How to Choose a Massage Table

Massage tables come in different sizes, colors, shapes, and with different accessories. Some are stationary and some portable. Figuring out what you need as a massage therapist, or other body worker, can be difficult with all the choices and selections of tables on the market. Here are some things to consider.

Instructions

1. Decide if you will be taking your massage table to onsite locations or leaving it set up in one setting. If you leave it set up, you can easily use a heavier, or wider, table or a stationary massage table. Some stationary tables have extra features like under table storage shelves or hydraulic lifts.

   Portable tables are usually lightweight and easy to fold, carry, or store.

2. Choose a massage table according to the type of bodywork that you do. A massage practitioner may want end plates that have inserts for an armrest where a Reiki practitioner will likely want a table without the end plates so they can be seated closer to the client.

3. Research the newer eco-friendly line of massage tables that have materials not harvested from endangered areas of the world.

4. Predetermine what types of accessories you desire and the tables that will accommodate those. Armrests, specialty face cradles, and cut outs for pregnancy massage only come with certain massage tables. Knowing what types of massage table accessories you need will help you with making your purchase.

5. Comparison shop for the best price. You may find the same massage table for a slightly different price depending on the catalog, or website, you're researching. Many companies make different offers available such as free shipping on certain tables, or discounts on massage table packages.

   See below for more tips on choosing a massage table and other areas of the page for additional information on making an informed choice for the best product to suit your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Take working weight limits into consideration when choosing tables. Many of the lightest weight portable tables have a lower working weight.

• Consider buying a table with rounded corners for ease in moving around the massage table.

• Ask about depth of padding for the table. Comfort is important !

• Ask massage schools or massage therapists what table brands they recommend.

• There are lots of cheap massage tables on the market now. With mass production of massage tables, chairs and accessories, it's often confusing to find the best table to suit your needs.