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Why do you need
a massage table?
What features to
look for before purchasing one?
Fight Stress!
Are massage
tables expensive?
What are the
major features which require a keen eye to purchase afterwards?
Are you ready to
buy a new massage table?
Stay informed
about the choices and options currently available in the massage industry. It
is always changing to keep current trend with the latest in massage therapies.
Common Massage Table Features
Massage tables
come with many features and following are some of these general features:
Table Foam
The quality of the
massage table's foam obviously affects the comfort of the client. There are two
important factors involved in the foam comfort i.e. Density &
Thickness. The impression of the body on the foam density-memory
disappears and is known as memory property. Generally, the High Density Foam performs
the best, in terms of firmness of the foam as it reshapes itself after being
pressed down.
Professional
massage therapists use multiple density foam, a multi-density and multi-layered
foam system. The several layers of different densities provide the
professionals with the best of both worlds i.e. much more comfortable foam and
a longer lasting type of foam which is better than both high and medium density
foams.
Foam thickness
is an important factor in the comfort level of a massage table, but shall
always be considered only after deciding on a single or multi-density foam.
Table Endplates
Enhance your
stability by adding this structural support to your massage table.
It prevents the
table from shaking/ vibrating during a massage.
End-plates can be
permanent and cannot be swapped out. There are three main types of end plates
for different massage tables i.e. standard, Reiki and low end plates. Often,
manufacturers offer combination of end plates, known as hi/low plates, which
adds the most support to the table but also restricts some types of massages.
Having a wooden plate at the knee level makes it extremely difficult for the
masseuse to get closer than normal to the client in a particular type of
massage therapy.
Weight of the Unit
Portable massage tables are not the type of table as it sounds. It does not
mean that the owner carrier it everywhere just like their gadgets or other
accessories. The word “portable” is a misleading term in this Industry because
portability depends on the person’s perspective.
It is the most
important thing to recognize personal needs when it comes to the weight
of the massage table. The weight of a massage table is directly related to
the type of parts/ materials used in the designing and manufacturing of the
table, because stability cannot be sacrificed for the weight of the unit, which
limits the manufacturers into a situation with limited possibilities.
Some of these
possibilities include using wood, which is inexpensive and yields a heavier
table, while using aluminum, which increases costs but also reduces the weight
and size of the unit significantly, as per the needs. The weight also varies
due to the carry case and headrest of the massage table.
Among all, only
wood has earned a reputation for being stable, reliable, replenish-able, and inexpensive,
but is heavy. A combination of wood and aluminum can be both light and
inexpensive.
The purpose of
the table is also considered when finalizing the appropriate weight because if
it’s a stationary massage
table, the weight does not matter much because it will only be installed
once, while if it a best portable massage table,
the weight is one of the most important factor as it will be reinstalled
regularly.
Dimensions of the Massage Table
The length,
width and height of the massage table shall be determined by the needs and
requirements of the therapist and the client. The table dimensions are reported
without the headrest with table weight.
The width of a
table is important when the professional’s height and overall table weight is
considered. It is observed that taller masseuses require a table width at/ slightly
above the industry standards, depending on the type of massage intended for the
table and personal choice, while the opposite in case of shorter masseuses.
Headrest and Cable System
There are
several headrest designs created by a few manufacturers in which the platform
itself flexes and bends, along with independent pressure points. Same is
the case with face-rest cushions.
The design of
the cables, supports and legs all working together to support the
massage table is commonly referred to as the "cable system."
Conclusion
One should
always choose a massage table as per their needs and uses because the weight,
dimensions or other features solely depends on the type of massage that is
expected to be given by the masseuse.
Quality shall be
the major pointer because massage therapy is considered to be a soothing
experience which gives immense comfort. Anything less or disturbing will only
spoil the whole ambience and purpose of the therapy.
