Quality Might Be Better Than the Pricetag

The definition of a massage table is as follows: a table used by a massage therapist to position a client to receive a massage. By this standard anyone could put a set of linens over a dining table and call it a massage table. If one were to ask a handful of massage therapists what the best table is, they would receive a range of answers. The variety of answers would be because the needs of one massage therapist differ from another. Not all massage therapists can afford or even need a top-of-the-line hydraulic spa table complete with linen warmer.

The optimum table provides maximum comfort for the client. It is nearly impossible to perform a massage on someone who cannot relax due to discomfort. A top quality table should be long enough so that the client's appendages will not hang off. This means it should be at least seventy-two inches long. It should also be wide enough so that they won't feel as if they'll fall onto the floor. Some therapists say that the optimal width is twenty-nine to thirty-one inches. The table should have enough padding to endure the number of clients that a massage therapist expects to treat. A comfortable table has at least three inches of high-density padding. A table should also be sturdy enough to provide a stable surface for obese clients.

The type of covering that a table is made with must also be taken into account. Leather might be nice but it is more prone to wear and damage. Vinyl is a much more sensible solution because it is designed to take regular temperature changes and disinfecting routine. This kind of durability sometimes sacrifices comfort. After draping with a set of linens and extra padding though, the client might not even care what type of covering is on the table.

The one major benefit of having a portable massage table is how easily it is transported from one place to the next. It also is a space saver when there is a limited amount of area in a room. Usually if a massage therapist is doing a normal non-specialty massage then all that is needed is a basic table. There are many different variations of tables, all with their own unique purposes. The benefits of purchasing the correct type of table are of the utmost importance. The massage therapist must be able to use the table comfortably and with ease. After all, if good body mechanics can not be applied, the massage therapist may not be in business very long. That may mean buying a table that can be adjusted to height of the massage therapist manually, electrically, or with hydraulics.

Lastly, the most important thing to think about when purchasing a massage table is the warranty. While some massage therapist can not afford the best table on the market when they are first starting out in the field, it is best to buy a quality table rather than cheap. To buy a table based on price rather than the critical points that are listed would be a poor investment. A massage therapist must keep their eye on the bigger picture when it comes to choosing a table. Price might be a primary issue but a quality table that is purchased will earn it's price over and over.

One table with an affordable price is the StrongLite Standard Massage Table. According to this company, standard is a noun that means, something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of value, or quality. The table itself cost $169 but the packaged deal is only $199. Considering you also get free shipping this may be a good deal for a table. The package deal includes a face cradle and a carrying case.

The features of this table include a thirty-inch wide birch plywood base. The length is seventy-three inches. The online listing for this table does not state the adjustable height or if it even can be adjusted. This table has "multi-density" foam and is two-and-a-half inches thick, which could mean that the table could need extra padding to keep for client's comfort. The weight registers in at thirty-two pounds. The table can hold up to four hundred pounds and does not say what the static weight is. The statistics state that a "durable" PU vinyl is the covering. The Stronglite warranty for the table is as follows: "Five year limited on frame, a year on the foam/vinyl".

The second inexpensive table is from a company called AliveE. The "Professional" massage table from this company boasts that one will receive an adjustable headrest, a deluxe carrying case, face pillow, face hole and plug, and rounded corners all for free. The cost of the table is merely $168.00 while on sale; the regular price is $349.00. This seems to be a very reasonable deal but once the specifications are looked at, this table doesn't seem such a great deal.

The table is twenty-eight inches wide, which is two inches under the industry standard. The length is seventy-two inches. It has an adjustable height of twenty-four to thirty-five inches. The foam is three-inch high-density foam, so that is a plus for this table. The weight of the table itself is thirty-four pounds, which could be somewhat heavy to carry. The working weight is six hundred pounds, while the static weight is three thousand pounds. The table covering is "durable" PU leather. AliveE website does not state if they have a warranty on their tables. After sending an email to them and waiting a week, their warranty policy is the following: "All our massage tables comes with 2 year warranty against manufacturer defects against legs and frames.".

The last table that could be considered durable and also economical, depending on the allotment of funds is the EarthLite Harmony III Portable Massage Table. At only $209.00, it could be considered a bargain for such a nice grade table. For this price though, one would only get the table, but it is made with a quality hard maple and it does come from a company that is very reputable. This table also comes in a package for $99 more, which includes the headrest and carrying case.

The width of the Harmony III is twenty-nine inches, which is a mere inch under the industry standard. The length is seventy-three inches long. It has an adjustable height of twenty-three to thirty-four inches. The two-and-a-half inch deluxe foam is also CFC-free. This table is the lightest of the three at twenty-nine and a half pounds and can hold a client up to four hundred and fifty pounds. The covering is a soft vinyl. The Harmony III has the best warranty out of the three tables. The warranty on the frame is described as limited lifetime while the foam and vinyl have a three-year warranty.

All three tables are very close to industry standards but none really have three of the top qualities that are important for the comfort of the client. The AliveE table has a great amount of foam but it only has a warranty on the frame and none on the foam. Another bad thing about this table is the fact that it only has a width of twenty-eight inches. The price for this table is not all that great either. When not on sale the table costs a good deal more than the other two tables.

The Earthlite table has a great warranty on the table and foam. The foam and width are still under the industry standard. The cost of the table is economical but the package deal would be better to purchase as a face rest and carrying case can be expensive.

I think I would chose the Stronglite Standard Table Package. The Stronglite table has a nice warranty on the frame and foam but it does not rival the Earthlite warranty. The cost is very affordable and the package makes it even more of a deal. The width is at the minimum of industry standard. The foam is still a half-inch under the ideal depth and it is somewhat heavy to carry around. This table seems to have the right cost for people who are just starting out in the business of massage therapy.