Buying a Massage Table

Tips on Choosing the Right Table for Holistic Practitioners

Oct 8, 2009
Amy Kreydin

A Basic Massage Table With Table Pads - Wyscan

Many different wellness practitioners use massage tables in their practices. Explore industry standards, helpful tax-saving tips and accessories for the therapy table.

Massage therapists are perhaps the most common practitioners to purchase and use the massage table. Other wellness practitioners use it too – chiropractors, bodyworkers, acupuncturists, energyworkers, and estheticians might use a treatment table.

In the United States, there are many manufacturers of massage tables, ranging from basic, no frills tables to more advanced, electrically-powered tables. Massage students and new practitioners usually start off with a basic setup and then upgrade their equipment when their practice has grown.

Anatomy of the Massage Table

Basic treatment tables have either wood bases or metal bases. Most basic tables are made of the following components:

Table legs or base
Foam padding
Vinyl or leather cover - making it easier to clean and sanitize
Face rest - sometimes sold separately as an accessory

Upgrades can be improved foam materials or thicker foam, more stable legs or a base to accommodate a higher working weight, improved upholstery and even eco-friendly materials for the green office. An important feature with every table is the load limit; always consider the weight of the heaviest client in the practice, plus the weight of a practitioner applying techniques. Some basic tables may not support an obese or morbid obese client, let alone the added weight of the therapist working on the client and applying pressure during a session.

The Tilt Massage Table

This type of treatment table features a tilt at one end of the table to accommodate a reclined, yet seated, position for the client. This is often used as a spa massage table as it is ideal for facials, upright bodywork and pregnancy massage. It is also popular for clients with vertigo or for those who cannot lie completely flat due to health concerns.

The Electric Lift Massage Table

An electric lift table gives the practitioner the chance to adjust the table height based on the type of treatment, client size and the client’s mobility. In some cases a small business will qualify for a 50% tax credit for ADA compliant equipment, including a massage table that is accessible for the handicapped or injured clientele. Research carefully and discuss the possible tax credit with a tax preparer or accountant before purchasing.

Massage Table Accessories

The first-time massage table buyer should pay attention to details on a particular table. Research the manufacturers, table weights (especially if considering offering mobile treatments), load capacities, features and possible accessories available. Some massage school graduates lament the fact that they purchased a table with no frills and then could not accessorize the table later on as it did not offer any upgrades.

Some helpful accessories that can be added to certain massage tables include:

The table cart – designed for mobile health and beauty treatments to cart tables and save the therapist’s back.
Carrying case – protects the table during storage and transportation.
Armrests – for the client to use when face down on the table.
Bolsters, cushions and wedges – used to support different parts of the body, such as side-lying positions or for pregnant clients.
Head rest – also called a face cradle, this is where the client’s face will rest when lying face down on the table.
Face pad – adds a layer of comfort and cushioning, can be made from foam or fleece.
Table pad – usually a fleece or foam cover to add a layer of cushion to the table.
Table warmer – a heating pad that runs the length of the table, comes with an adjustable temperature control.
Stool – for the practitioner during seated work, available as folding for mobile sessions, or in adjustable rolling models to move around the floor.

Finding the Right Massage Table

So, in summary, finding the right table means a little research and planning for the purchaser. Take into account the various needs and goals for this massage table purchase: