Massage and spa equipment is likely the second most expensive aspect of becoming a massage therapist, second to education and training. Most students of massage find they need basic equipment to commence their clinical hours for school. Practicing massage on friends and family in the student’s home or in the homes of loved ones will require some several items to have on hand.
Equipping an entire office or massage treatment room can mean the acquisition of very basic equipment, but may also include non-essentials that make work easier for the practitioner and more pleasant for the client.
Basic Supplies a Massage Students Needs
Aside from her hands, the massage student will need access to the following basics:
- Massage table – for the client to lie on during the massage.
- Stool – for seated work, such as the face, hands and feet.
- CD player and relaxing CDs – to play music during massage.
- Linens – flat or fitted twin sheets are commonly used in the industry.
- Bolster or pillow – to support various parts of the body during massage.
- Massage oil, cream or lotion – most schools offer a product line for students to purchase but it is recommended to have at least one hypoallergenic medium on hand for sensitive skin types.
Some schools offer students a bundle equipment package containing many of the items listed above. In their hurry to purchase necessary tools to begin clinical hours, some students don’t consider the lifetime of bigger equipment purchases, such as the massage table. A massage table should last well beyond the months of massage school, and may be the only table the new practitioner can afford for several years.
Treatment Equipment
Machines, products and tools can all enhance massage therapy sessions. Some are more versatile while others are for a single type of treatment.
- Aromatherapy – essential oils can be mixed into a massage cream or oil to create a custom blend for the client or can be diffused into the air for a flameless alternative to burning candles.
- Hot stone kits – the popular sets include stone warmers and massage stones for a hot stone massage.
- Paraffin therapy – waxes, mitts and liners will set up the massage therapist to offer warm paraffin dips before the client’s massage.
- Hot and cold therapy – everything from lotion warmers to heat lamps, hot towel cabinets, and cold and hot packs are available for the therapist.
Massage Oils and Creams
Some creams, gels and oils contain high levels of parabens and synthetic ingredients which can be very harmful to a client’s skin and can cause toxic exposure to the therapist after repeated use. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba, sweet almond, sunflower and the like will go rancid after a time on the shelves. An online search may help the reader to find a product that is a good fit for the practitioner and her clients.
Linens for the Massage Room
Massage table linens are frequently fitted or flat sheets. Flannel massage sheets are popular because they hold warmth and are fairly absorbent. In addition to a bottom and top sheet for the table a variety of blankets are usually employed by a massage therapist. Lightweight cotton or fleece blankets are popular in warmer climates and during warm weather seasons. Heavier blankets such as wool, thermal and quilts may be used in the winter months or for clients who tend to run cool during a session.
Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths and pillow cases may all be found in a massage room for various purposes. The cases cover pillows or bolsters to keep the object sanitary for the next client. Towels may be used to assist in draping parts of the body during a massage.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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