Friday, May 29, 2009

Stationary Massage Tables

Made more for professional and clinical use, these types tend to be heavier and more costly. Although they still come in a variety of shapes and colors, they also benefit from more positions, comfort, and client satisfaction.
One of the least popular stationary massage tables is a standard flat top that sort of looks like a flat bed with a cushion. While it serves the purpose it's generally not very comfortable. The cushion can be firm or soft, but has virtually no support, though most now come with a memory foam cushion. It may be safe to say these tables are more of a physical therapy nature rather than a relaxation therapy. These types are inexpensive as far as stationary tables go, ranging from $300 up to as much as $1500.
One of my personal favorites as a person who is extremely critical of the massage experience is the electric massage table. The term "you get what you pay for" comes to mind when you experience these types of massage tables.
For starters you don't have to use any muscles to get on some types, as you stand on a foot pad the table does all the work of getting you in the right position. This includes picking you up and lying you flat in a gentle manner you'll barely notice, and flexing the movable parts of the table from the feet and legs to the shoulders and arms to the back and neck while giving plenty of support and comfort.
The electric massage tables have many options to choose from in accessories and style. What are you looking for that fits into your budget? A cabinet underneath to keep all your supplies in is one option, while you can also choose to have the woodgrain in a variety of stains to match your room or pick from different types of wood. Padding color and types will also make the difference.
What else? Optional foot and/or hand controls, terra touch upholstery colors, manual access designs, manicure arm rests, pedicure foot rests, facial pillows and rests, table tilts, locking casters, or even the very popular built in heating system providing adjustable heat all over.
There are of course non-electric tables with some or most of these same options that add a sense of calm, soothing comfort and an overall very enjoyable massage experience for all types of clients.
So wether you're looking for that inexpensive stationary standard starting at $300 for a more physical therapy type experience or the ultimate in relaxation for around $4000, you can't really go wrong if you know what you're looking for.
Options abound in all table types, just remember to look at your budget, your clientels needs and comfort, what services you are offering, and you will have no problems finding your perfect massage table.

Portable Massage Table

Are you a massage hobbyist or just want it for personal use or pleasure? There are some great portable tables with plenty of style and comfort between $150 and $500.
The most popular massage table is the flat top. This can be used for physical therapy, standard massage, reiki massage, and some other common therapies. As new methods are learned and professional therapists expand on these techniques, tables have also expanded into a more flexible type to suit the needs of clients, patients, and the ease of use for the therapist.
The standard flat top portable table folds down into an easy to carry unit that is lightweight. Some are cases themselves with the arm rests and open face pillow or cushion fitting neatly inside, while others come with a sturdy carrying case that will fit the folded table as well as the removable parts, making it an ideal choice for use in the home as it fits into most closets or beneath the bed. The portable massage table is also ideal for therapists on the go when making house calls. They are made of high quality materials for stability and durability, come in an arrangement of colors and sizes, and you have the option in some cases to buy it as a kit complete with massage oils, tools and sheets.
Other portable styles include the oval, featuring rounded corners that make it easier for the therapist to work around; there’s a super light-weight portable that states the benefits in the name, and depending on where you decide to buy usually it will have the word light or lite in the title of the product, such as Versalite.

A few popular brands you might want to look at are Oakworks, Earthlite, Stronglite, and Inner Strength to compare prices and use. A very popular type is the master series of multipurpose tables which can be set up in multiple positions, elevating the head with a backrest or the feet and legs.
If you’re looking at a portable table you’ll have a very nice selection at prices ranging from around $150 for the standard flat top to around $500 for the multipurpose tables and everything in between.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Determine Your Massage Table Use

Whether you’re looking as a professional masseuse, professional masseur, a hobbyist or the romantic who wants to treat their significant other to a relaxing massage, there are a variety of massage tables to fit every budget and need. You’ll be pleased at the wide selection available for ergonomic use, beautiful style and color to fit your décor, as well as the comfort and flexibility to keep your clients happy.
If you want repeat business you can bet you'll want to make your clients happy. I can testify that a good firm massage relaxes sore muscles and knots, that goes without saying. But it's not just the type of massage or technique that the client will remember. The table is a large part of the experience.
Your budget and type of use will of course determine which table will be best suited for you. Are you a professional who plans on using your new massage table to make a living? Then you will want a nice comfortable table to please your clients. Though they cost a bit more they are worth the extra for a pleasant experience.