You’ve just finished your training as a massage therapist, you’ve got your license in hand and you’re ready to go out into the world and help improve people’s lives as well as your own. Good for you! As you know, having empathy, good communications skills, physical strength and extensive knowledge of your trade are great foundations for a successful massage therapy career; but the practical aspects of getting started are just as important to your long-term success. Here are the 5 essential pieces of equipment every new massage therapist needs to get off on the right foot.

1. Portable Massage Table

Even if you have already gotten a permanent position in a spa that is overflowing with good stationary massage tables, you should get your own portable massage table. There will definitely be times when you will need to take your work with you to another location: you may find that you can pick up a lot of business on the side by going to private homes and doing massages there, for example. A portable massage table is relatively inexpensive, usually costing under $500, but it will be a vital piece of equipment for you to own. Make sure to purchase a quality one that is solid yet light and easy to transport.

2. Linens

As a good and caring massage therapist you know that your clients’ comfort is your first concern. Everything that comes into contact with their skin should be soft and inviting. Although you may be tempted to bypass quality in favor of lower price, do not scrimp on your choice of linens. Good quality cotton linens will withstand repeated washings while cradling your clients in luxury. Choose long-fibered cotton for extra softness and invest in a fleece pad for underneath when the weather is chilly. Make sure you have lots of clean sets on hand at all times.

3. Bolsters

You will soon find out that most of your clients are not young and spry and need extra help to feel comfortable on your massage table. Bolsters almost act as an extra arm for you as they assist in keeping clients in the right positions to release their muscle and joint pain. There are a variety of different shapes and sizes to choose from: the decision is yours on which might be best.

4. Lotions and Oils

Getting gently slathered in lotion or oil during a massage is one of the favorite parts of the experience for many clients. Of course, such products also help you to do a better job by allowing your hands to glide effortless across backs and shoulders. Here are some characteristics to look for when choosing your lotions and oils.

• The best products are water soluble so that they are easily washed off afterwards
• They should be easily absorbed into a client’s skin, avoiding that sticky feeling
• You should keep an assortment of both scented and fragrance-free products to accommodate any clients who may have sensitivities or allergies
• Oils and lotions should come available in economical sizes to save you money. You will be going through a lot of product all the time!

5. Music and Aromatherapy Products

Setting the right mood is essential to the relaxation process that is part of any good massage. Playing soft music is soothing and is a proven method for calming clients and helping them to let their stress go and relax their muscles. Many clients may have a hard time knowing if they should talk or not during a massage: playing soft music takes the pressure off of clients and they will not feel as if they have to hold a conversation if they don’t want to. Using aromatherapy products can be another lovely way to put clients in a calm place: have them on hand but always ask clients first before using them.

Hopefully, you will find great fulfillment and career satisfaction as a licensed massage therapist. Equipping yourself with the essentials right from the start will definitely help make your transition into the massage therapy world easier.