The Industry Stress reduction and relaxation is an ever growing industry. As people become more aware of diseases, they also become more serious in preventing whatever illnesses that may come their way. This change in mindset grew significantly in 2013 according to J. Walter Thompson's, a renowned advertising firm. This data was further supported in the 2013 report by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) which stated that despite the economic uncertainty in the US, the industry is still worth 8 to 10 billion dollars. The massage therapy profession is also expected to increase by twenty percent until the year 2020. This is faster than average for all the other occupations. If you're not a Reiki practitioner or a massage therapist, don't fret. This write-up isn't just for practitioners. Anyone who wants to buy a massage table for personal or business use can read this guide so that he or she can choose the one that's bang-for-the-buck. We all want our money's worth after all.
Choosing Your Table There are several things that you have to keep in mind when choosing a massage table. Each of these considerations will ultimately help you find the table that's right for you. Frame Construction Would you prefer that the table is made of wood or aluminum? In Reiki, for example, the frame construction is considered because metal and wood have different attributes in energy healing. Nevertheless, aluminum is evidently lighter and more portable. If you intend to move the table around more often or do regular outcalls in your profession, then an aluminum frame construction makes more sense. Then again, they are difficult to find and may cost a lot.
Dimensions The standard portable massage table dimension is 72 inches long and 30 inches wide. This translates to 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. If you feel like you're taller or your clients are larger, you can extend your table using face cradles and arm rests. There are also "professional sizes" that are more than 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. As for the height, most massage tables nowadays have adjustable height. Weight Limit Massage tables reach their breaking point when they can't handle the weight. That's why manufacturers often indicate the static weight and the working weight limit of the table in their brochures. Static weight simply means that the table can handle the load in a stationary position, for instance, when the client is lying down. On the other hand, working weight is the total weight applied by both the client and the therapist. Most massage tables have a working weight limit of 450 lbs. More expensive ones claim to hold up to 600 lbs. Endplates Endplates are found at both ends of the table. They can be easily spotted because that's where manufacturers print their brand name. At first glance, you would think that endplates are just for show. No, they're not. Their primary use is to help support the massage table so that it is not shaky during use. Endplates have heights reaching one foot and are placed in the upper or middle area of the legs. However, many practitioners, particularly Reiki professionals, sit down during a session and need to get their knees under the table. In this case, a Reiki endplate is used. This type of endplate has a U-shape opening which allows space for both knees. Plenty of manufacturers include Reiki endplates, but make sure to read the fine print if you need this feature. Foam Thickness The minimum thickness of most massage tables today is 2 inches. Some would argue that it is too thin while others claim that it is acceptable. It will likely depend on the person's weight. A few brands offer a foam thickness of up to 4 inches, but the most common out there will have a thickness of 2.5 inches. The foam is usually high density and is covered in either vinyl leather or PU leather.
The Value of User Reviews Once you've chosen that massage table that you think fits your needs, don't push that Checkout button right away. The next step is to read the user reviews. Reviews are so important because many of them are from like-minded people who have used the product. I usually read the perfect reviews first and then proceed with the 1-star critiques. This way, I get to see the extremes of both sides. When you've read enough feedback, certain keywords or key phrases usually emerge, such as heavy or flimsy headrest. If these words or phrases pop up repeatedly, then you can assume that you'll likely encounter the same if you went ahead with that particular table.
Most Popular Massage Tables in 2014 So, without further ado, here are the top 3 most sought after massage tables for this year: BestMassage Premium All Inclusive Complete Portable Massage Table Package This package includes everything you need to get started as a massage or Reiki practitioner. Along with the table, it also includes a set of sheets and accessories. The table has a padding thickness of 2.5 inches and is covered in PU leather. This material prevents oil and water from seeping into the foam. The table's dimensions are 6.2 feet long and 2.3 feet wide. The included face cradle can add up to 10 inches to the table's length. What's amazing about this massage table is that despite its low price, it's surprisingly stable (which means that it doesn't wobble). Combine that with a bunch of extra accessories, and you have a win-win package. Then again, a table marketed for novices also has shortcomings. For instance, the sheets don't last long and the carry bag can easily tear apart after some time. Regardless, you can purchase more durable third party table sheets and carry cases later on. BestMassage U9 Reiki Portable Massage Table The U9 is a unique table because of its reclining head section. There are very few massage tables that include such a feature. Most of the time, they recline by adjusting the height of the other half of the table. This isn't really ideal since the height imbalance may cause the client to eventually fall out of position. Moreover, the U9 is 6 feet long and 2.25 inches wide. Most owners say that it is a great deal for home use. Earthlite Harmony DX Portable Massage Table Earthlite is a premiere player in the industry and is known for its high quality massage tables. The company knows its customers well and has manufactured a plethora of products that cater to every practitioner's needs - from face cradle covers to table warmers. This particular massage table is used by beginners and institutions alike. You can probably see it used in
schools, sports team practice venues and spa centers. The brand is truly an industry standard. No wonder the Harmony DX is a best seller even if the price is steep. Practitioners know that they're buying something that will last for years. If you're short on funds now and would want to upgrade when you've earned enough, this would be the table to have. It's very sturdy and easy to use. For a complete listing of the best rated massage tables today, go to the Massage Table Ranking Chart of Reiki Table Reviews.