Best type of massage table for beginner

[hey mama]

Hi - have just started on a Swedish Massage course and would like to buy myself a massage couch. This would be mainly to use for family members at home but our spare room is so full that I don't have space to leave it out all the time.

So I'm thinking that a lightweight foldable one would be the way forward, then when I complete my course it might come in handy!

Have had a quick look on Ebay and there are plenty but I don't know where to start. Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions.

 

[wpembuoiilnitaehy]

I got mine from Ebay (it was a Christmas present from my parents), it's a little bit too high for me to be truthful, I wish I had looked into it more and got one that has the ability to go higher and lower. But it's great and doesn't take up much room when folded up, it also came with a bag and a trolley.

 

[opheliasez]

I bought mine from a company on ebay too.
Generally it seems fine - I haven't used it much yet - but of course it doesn't come with a guarantee.
One of the clasps that keeps it folded up has broken, and the company declined to send me a replacement clasp. Bit mean I thought! So I'd say be a bit careful.

Sally's beauty salon outlets have them apparently (maybe I should have looked there first !!)

 

[robertsechenfen]

Try and get one that has a back that can sit up. It is nice for clients to sit for a bit before they get up after a treatment. If you go on to do reflexology you would have to get another couch if it did not have a back rest. Check how tall it is. If you are quite short if you can not alter the height it may cause you great problems, just measure the couch height you are using in college to compare to the height of what you are buying on the net, before you buy it. Happy shopping!

 

[vnefeuzgidgirtejo]

I would agree with Totally Jane but would also suggest avoiding metal ones since, although they are cheaper, they can make a racket as you are massaging which is not very relaxing for your client! This is what happened I experienced and mine were not as relaxed as I felt they could have been.

luv 'Bella

 

[Mepaulglobusus]

Wooden tables are quite nice if you don't intend to take it out your house much (heavy!): they feel more solid and secure (referring to Bella's post) and they usually last longer.

Good quality aluminium ones are usually more expensive than wood.

I got my wooden table on ebay second hand but it hadn't been used much: it was originally from the Massage Table Store, new price £175 and I think I got it for £90. I don't use it much now, but I think it will serve me for decades to come so well worth the money.

You definitely need a table that is adjustable I would say: clients are all different of course and if you're massaging a big person or someone in the sidelying position for example (pregnancy) you usually need to drop the table down a bit.

Mine doesn't have a backrest and I have never felt the need for it, but I imagine it could be useful for reflexology.

 

[Naush...]

Mine does but I've never used it. I would definitely recommend looking for one with a detachable face cradle and arm support. Much more comfortable for clients.

 

[Ness]

Oh wow, thank you all so much. That info will be really useful when I come to choose a table.

I am still finding my way around here and thought I'd posted a question about contra-indications for massage and now I can't find it!

Some classmates and I were discussing all the contra-indications on the list we were given and are quite confused. I will ask for clarification next time I go but in the meantime does it really mean that if someone has, say, high blood pressure or IBS they cannot have a massage?

 

[LJR]

Here it is Twohoots, http://www.healthypages.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=598441#post598441 if you're wondering whether the same one posted in massage went, unfortunately it didn't make it on the forums as duplicates aren't allowed.

On behalf of the Moderating Team,

calla lily