Buying the Ideal Portable Massage Table

Portable massage tables are essential massage therapy products for the traveling therapist. When buying one, there are several different things you need to take into consideration. These include the type of massage you practice, the clients you have, and most importantly how much you can carry around comfortably. There are many different quality tables available online, but the problem is finding the right one for your practice. A table should be seen as an investment and if you buy the right one you should be able to use it effectively for years to come. If you buy the wrong table, you may end up buying another one in a few months to a year’s time.

The number one thing you need to consider when buying a new portable massage bed is the type of clients you practice on. Is it normally smaller persons or do you tend to see larger clients, in both height and weight? This will help determine what the width of your table should be and how sturdy it needs to be. If you work on clients of all different body types and sizes, make sure it is easy to adjust the table to accommodate them.

You should also think about your clients when determining what kind of material to use. Thin padding is less comfortable for the client and wears out relatively quickly. Opt for a table with at least mixed density and preferably high density foam to get the most use out of your table for your dollar. Also ensure that your table has a quality cover. This will make the experience more pleasurable for the client and also make sure that your table can survive more wear and tear.

You and Your Practice

The next thing you need to consider buying a portable massage table is you and your practice.  Your size will ultimately determine how big the table can be.  The height of your table is based on your height, the table should come no higher than your hip joint.  Most tables come in heights of 24 to 34 inches and this should be adequate for most practitioners.  The next thing you need to consider is the width of your table.  Wider table give you a larger area to work with and will make your customers feel more comfortable, especially the larger ones.  But if a table is too wide for your arm reach you won’t be able to reach your clients.  Narrower tables will give you better access to your clients and also allow you to carry around your table easier.  You must find the ideal balance between these two ideas for yourself and your practice.  Most people settle on 29 to 30 inches for the width of their table.

You also need to consider the amount that you can carry and how much moving the table will be doing.  If you’re strong and you’re only moving the table occasionally, you can choose a heavier, wider table.  But if you’ll be moving the table constantly throughout the day and don’t want to carry excess weight or may have trouble fitting it into your mode of transportation, opt for a smaller, lighter table.

Finally, you need to choose a portable massage table based on what type of massage you practice. Spa treatments need to have a good, sturdy, all-purpose table capable of the different types of massage you perform on your clients. If you practice shiatsu, your table needs to have folding legs. This lets you kneel next you’re your clients and gives you greater access to them. Facial massages and neck massaging require your client to be comfortable in a face up position. Lastly, Reiki massage therapists need easy access panels on their massage tables. These panels connect the two legs on the narrow end of the massage table and allow the therapist to place his legs between the table and get closer to the client to perform this type of massage.

The key thing is to consider your portable massage table as a long-term investment.  If you choose a quality table that is well suited to your clients and your practice, you can reap the benefit s of your wise purchase for years to come.  While there are many cheap massage tables out there, you should never opt for the cheapest one.  Instead find user reviews and pick one that is relatively low cost, but still high in quality because it contains fine materials, is durable, and built for day to day use.  If you do this, you will end up with a high-quality portable massage table that will reap you benefits for years to come.