Massage Table, Portable Massage Table

What are massage tables and when are they used?

Wherever you participate in massage therapy, whether at a sports therapy clinic, a massage studio, at your local salon or at a resort spa, you will likely be positioned on a massage table. The therapist or practitioner will stand tableside and stretch his arms and hands out to massage various sections of your neck, shoulders, back, legs and arms, moving around the table as needed. Massage tables are specially designed to ensure the safety of both the practitioners and their clients, along with maintaining client comfort. Some massage tables are multi-purpose, and may be used for additional non-massage services in spas and salons. They are also used in acupuncture studios.

Massage is believed to support healing, boost energy and reduce recovery time after an injury. It can ease pain, and is useful for many musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains, and lower back pain. It can also be used in nurseries, in elder care facilities and hospice palliative care settings. Massage is known to reduce stress and enhance mental alertness in the workplace, and may also relieve the depression suffered with chronic fatigue syndrome. Massage may enhance feelings of wellbeing by stimulating the release of natural painkillers and mood elevators (endorphins) and by reducing the level of certain stress hormones. As always, consult with your physician before undertaking a course of massage therapy.

What types of massage tables are available?

There are many massage tables available, and most vendors offer optional features and accessories to complement and extend the usefulness of your selection. Most of the tables are custom-built to your specifications, and so require some lead-time. To ensure you make the right selection, it is incumbent on you to first analyze your needs and understand for what types of services you plan to use the table.

The first useful choice consideration is, Portable or Stationary? If you plan to offer massage or other services in multiple locations, or if you are just opening a small studio where space is at a premium, then a portable table may be your best choice. If you are furnishing a studio, clinic or spa with dedicated treatment rooms, then a stationary table may be what best meets your needs.

If you are choosing among stationary massage tables, you might next consider electronic adjustment or manual adjustment features (table height and incline if applicable), and what types of built-in special features you care most about. Examples of optional built-in features available on some models include swivel armrests, lift back with angle adjustability, salon top table, face rest, roller massage with optional heater and timer, pedicure spa and built-in cabinets or shelves beneath the table.

What features should I consider when choosing a massage table?

For portable tables that you will transport and carry from place to place you must consider every aspect that adds to the weight of the table. They each result in trade-offs between your client’s comfort during treatment, and your own wellbeing. A massage therapist with a sore back is not at her best!

Height and width dimensions matter for stationary tables as well, to accommodate therapists who are shorter in stature with limited reach, and to help shorter clients feel comfortable ascending and descending the table. Width of the table should also support various body types, and your choice should optimize comfort for your most common clientele. Your service type and delivery style are also important factors to consider. If you need to be in close proximity to your client throughout service delivery, a narrow table width is indicated. If the service you deliver requires a client’s arms to be on the table at all times, a wider width or side arm extenders may be needed.

The following list of considerations and optional features available from some manufacturers is intended to help you analyze your needs and preferences.

• Table width (consider massage therapist height and reach)
• Table length
• Table height adjustability
• Electronic lift or manual height adjustment
• Surface type – flat or inclinable
• Surface covering – upholstery material, vinyl, leather-like materials
• Tabletop padding – type and thickness
• Ergonomic considerations like closer therapist access offered by contoured tabletop shape
• Table length extension
• Side arm extenders
• Arm slings for resting arms under table surface
• Storage needs
• ADA compliance

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a vast selection of superior quality massage tables from renowned manufacturers that include Custom Craftworks, Oakworks Medical, Pivotal Health Solutions, Hausmann Industries and Somatron.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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