The prefect therapy table for a beauty salon might not be ideal for a masseuse working from home. The ideal couch for one therapist may be totally unsuitable for another. A massage couch is a major and important investment for any business and making the right choice involves identifying the needs of the therapist and clientele.
Minimum Requirements for a Massage Couch
At the very least, when buying a new couch for holistic therapies consider the following:
- table height
- width and length
- capacity to hold heavy people
- complies with quality standards
Massage tables sold in Europe should be CE compliant, which means they meet all legislative demands of the European Community.
Table manufacturers may advertise that they are of ISO:9001 standards. This means the table was manufactured by a company who have demonstrated that they are of a certain quality.
Portable Massage Tables
Obviously anyone offering onsite, mobile beauty and therapy treatments must have portable equipment. Tables are sold as portable if they fold up; however, they can still be very bulky and heavy. So called portable equipment is not useful if it is too large to fit in the vehicle and too heavy for the therapist to lift. Mobile therapists may need to up grade to a larger car and should avoid injuries as a consequence of lifting and carrying.
As for the weight, as a rough guide, most women will be comfortable lifting a table of 12 kilos (25 pounds) into the car but will struggle with equipment which is over 18 kilos (40 pounds): 35lbs is the maximum weight nurses are recommended to lift without any assistance.
Heavy, bulky portable tables do have their uses. It may be that the business does not need a couch that will be taken out and about but simply need it to be folded away to free up space. This could be when a room is only used for treatments on a part-time basis and is also required for other purposes.
Height Adjustable Massage Couch
For many therapists, the ideal is a fully electric couch which slowly rises and falls as it is controlled by a foot pedal. This is at the most expensive, luxurious end of the market. If it is to be used frequently, however, it will be worth the investment. A busy worker will be able to adjust the height of the client at will so that she is in the most comfortable position to provide the service. Massage is physically hard work and this kind of table will help to protect the treatment provider from injuries.
Even at the budget end of the market, many couches are height adjustable but this must be set before the client is in position.
Dimensions and Capacity of Massage Therapy Table
It is not possible to say that a table should be at a specific height because clients are different sizes and different massage movements make different demands on the therapist.
The physical capacity of the table must also be assessed. What are the length and width, and what weight can it take? Some tables are very narrow and there is a danger that the client will not feel secure.
Extra Features for Massage Therapist
Extra features are sometimes available but might not be needed, they include:
- adjustable back rest
- hole for face when laying on front
- arm attachments for wider client
- washable fitted covers for when in use
- a case for carrying, if portable
- attachment for disposable bed role sheets
- arm rests
- unusual colours (black and white are typical, pink may be available)
Manufacturers of Massage Equipment
Like so many major investments, it is worth investigating the manufacturer or retailer and choosing one or other on the basis of a good reputation. The buy should have confidence that the table will be robust and that it is backed up by a warranty.
Sources
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills: C E Mark
Books:
Rosser, Mo (2004) "Body Massage, Therapy Basics", Hodder & Stoughton, Oxon, U.K.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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