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!

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?

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!

Electric Lift Tables

Electric lift tables are massage tables that utilize mechanical and electrical components to create a bed that can automatically adjust with the touch of a button. For many years tables could not be adjusted and changing your table settings for a different client was near impossible. But since many massage therapists treat a wide variety of clients, including special needs clients, they need a table that can be quickly and easily adjusted. Especially for individuals who are overweight, pregnant or elderly an easily adjusted table can come in extremely handy. Another advantage of the electric lift massage table is the fact that it can be placed into positions unknown to the stationary massage table.

Stationary Spa and Salon Tables

These are the most common tables found in your average salon or spa. Since these tables rarely need to be moved they are very heavy, but what they lack in portability they make up for in comfort and strength. Spa and salon massage tables can hold a great deal of weight, far more than the average stationary massage table. Since comfort is the highest priority in massage spa and salon massage tables are very comfortable. Many of them have extra layers of comfort making these tables a deeply luxurious experience. Another notable feature of a spa or salon massage table is the inclusion of helpful features such as built-in cubbies, electrical outlets, shelving and more.

Spa and Salon Table Packages

If you are serious about purchasing a spa/salon massage table then you should consider buying a package. When the equipment comes in a package you are going to get a better deal. Many of the spa and salon table packages come with a complete set of accessories and necessary massage tools. Since spa and salon massage tables are not cheap it is advisable to go this route because you save on the table and get loads of other useful things. For the cost a spa and salon table package is the best way to go.

As you can see there are a variety of tables to choose from, each with their own set of pro’s and con’s. It is important to plan carefully before you purchase your spa and salon massage table. Consider your needs and your future needs, your budget, your space requirements and you will have a good idea of what type of table you will need.

The Massage Table Outlet has everything that the home enthusiast would need to not give but receive a great massage using only the best equipment and tools. With a full array of quality massage tables, massage chairs, massage oils and creams from well known manufactures, we are well equipped to provide anyone with these great products.

Check out our extensive inventory by visiting our website and browsing through our inventory. This Valentines day give the gift of life – Give a massage table. OK that is a bit of a stretch but a quality massage table will certainly provide years of enjoyment.

Questions to ask yourself

Do you massage special needs clients?

Will you need to move your massage table or chair?

What kind of clients will you have MOST of the time?

Are you working at more than one location?

How long do you want your table/chair to last?

Stronglite Standard+ Portable Massage Table Package

This is the preferred table for massage therapists on the go. Whether you’re a corporate or home massage therapist this massage table has all the great features you’ve come to expect from Stronglite. This particular table has everything a standard table would plus rounded corners, triple wrap foam and open endplates. Made from a hardwood frame and birch plywood table top this table with offer the durability and strength you need. It also has a patented cradle lock system which allows it to lie flat on the floor for a shiatsu massage. The padding is made from PU vinyl so you know it will last along time, and if you can find a package online you will also get a carrying case, adjustable face rest, and one of the best warranties around. Under the warranty your frame will last 5 years and your foam and vinyl is covered for a full year.

Earthlite Calistoga Stationary Massage Table

The Calistoga series of massage table is one of the most popular stationary massage tables on the market. Clients and massage therapists alike love the comfort and convenience that comes with the Calistoga series tables from Earthlite. When you buy a Calistoga series chair you will understand why they’re recognized for comfort, style, functionality and most importantly performance. This particular table comes with a neck roll, side armrests, foot rests, and a salon style pillow. This table comes with a wide variety of tilt adjustments and can hold about 450lbs. Being one of the few chairs with a storage cabinet and a lifetime warranty its not a surprise that the Calistoga series of massage tables is phenomenally popular.

Stronglite Ergo-Pro Portable Massage Chair Package

If you’re looking for ergonomics and high value then you need to seriously consider buying the Stronglite Ergo-Pro massage chair. This chair is designed for comfort and can fit all body types. If you have special needs clients like the elderly, overweight, sick or pregnant than this chair is an excellent way to go. And considering its price it is perhaps the best valued massage chair available. This chair can hold up to 600lbs of weight and all of its features make massage a cinch. The weight of the chair is only 19lbs making transport simple. There are height adjusting chair legs, knee rests that are removable and an adjustable seat which helps larger clients or those with sensitivity in the knees. If you can find a package for this chair on the internet jump on it right away.

]]> http://www.massagetableoutlet.com/massage-table-blog/choosing-massage-table/feed/ 76076 http://www.massagetableoutlet.com/massage-table-blog/massage-tables-international-verses-domestic/ http://www.massagetableoutlet.com/massage-table-blog/massage-tables-international-verses-domestic/#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 22:09:11 +0000 Massage Table Outlet http://www.massagetableoutlet.com/massage-table-blog/massage-tables/massage-tables-international-verses-domestic/ There has been much controversy recently about quality verses price, domestic verses international, etc. All as it relates to the manufacturing of quality massage tables and massage chairs. There are a number of ways to look at this issue. Let’s explore a few:

Manufacturing Quality – There was a time a few years back where everything being manufactured overseas was perceived as being low budget and worthless. That couldn’t be further from the truth these days. Yes there is a pride factor associated with buying US but the “poor quality” argument doesn’t hold much weight any longer. That being said there are still manufactures in Asia that produce terrible quality products. They however don’t end up having anything to do with our quality driven products. We maintain a very strict quality control of all imported component materials.

Competitive Pricing – In this day and age where labor costs, taxation, union benefits, high overhead, aggressive taxation, a rising minimum wage and a hundred other pricing factors are all part of the cost of doing business here in the United States. Yes we would certainly prefer to buy from U.S manufactures and we do, however we have found that a balance of US and Offshore component gathering puts the Massage Table Outlet in a position of not only being a leader in the distribution of top quality massage table, massage chair and massage accessories at rock bottom prices.

At the Massage Table Outlet we welcome the competition because with our buying power it will be very difficult for any other massage table company to match our prices let alone beat them. So for a large inventory and great selection of everything from Portable Massage Tables, Stationary Massage Tables, Massage Table Packages, Portable Massage Chairs, Massage Desktoppers and  Massage Chair Packages.

We also have one of the largest selections of Massage Supplies in the industry including Sheets and linens, Massage Oils and Creams, Bolsters, Aromatherapy, Carrying Cases, Stools

Stop by our site sometime and take a look at our great prices and large selection.

With quality manufactures such as Earthlite, Inner Strength and Astra-Lite we are prepared to provide anything needed by the professional Massage Therapist for their in office appointments or even the ones where they take their equipment on the road for the busy executive that can’t break away, but willing to pay extra for the delivery service.

Check back to this blog often for humorous stories, great massage tips, new products and innovative additions to existing inventory. As the market continues to change and the average person who is stressed out to the max needs a solution. New Massage Therapists will be needed and they each will be able to find all the massage supplies they need at the Massage Table Outlet.