Before you professionally engage in massage, you need to choose the right massage table. Sizes, weight, type, type, height, materials - all these characteristics must be studied and correctly selected. In the article, we will consider how to choose the right massage table, which will be convenient not only for the master, but also for all clients.
The buyer should understand that an ordinary couch will not be an excellent substitute for a massage table. It can not be adjusted in height, physique of the client. In addition, it will not be as convenient as a professional fixture. Therefore, the table should be primarily convenient and reliable.
Height
The table that the masseur reaches with his fingertips will be most convenient. The height can be more / less by 5 cm. Such a characteristic will allow not only to easily massage, but also reduce the load on the lower back. When choosing the dimensions of the massage table, you need to pay attention to the height adjustment mechanism. The step should not be more than 10 cm. Ideally, it should be about 4-5 cm. If the height is chosen incorrectly, then massage will be difficult and inconvenient. Some folding tables have a fine adjustment of this value, which allows you to adjust the device for a specific massage therapist.
Width and length
The dimensions of the massage table also play an important role. The width should be about 60-75 cm. In 95% of cases, it is always enough. If the massage is aimed at overweight people, then a table with a width of 85 cm is suitable. Ideally, you need to purchase two tables for people of different complexions.
The length should be about 190 cm with a headrest. Experts advise to purchase a model with a length of 200-210 cm in order to provide a pleasant session for people of high stature.
Weight
You can purchase both a folding massage table and a stationary one. You must always pay attention to its weight. If the model is portable, then its weight should not exceed 20 kg. Otherwise, it will be difficult not only to transfer, but also to fold. Many experts prefer devices weighing up to 11 kg.
Load
Not only the dimensions of the massage table are important, but also its exposure. The maximum load indicator is the weight under which the table will not warp, and move in different directions. It should be noted that manufacturers always overestimate this indicator. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account deviations of 10-15 kg when selecting.
Eyelets
Not only the correctly selected dimensions of the massage table will help to facilitate and make it more pleasant. Be sure to choose the device that has either a headrest with a hole, or a hole in the face table itself.
Eyelets are not necessary under the chest, however, if a girl with a size of 2.5 or more comes to the session, she will experience discomfort. Women with breasts over 4.5 sizes will refuse services altogether. For pregnant women, eyelets are needed both under the stomach and under the chest. In the latter case, holes are also necessary if the girl is nursing.
When buying, it is best to choose a table that has eyelets for the chest, stomach and face. It costs a little more, but customer coverage will be greater.
Material
All massage tables are upholstered with faux leather. It must be of high quality. If you use options from the fabric, then after a while the device will become worthless. The leatherette should have a neutral smell. At the moment, there are a lot of options that are most similar to genuine leather. Often use ecoskin arpatek. This material is soft and pleasant to the touch.
Most often, vinyl upholstery is used. Such synthetic leatherette is now quite popular. This is due to the fact that it is strong, has a long service life, and is resistant to water and oils. One of the minuses is that it is easy to wipe with regular use.
The polyurethane upholstery in its properties is more reminiscent of leather. Pleasant and soft. Good quality. Has cons: prohibited contact with water and oils. They harm the upholstery.
Arpatek is considered a premium upholstery. It is often used to create expensive models. It is considered hygienic. There are no pores and microcracks.
Synthetic materials are often used as filler. They must be tight and resilient. Ideally, the filler should perfectly remember the shape of the body of each client. This will maximize massage comfort. The height of the filler should not be less than 4 cm.
Moisture resistance
Knowing what dimensions of the massage table is the standard for this type of device, you can pay attention to other important characteristics. The table should be lined with material that will be easy to clean due to minimal moisture. If you plan to do massage in the sauna, bathhouse or near the pool, it is best to purchase the model that is designed for this. Otherwise, the table will suffer from moisture, and not only its cover, but also other elements will be damaged.
Arm Holders
Depending on the size of the massage table, the coasters can be located either under the headrest or at the surface level. Due to them, you can relax the hands of the client. In the absence of coasters, nothing dangerous will happen, but it’s more convenient for both the masseur and the client.
The use of oils
If the masseur plans to conduct a session using oils, then the device should have special sides or grooves. In this case, the dimensions of the massage table will increase by 5-8 cm. If there is a side, then the oil simply will not drip onto the floor. If there is a groove, it will drain into the desired capacity. The first option is considered more convenient, so such tables are more popular.
Sections
A portable massage table can be two-, three-section. The first stack only for transportation. During massage sections are not involved. In a three-sectional version, the part on which the client places his legs rises.
Support
The massage table can be made of steel, bamboo, wood and aluminum. The latter option is considered more practical. This is due to the fact that such tables are durable, weigh a little and when broken they are easiest to repair. Wooden and bamboo tables are not so durable, so they will have to be handled carefully. Steel is considered the most reliable, but such tables are quite heavy. Therefore, they fail only if the masseur is a man.
Manufacturers
Many advise American and Japanese firms. For example, Anatomico produces good folding massage tables. They have an extensive assortment, so choosing the right option will not be difficult. If we talk about domestic options, it is better to find the best combination of price and quality that is not possible anywhere else.
Models of US MEDICA and YAMAGUCHI manufacturers are made in Europe and Asia, you should not count on first-class quality. However, they are comfortable and have a good design.
Warranty
Brand warranty always lasts at least one year. Some manufacturers extend this period to 36 months. Massage tables are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to prove the fault of the seller or manufacturer in the existence of certain defects, even during the examination.
Stationary table
Stationary massage tables are purchased for installation in spas, clinics or beauty salons. This is due to the fact that the device is quite heavy and unsuitable for transportation. Of the benefits - stability. Some models may transform. Due to this, they can be used not only for massage, but also other cosmetic procedures.
Folding table
Folding massage table is most often purchased by specialists who go to do massage at home. Often such a device is bought by customers who invite masters to themselves. When the procedure is completed, the table can be folded and put into the closet. Such models also often acquire small salons.
In addition, due to the size of the folding massage table, it can be folded and unfolded quite quickly, there will be no problems. Such models make it easy to adjust the height of each individual leg, which allows you to set the table even on uneven surfaces.
Types of tables: which one to choose
Before buying a particular model, you should deal with some nuances. The main question: where and why will the table be used. When it comes to home use or home visits to clients, a folding massage table is ideal. This option will be as convenient as possible. To work in the cabin you will need a stationary option. If you plan to use it only for massage, it is best to choose a single-section table. Such a device allows you to only lie on the table. This option will be much cheaper than multi-section options. But if there is a desire to use the table also for other cosmetic procedures, it is best to prefer a two-, three-section option. Such models can easily turn into a chair. Often these options are created with an electric drive. This allows you to change the configuration of the chair in just a few seconds.
Prices
The cheapest, but high-quality portable massage tables sell for 15 thousand rubles. For example, the lightweight options from US Medica Samurai, in which the headrest is adjustable in height and the armrests are removed, will cost exactly that price. More expensive models can cost from 40 thousand rubles. The premium version of Anatomico Verona is sold for 50 thousand rubles. However, for this cost, the buyer receives a three-section table, which can withstand up to 350 kg.
Stationary options cost from 60 thousand rubles and above. The most affordable model is considered US Medica Atlant. This table has additional pillows, a multilayer filler. Tightening is carried out from the arpatek. More expensive models can cost 180 thousand rubles. But for that kind of money, this is not a table, but a chair that can transform with the help of an electric drive.
DIY table. What tools are needed
Below is a drawing with the dimensions of the massage table. Using it, you can effortlessly make the device yourself. What tools will be needed?
- Hacksaw, which allows you to work with metal, make small cuts.
- Hacksaw for wood. She can grind the ends, cut grooves. The model should have small teeth.
- A circular saw. It is advisable that it be with an inclined disk. Thanks to it, you can cut the bars. You can use it in any room, unlike a stationary machine.
- Drill. She needs to make holes in the details.
- Drill. They should be suitable for working with wood. Such drills have a special sharpening, which makes it easier to work with the material.
- Screwdriver. In the process, you will need to work with self-tapping screws.
- Mallet. This tool will allow you to work with wood.
- Chisel. She creates a black selection of grooves.
- Jigsaw. It should have a guiding element. Allows you to cut parts from solid wood.
- Stapler construction type. It will be needed for upholstery on the table with leather.
- Stationery knife.
- Roulette (ruler).
- Building pencil.
- Building corner.
DIY table: materials
To create a stationary or folding massage table you will need certain materials. Consider those that are necessary for work:
- Plywood. Must be polished. It is necessary to take two sheets with dimensions of 60 x 90 x 0.9 cm.
- Bars, which are necessary for the manufacture of legs. Length 18 m, dimensions 2 x 5 cm.
- Foam rubber. We need to take two sheets 60 x 90 x 0.5 cm in size.
- Faux leather (real leather or other material). The sheet should have dimensions 110 x 210 cm.
- Hinges of the piano type. Need 14 pieces (1.8 x 5 cm).
- Furniture type screws 1.5 cm long.
- Self-tapping screws (2, 3.5 and 4.5 cm).
- Glue. PVA will do. Needs 0.5 L
- 600 grit sandpaper.
DIY table assembly
Stage 1. First you need to make the countertop layout. On each plywood, it is necessary to mark a piece of 60 x 90 cm and cut out the details. You need to use a jigsaw. The ends should be treated with sandpaper. This will remove the burrs and make the surface smooth. On that plywood sheet, which will be the front part, a cutout for the face should be noted. Its dimensions are 18 by 11 cm. It can also be cut with a jigsaw. Edges need to be processed with sandpaper. Below is a drawing with dimensions.
2 stage. After the cover is made, you need to make a frame. To do this, take a beam measuring 2 by 5 cm. From it you need to make 4 different segments. In length, they should be 90 cm. 4 more pieces of timber will be needed, but their length should be 55 cm. Using self-tapping screws (4.5 cm), you need to connect the boards to make a frame. Its dimensions are 90 by 60 cm. Measurements must be done at the outer ends. Before connecting the segments, you need to make holes with a depth of 3 mm. Due to this, the wood will not crack. To the frames you need to attach the front part of the countertop made at the first stage. To do this, use self-tapping screws 2 cm long.
3 stage. Need to finish the top cover. It is treated with glue, and foam rubber is neatly laid on top. After the PVA dries, you need to put a second sheet of material. When the glue is completely dry, you need to cut the oval for the face and remove the remnants of the material along the edges. Now you can tighten the leatherette. It needs to be fixed on the countertop. At the same time, foam rubber should not be highly compressed. The edge of the material needs to be folded and wound behind the resulting frame. Using a stapler, you need to sew it with it for fixing. The pitch of the stitch is 0 mm. For convenience, it is better to fasten the material first in length and then in width. At the corners it is necessary to fix the leather substitute so that there are no folds.
4th stage. Below is a diagram by which you need to collect the first two blanks of legs. The most difficult for self-made table to achieve the most even cut and, accordingly, stability. The table should never be loose. The cut should be neat and accurate.
Below is a diagram by which the following supports are assembled. After their manufacture, you need to connect the first and second pair of legs with screws. The result is two identical sets of supports. There should not be distortions.
5 stage. It is necessary to connect all the details. Hinges should be located on the inner frames right in the corner of the structure. After that, you need to fix them and install the supports. To check the design, you can first fasten the loop to only one self-tapping screw. All joints should be easy to fold and not jam.
6 stage. It is necessary to create struts that will improve the stability of the table. Below is a diagram. You need to take a loop and connect two bars of 530 mm each. The ends must be connected to the short part of the table legs.
This completes the assembly of the table.
DIY table: time and cost
Faux leather will cost 400 rubles. (one sheet). Two sheets of plywood can be purchased for 700 rubles., 18 m of timber will cost 300 rubles. Two sheets of foam can be bought for 2400 rubles. Piano loops are sold for 700 rubles. (all 14 pieces).
Creating an entire table will take no more than four hours. This table is ideal for massage, given that the financial and time costs for it are minimal.