a maximum of 2-3 minutes.

2 types of devices for adjusting the height of a modern massage table:

1. Screw-down buttons on legs. Unscrewing them or screwing them back takes longer than the second method described below, but in any case we are talking about only a couple of minutes! If you decide to buy a wooden massage table, it is better to choose a model with 2 buttons on each leg for reliability and stability of the structure. Cheap models have only one button, which holds worse if you extend the structure to the maximum possible height.
2. Telescopic leg adjustment system. It is used in the construction of aluminum massage tables. The device resembles what you might see in medical crutches. You can learn how to use it in just a couple of seconds - just press the button, adjust the height and secure it at the desired level.

Number of sections

The simplest massage tables are single-section couches. Here it is impossible to regulate the position of individual zones, so the massage therapist has to work as the client lies on the table. Such models are suitable for basic types of relaxing and restorative massage techniques. If you plan to provide exotic, sports restorative massage services, and also want to use the table for carrying out certain cosmetic procedures in a beauty salon or SPA salon, then it makes sense to buy a 2- or 3-section massage table.

Massage table weight

The weight of a portable massage table is usually between 12-21 kg. This is what you should pay the most attention to if you are going to constantly travel to clients’ homes or workplaces for sessions. And, it is clear that the lighter the weight of the structure, the easier it will be for you to transport it. If equipment is purchased for a hospital or massage parlor, then any model weighing over 21 kg. is also suitable, although if the weight is light and the design is foldable, then you can fold it on the spot, put it away and clean out the free space.

Lightweight designs are usually made from aluminum rather than wood, but this increases the cost because aluminum itself is more expensive than wood as a material.

If you have your eye on a table model that completely suits you, but the weight is slightly more than comfortable for you, then for transportation you can use a special trolley on wheels.

Warning! In some stores you will find ultra-lightweight and cheap tables. For example, with a width of 60 cm instead of the standard 70 cm. And in terms of weight, there are even models weighing only 8 kg. Think about whether you need such savings at the expense of the quality, reliability and comfort of the design?

Materials for creating a couch

An eyelash extension couch consists of several main parts: a frame, a bed base, an inner and outer covering.

To make the entire structure you will need:

• wooden beams or metal profile (optional) to form the frame;
• plywood for the hard part of the lounger;
• filler to create the necessary softness, for example, foam rubber. As an alternative, you can use semi-rigid mattresses that fit the size of the base; in this case, horsehair or dry seaweed can ideally serve as a filler;
• coating (inexpensive option - good quality leatherette, more expensive version - eco-leather);
• simple lifting mechanism;
• welding machine, attributes for it (if the frame is metal);
• self-tapping screws (if the frame is made of wood);
• stapler for furniture;

• furniture varnish or paint;
• related tools (brushes, hacksaws, grinder, hammer, screwdrivers, glue, coarse sandpaper, solvent).

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Should I choose wood or aluminum?

A typical question I get asked. Many instructors recommend their students to choose wooden tables because they use them themselves, and aluminum ones have appeared relatively recently. The table I use now for outdoor sessions is made of aluminum. And I just want to point out how much more comfortable it is for me than the wooden one. It is stronger and lighter. Wooden tables, it seems to me, only look light, but I don’t care about appearance, personally I think functionality is more important! For strong and energetic massage therapists, for example, those working in the sports industry, I would advise choosing aluminum massage tables. Some tables are designed with wooden legs and an aluminum frame - an attempt to find a compromise between aesthetics and weight.

In the end, of course, everything is decided by personal preferences, make a list of the pros and cons of both options for you personally. I choose aluminum ones, firstly, because they can withstand more intensive use, and secondly, they are light enough so that I can organize regular visits to clients without compromising the quality of my sessions, because I can take any necessary accessories. On the website https://massage-tables.rf/ there are massage tables for every taste.

Warning! There is a big difference between cheap lightweight massage tables and real professional models. In cheap ones, some parts and even fasteners can be replaced with plastic, and this reduces their reliability and wear resistance in the most vulnerable places. When I talk about lightweight aluminum massage tables, I am in no way encouraging you to buy such designs!

Transformation mechanism

The extendable couch is very comfortable. The folded version looks compact, but if necessary it turns into a full-fledged sleeping place. The most common transformation mechanisms are:

1. Click-clack. The elements located on the sides, when lowered to a horizontal position, create a bed of the required length. You can leave one side raised, then it will be comfortable to rest reclining on the couch.
2. Dolphin. The side part moves to the side, revealing a hidden area. The berth increases in width due to a retractable element hidden under the seat.
3. Sedaflex. The seat is removed to reveal a built-in structure, which, when folded out, is installed on supports. It turns out to be a more comfortable sleeping place.
4. Eurobook. The seat surface extends to create free space. The backrest falls into it.
5. Hemnes. The folded model is a miniature sofa where one person can sleep. By rolling out the block hidden under the seat, you get a spacious double bed. The product is complemented by spacious storage compartments located under the pull-out part.

When choosing a folding couch, you need to check the transformation mechanism in action, especially if the product will be used by a child. Furniture should be laid out easily, without requiring significant effort.

Click-clack

Dolphin

Eurobook

Hemnes

Payload

How much weight can the table support on its entire surface and on its individual parts during a typical session? Typically, the payload is calculated with a margin of several times, so that even the maximum user weight and your own efforts do not exceed 1/3 of this value.

I'll tell you one case. When I first started providing massage sessions many years ago, I managed to break the top of one of my tables. Well, actually, not me, but my client, but I say that I broke it, because it was I who should have instructed him in advance or already in the process suggested how to correctly turn on his side.

If the client lies face down on his stomach for quite a long time, and then begins to turn, then he is somewhat awkward, the movements come in sharp jerks. You've probably noticed this yourself more than once when you've been laying around like that. And during such a quick turn, a person can transfer the entire weight of his body to one small part, for example, an elbow or knee, and this creates excessive stress on some part of the table. Clearly, it is advisable to turn smoothly, distributing all your weight evenly across the entire tabletop. I hope that this incident will help you in your practice and that what happened to me will never happen to you.

Folding massage chair US Medico Rondo

Outside of our review of tables, we’ll also look at a massage chair to understand how much it costs and what it consists of.

The US Medica chair has a metal frame, gas-filled foam filling and high-strength faux leather upholstery. Product weight – 10 kilograms. The folding design and low weight make the table convenient for transportation. The unique design helps to completely relax the massaged areas.

The chair is suitable for massage of the neck-collar area, shoulder area and forearm.

• Maximum load – 150 kg.
• Dimensions when assembled: 27*46*107 cm.
• Disassembled – 85*46*105.
• Price – 15,000 rubles.

Filler thickness

This value is important for two reasons. Firstly, customer comfort is one of the most important tasks. Secondly, the durability of your table upholstery depends largely on the filler. The higher its density, the fewer “air pockets” are created, the filler sags less and thins over time. Cheap massage tables like the ones you see on eBay usually have very thin padding underneath the padding.

One day during the Christmas holidays, I was in a small town and went to see a local masseuse. I lay down on his table; it seemed somehow uncomfortable and unstable to me. I didn't tell the woman that I was also a masseuse because I didn't want her to think too much about what she was doing and how she was doing it. The layer of foam rubber was so thin that in some places it even hurt me to lie down. I asked her where she bought the table and she said she ordered it through eBay. I was upset because I couldn’t understand how you could care so little about your clients and at the same time expect them to come to you, that your business would prosper and be surprised that everything is not as you want? Madness!

Useful videos about massage tables

Other parameters

The cost of products presented on the market today varies from 3,500 to 150,000 rubles or more. Elseda experts do not advise beginners to choose an overly expensive sugaring couch, even if the budget is not limited. However, you shouldn’t take the cheapest one either. A low price may indicate poor quality. For starters, a couch costing up to 20,000 rubles is quite suitable.

Since the product has a medical purpose, it must have all accompanying documents (registration certificate, passport, certificate and declaration of conformity, warranty). When choosing a couch, be sure to check the documentation that comes with it.

Upholstery of a massage table

Table upholstery is usually made of artificial leather, either polyurethane (PU) or vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). I once saw an advertising phrase on one website that polyurethane upholstery is “environmentally friendly”, but this is complete nonsense, how can such a coating be environmentally friendly if it is manufactured in a factory?

I'll tell you what the real difference between these two types of coverings is, the point is completely different: Vinyl is used most often and this, of course, is a synthetic leatherette, in fact, this is what you most often find in all leather sofas and couches. It is strong, durable, resistant to water and oils, but wears out quickly.

Polyurethane is most similar in its characteristics and properties to real leather among synthetic ones. This coating is very soft and pleasant to the touch, especially if you touch it with bare skin, as happens during a massage, it should be noted, but at the same time this material is very durable. But it has problems with moisture resistance, and it is quickly damaged when oil gets in, which some sites prefer to keep silent about.

Personally, I don't think it matters that much which table top you choose. The quality of each of these coatings is important. Massage tables at a higher cost naturally have higher quality upholstery, while cheaper ones are made from cheap materials. It's that simple!

In general, it can be noted that the cost of upholstery of massage couches and its protective covers has decreased greatly in our time, so it is economically feasible to even have several different replacement covers for different occasions so that they can be removed, thoroughly washed and cleaned on all sides and used as such way much longer. And use as little upholstery as possible on the table itself, so the importance of this factor when choosing a model is reduced. It just needs to be on the table structure for hygienic reasons.

Choice of coverage

One of the important nuances when choosing a couch is the correctly selected covering, on which the client can feel cozy and relaxed.

It should be:

• tactilely pleasant;
• soft;
• durable;
• can be treated with antiseptics without any problems.

It is better if the couch is covered with leather without an unpleasant odor (a more expensive option), or with good quality leatherette (such material will cost 30-50% less) so that cracks do not appear. Cloth coverings are not suitable - they quickly become dirty, shiny and do not allow for high-quality sanitary treatment.

Modern technologies offer such a product for upholstering couches as eco-leather. Such a coating does not allow exposed areas of the body to sweat, does not cause irritation, and is a “breathable” material. A pleasant bonus can be the processing of eco-leather in the “stop-claw” style, when the surface is practically not susceptible to scratches.

Some manufacturers, in order to increase their status and the level of customer comfort, complete the product with a terry or non-woven cape, and also provide their products with quality certificates.

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Additional items

A massage table can be as simple as possible and look like a folding bed with high legs. The only difference will be a slot for the head, a solid base and a more pleasant appearance. This equipment is suitable for craftsmen working at home.

But if you plan to open a professional massage salon, then the table must contain additional elements. We are talking about a headrest, armrests and shelves for arms, a stand for aromatic oils and cosmetics.

The headrest consists of a hard base and a soft pillow. The base can be plastic, wood or metal. Of these materials, the most short-lived is plastic: it can easily be broken by careless pressure.

Foam rubber is also used as a filler, and the upholstery can be made of high-quality eco-leather.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. The headrest must be adjustable in height and angle.
2. Headrests are standard and ergonomic. The latter option is more expensive, but it is preferable because it follows the anatomical structure of the cervical spine and head, which means that each massage session will not only be as beneficial as possible, but also safe for health.
3. The pillow is an important element of the headrest, the quality of which should not be skimped on. It is worth abandoning models with transverse or longitudinal seams. The most comfortable pillows have a beveled sidewall, thanks to which it is possible to relieve the pressure on the cheekbones and cheeks. Facial muscles will rest and recover during the massage.

Armrests and hand shelves provide additional convenience to the client. They must be wide (at least 10 centimeters), stable and rigid. At the same time, high-quality eco-leather upholstery is also important, otherwise your hands will simply be uncomfortable.