My two-year-old little boy recently dropped a cracker on the floor which our dog promptly drooled all over it. As if on cue, my son picked the cracker right back up and popped it in his mouth. Uhhhh. The joys of parenting! This is the type of thing that you simply can’t control. The fact of the matter is that I just couldn’t make it to my son fast enough to grab that cracker. As a parent, I’ve learned to try to control everything I can and to, within reason, shrug off the things I can’t control.

This can also be applied to massage and sanitation. Don’t worry; I’m not planning on boring you with instructions on how to clean your massage table or how often to wash your room’s linens. I do, however, want to address one of those random things that many of us should have a little more control over. What is it? It’s the stuff on your floor. Now, by this, I don’t mean the grime and dust that your clients track in. You can’t control that and – of course – you clean the floors as often as you can. But, you and I both know that lots of icky little germs make their way into your room. No matter how clean you try to keep things, you simply can’t keep a client’s feet out of your massage room. Thus, floor grime (between cleanings) is here to stay.

What you can control is what you expose to that grime (i.e. the things you store on the ground, particularly under your table). Now, I’m not suggesting you don’t store things under your massage table; in fact, it’s often a perfect storage spot and cuts down on visible clutter in your massage room. Here’s what I am suggesting: Use closed containers for anything you keep under your table. Clear plastic bins are affordable and readily available. They also allow you to see their contents without having to open them up and dig through them.

If the clear plastic bin isn’t for you, there are a multitude of other options out there. I beseech you: Explore those options! Keeping things directly on the ground exposes them and, thus, you and your clients to extra germs. You have some control over these germs: Exercise it!

Static Weight

Static weight is exactly that: static and unchanging. It is, essentially, the amount of weight that you can put on a table (without moving around or applying additional pressure) before compromising the integrity of the table (in other words – without breaking it). Most quality massage tables hold a minimum of 2000 lbs. This means that a table with a 2000 lbs. maximum static weight limit can hold 2000 lbs. of “perfectly still” human being.

Working Weight

Working weight has a significantly lower weight threshold than static weight (by approximately one-fourth). Working weight is referred to as dynamic, meaning that it flexes. It applies to the ever-changing pressure placed on a table while in use. As clients move and as your pressure on their bodies changes, working weight applies.

They Matter!

The type of working weight that you require will depend largely on the type of clients that you service and on the type of modalities that you offer. Certain modalities require massage therapists to climb on the table with their clients. Other modalities, like deep tissue, involve rigorous, intense pressure. For those working with obese clients, working weight is immensely important.

While working weight and static weight aren’t going to make or break your business with every client, they are crucial to your ability to work safely in varying modalities with a wide range of clients. Simply put, not paying attention to static and – especially – working weight can cause injury to both you and your client. To me, it simply isn’t worth the risk. So, pay attention to these numbers when purchasing your table. Understanding this difference can truly make a difference!

Upholstery Care

Keep your table out of extreme cold or heat. Believe it or not, extreme temperatures may damage the upholstery of your table. Do not store your table in vehicles, as that could expose it to extreme temperature variations. If you aren’t already doing so, try to transport your table in a carry case at all times. This is a good idea even when storing it. You may not think you are traveling with or storing your table in such a way as to tear the upholstery, but stranger things have happened. Frankly, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Remove day-to-day dirt with a mild soap and water solution. For stubborn stains or to disinfect, use a diluted bleach solution (5:1 water:bleach, for example). Always rinse the surface of your massage table with clean water, and then gently wipe the upholstery down with your diluted bleach solution. Always allow upholstery to dry before using or storing your table.

Armor All® or citrus-based cleansers are generally NOT recommended on your table as they can damage the upholstery. I can’t stress this enough: Don’t experiment with cleaning products! One wrong product can cause irreversible damage to your upholstery. What’s more, that type of damage often voids your upholstery’s warranty. In short, it’s definitely not worth the risk. If you are considering alternative cleaning methods, my advice is to contact the manufacturer.

Repair

Is all already lost? For those of you who have lost the battle with your upholstery (whether through accident or normal wear and tear), there are still options out there. Many reputable table manufacturers will re-upholster tables for a fee. Often, this fee is minimal considering the alternate costs of replacing the table.

Without question, the maintenance and care of your table’s upholstery is crucial to its longevity. Luckily, it takes relatively little time and money to ensure this care occurs. So, keep up to speed on the instructions your manufacturer has provided. A little bit of TLC can keep your upholstery looking like new. And, really, who wouldn’t complain about that?

Add-ons: No, They Aren’t Outdated

Yes, it’s the age-old add-on. People still love add-ons today because they are particularly effective in adding revenue to a service that would have an otherwise fixed price. I encourage you to think outside the box. Add-ons are not only inclusive of the standard foot reflexology treatments or aromatherapy-laced massage lotion. Try a paraffin treatment in lieu of a heated hand or foot mitt. What about a new shell or bamboo massage add-on?

Signature Treatments: The Spice of Service

A step up from the add-on is what I like to call an add-in. Add a few signature pieces to your massage menu to spice it up. You might be surprised how many clients jump at the chance to try something completely new.

Loyalty Programs: Keep ‘Em Coming

If we’ve learned anything from Massage Envy, it’s that loyalty programs are here to stay. People like the idea of frequenting the same businesses. What’s more, loyalty programs are easy to start and to keep up. Just start something. Don’t let a trend of this magnitude pass you by.

Retail! Retail! Retail!

You’ve heard it before, I know. But it deserves repeating. Retail – correction, the right retail – can help bring significant profits to your business. To my mind, the key to this is ensuring that you carry product you believe in. If you believe in it, you’ll recommend it with enthusiasm. Without enthusiasm, it’s likely to gather dust on your shelves.

Massage Equipment: Time for an Upgrade

Yes, you read correctly. Sometimes you have to spend a little to make a little. If your massage equipment is outdated or worn down, chances are the client can feel it. A simple upgrade to the equipment you are using can make a world of difference. Consider something as small as a new table warmer to improve your services. Sometimes it’s the little things that count.

There you have it, a few easy ways to improve your business and, thus, your profits. This list isn’t comprehensive, but it should – I hope – encourage you to step up and take the reins. Your future is, after all, in your hands.

Happy Massaging!

Form and Function

In the world of portable massage chairs, beauty isn’t all it is cracked up to be and form and function reign supreme. Don’t get me wrong, aesthetics is on my list, too. With that said, form and function are of far greater import. After all, they speak to the level of innovation used to build a massage chair and, thus, to its overall quality.

Comfort

No shocker here!Comfort is, unquestionably, of the utmost importance when purchasing a new massage chair. That’s why I encourage you to check out a massage chair’s reviews to see what others are saying about it.Talk to your friends and colleagues in the industry and get their opinions. How comfortable is it? What do their clients say about it? You’ll want that information before you purchase.

Durability

Are you looking for a table that will start falling apart at its hinges within a year? I didn’t think so. A good massage chair should be constructed to last. It should be comprised of hard woods with full-length hinges and quality upholstery. What’s more, the company you’re considering buying from should have a solid, stand-up warranty. In the off-chance that something breaks, you want to be able to work through it with a good warranty.

Aesthetics

It’s hard to deny that aesthetics is an important component in purchasing a new massage chair. And that’s okay. You want to like the way your massage chair looks. But, do some research. Don’t simply purchase the first massage chair that you see and like the look of. Remember that even when you love the look of something, you should never compromise form, function, or comfort for a look you happen to like.

So, there you have it. It isn’t a long list, but it gets – I hope – to the crux of the matter. If you are in the market for a new portable massage chair, look for form, function, comfort, durability and then, look for aesthetics. I hope – no, I believe – that if you look for these things, you’ll end up with good quality every time.

Happy Massaging!

Certainly, there are those who successfully use portable massage chairs as a way to generate new business. If you are one of them, you have my highest high-five and deepest admiration for getting out there and building your clientele. With that said, I now realize that portable massage chairs have much more to offer these days. Here’s what I learned during my fateful conversation with Bruce:

In a challenging economy, massage therapists who have long sought out the stability of large spas and franchises are turning to chair massage as a regular part of their business (not just as the lead generation tool I mentioned earlier). And why not? The benefits of chair massage are virtually endless. Chair massage is less expensive for the client, allowing many longtime traditional massage clients an option to continue regular massage when they otherwise might not be able to afford it. What’s more, portable massage chairs are a great way to introduce new clients to massage. There are a certain number of people who simply aren’t comfortable undressing for massage. Chair massage offers these clients a viable, modest alternative. For the massage therapist, this opens up a whole new potential client base.

Look around you the next time you’re out. Owner-operated seated massage clinics are popping up everywhere. You’ll see portable massage chairs in shopping malls, attached to medical and chiropractic offices, and in the lobbies of office buildings. Clearly, people are catching onto this “wave of the future” as Bruce calls it. The question: Will you catch the wave or will you let it pass you by?

I was recently asked to write a piece about the benefits of bolsters (yup bolsters!). In the spirit of honesty, I have to admit that I wondered quite how much I would be able to come up with. After all, a bolster is a bolster is a bolster. Right? Well, not necessarily. After a bit of outside research and some personal consideration, I’ve developed a newfound respect for our cushy little friends. Here’s the gist of what I learned (much of it rediscovered) in the process:

Bolsters have the ability to dramatically improve the comfort of a massage client. What’s more, bolsters help support practitioners in their goals for a bodywork session. There is more than one right way to use a bolster and bolsters vary in quality and innovation of design. Because clients are unique in their needs, their experiences with bolsters will be unique as well. It’s important to remember that the “norm” may not be ideal for every client. Practice and experimentation (within reason and based on the client’s comfort) are the two things that will – pardon the pun – truly “bolster” your long-term success.

At the end of the day, bolsters are all about comfort. Luckily, the massage therapist’s job is all about comfort, too. That makes the bolster (a seemingly innocuous prop) a crucial tool for the massage therapist. I chalk it up to this: bolsters improve client comfort and the more comfortable your client is, the better his or her massage experience will be. And that, my friends, can only serve to enhance your business. I’m pretty sure we call that a win-win.

Getting yourself known is key.  A massage puts people in a vulnerable position. If your prospective clients have already met you and seen you, then they will immediately feel much more comfortable in choosing you. So get yourself out there and get known! To do this you must think creatively and take advantage of every opportunity to get out there, to meet people one on one, to offer a sample of your services and to hand out your business cards by the bucketful.

Contact businesses in your area. Many large and small companies have wellness programs. Get on the phone, speak to human resources and offer to come to the worksite as part of their wellness program and give ten or fifteen minute massages to their employees. It’s a win win for you and for the business that lets you in: they get happy employees; you get to meet people and demonstrate your skills.

Try contacting local schools. Lots of schools have special teacher appreciation days or weeks. Call them up, offer your services, grab your massage table and go! Teachers work hard, they deserve a massage to  feel appreciated and you will find a whole new client base.

Rent a space at your local street fairs or art fairs. Booth rentals are often relatively inexpensive for these smaller events and they are a great way to meet a lot of people in a short amount of time. Offer just quick foot or hand massages for those events and you’ll be surprised at how many people remember you and use that business card next time they need a massage.

Try flu shot clinics at your area grocery store. While people wait they can enjoy a quick seated massage and you can make a number of new clients quickly!

Offer your services and your self for charity auctions and events. Don’t just donate a gift certificate, but offer to go there too – pack up your portable massage table and set up in a corner for short massages and then watch the bidding war for your services!

So think creatively,  get yourself out there and get yourself known. When the phone starts ringing off the hook, you will be glad you did!

1.    Help you sleep better
2.    Improve your everyday performance
3.    Alleviate chronic pain naturally

Sleep

Study after study has shown that undergoing routine massage therapy sessions helps people to obtain a deeper level of sleep than they would otherwise have. The total relaxation achieved during massage is largely to thank for this phenomenon, but pain relief is also a factor: many people who suffer from insomnia also suffer from chronic pain or restless leg syndrome. Both of these conditions are alleviated through routine massage: an occasional treatment on your massage table simply will not do the trick.

Everyday Performance

In these dark economic times, stress levels are at an all-time high. High levels of stress impede everyday performance both on the job and in our personal lives more than just about any other factor. Rather than turn to expensive and unhealthy medications, your clients can instead use the holistic methods inherent in massage therapy philosophy and techniques to achieve drastically reduced levels of stress. Again, this does not come from occasional visits to massage tables: this can only come through routine massage treatments.

Chronic Pain Treatment

Routine massage targeted toward pain relief can actually save your clients money through reduced need for medications and associated high health care costs. Even medical professionals agree: Researcher Adam Perlman, MD says that, “Ultimately, massage may be shown to lessen a patient’s reliance on medications and decrease health care costs. Our hope is to show that this treatment is not only safe and effective, but cost effective.” In this day and age, holistic treatments are finally getting the respect they deserve: but clients need to be educated about their benefits.

You can be an effective salesman for your profession: work the benefits of routine massage into your conversations with your clients whenever possible, and you will help them understand that their regular visits with you are not luxuries- they are necessities for overall wellness.

2. Our relationships pay off for you: We’ve been in business a long time, and have spent years and years cultivating strong working relationships with our manufacturers and suppliers. As a result, they are often willing to give us amazing deals on the very same quality equipment you would pay a lot more for elsewhere: and that saves you money!

3. Low price guarantee: We offer the lowest prices on our products that you’ll find anywhere on the net and we guarantee it. In fact, we are so confident of this fact that you can return any of our products for any reason within 30 days and get your money back. You will be simply amazed at our low prices: and that saves you money!

4. Lifetime warranties: Most of our massage table and other fine equipment come with lifetime manufacturer warranties. When you buy no-name brands from other sites or from general discounters, chances are you won’t be covered if something goes wrong. Having effective warranties in place means that you won’t have to replace your important equipment all the time: and that saves you money!

5. One-stop shopping: Why waste money traveling all over town trying to find the very best massage tables when you can find them online quickly and easily at Massage Table Outlet.com? Our comprehensive website is easy to navigate, and all products are clearly pictured and have detailed descriptions too– so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for without wasting your valuable time: and that saves you money!

At Massage Table Outlet.com, we know saving money is important to you; and we are committed to providing you with the high quality products you need at a price to fit any sized budget: shop with us today and see how we’re different from all the rest.