Looking for the best deal on a portable massage chair? We did the research on portable massage chairs available in the market today and compared them side by side. Compare the features and prices for yourself in the table below. This portable massage chair comparison includes the OneTouch Journey Portable Massage Chair, Oakworks Portal Pro, Earthlite Vortex, Stronglite Ergo-Pro, and Master Massage’s The Bedford™.

Note: All specifications are based on the manufacturer’s stated price and massage chair description at time of posting.

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• Lightweight Aluminum Massage Table Comparison – Chart comparing the OneTouch Ultra-Light and Euro-Light with other aluminum massage tables

Thumb Helper Massage Tool

Using massage tools is a smart way to save your hands, and the fact is that when you use these tools effectively, your clients won’t even know the difference between the feel of your fingers, your knuckles, and a thumb helper or T-bar tool.

Hand Helper Massage Tool

With practice, you will become more sensitive to the tissue’s response, even through the medium of the massage tool. The more skilled you become in using massage tools, the more they will become simply an extension of your own hands.

Your hands are your greatest asset as a massage therapist. If you work them too hard, you may just work yourself out of a job! Reduce the strain on your hands by using your elbows, knuckles, and massage tools for deeper strokes and trigger point work, or even for traditional Swedish massage techniques.

Full-time massage work places strenuous demands on your hands and body. Massage tools are just one way you can keep up with the pace of your work without compromising the health and strength of your body.

After the hefty price tag of tuition and school loans, the cost of purchasing massage equipment may seem overwhelming, but if you start with the essentials and purchase optional equipment as your cash flow increases, the initial expense of starting out as a massage therapist will be easier to cover.

What equipment is considered essential for a massage therapist? Basically, there are four pieces of equipment needed to start out your career:

1. Portable Massage Table
2. Massage Oil
3. Massage Linens
4. Bolster Pillows

1. Portable Massage Table

Renew Portable Massage Table Package

Most students start out with a massage table, then purchase a portable massage chair later on. If you’re strapped for money (along with the majority of recent massage graduates), you might want to follow suit. You can often find a cheap massage table (cheap in price, not in quality) that includes the same features and quality as the more expensive brands.

This still leaves you with the option to upgrade to a more expensive table later in your career, although you just might discover that the “cheap” massage table you purchased to start out your career is just as high quality as the more expensive massage tables on the market.

2. Massage Oil

If you’re starting up your own business, buy massage oil in bulk. If your employer provides massage oil, you can purchase it in smaller amounts to use on the side for word-of-mouth clients and friends and family.

3. Massage Linens

Massage Sheets and Face Cradle Covers
(6-Piece Set)

If you plan on using the face cradle, remember to keep face cradle covers on hand. You can find reusable covers or disposable covers or, in a pinch, you can make your own headrest covers.

If the temperature in the room is on the cool side, you’ll also need a light blanket or two to keep the client warm.

4. Bolster Pillows

Massage bolsters are important for positioning and client comfort. If you need to pick and choose your essential equipment, use regular bed pillows until you can afford bolster pillows.

To save on laundry and the cost of bolster covers, use a pillowcase or slip the bolster underneath the bottom sheet. It takes a little fussing to arrange the sheet over the bolster, but this trick saves you money and laundry. You can also try arranging the bolsters underneath the sheet before the client gets on the table and then moving the bolsters slightly as needed after the client gets situated.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it for essential massage equipment! Depending on your needs, you might want to add a few more items to the list. Some therapists consider a massage stool to be an essential piece of equipment. If you don’t purchase a stool right away, put it at the top of your list of future massage purchases. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes after a full day of massages!

Renew Massage Table Sale $149.99 – Limited Time Only!

Here is your chance to snatch up a great deal on a portable massage table from OneTouch Massage! The Renew Massage Table is perfect for massage students, home users, and professional therapists looking for an affordable massage table that doesn’t compromise on quality.

The Renew comes with a complete massage table package, including an adjustable headrest and pad, a forward arm shelf, and a massage table bag to protect your table on the go. With 2-1/2 inches of luxury foam padding, this table will meet your clients’ standard of comfort without adding excess weight to this portable massage table.

Don’t let this deal pass you by! Click here to buy the Renew Massage Table now for only $149.99!

Disappointed with the success of your massage website? Instead of throwing in the towel, try these 3 quick tips for increasing the effectiveness of your massage website!

1. Include contact information on every page.

   Make it easy for your clients to contact you. Include your phone number, business address, and email address on every page of your website. This tip is also good for higher rankings in local searches on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines. When people search for a massage therapist in your city, your website will be more likely to pop up in the first few results.

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2. Write a personal profile of yourself and any other therapists who work at your business.

   Share your qualifications, training, and personal interests (whether they’re related to massage or not). Let your potential clients get to know you as a person, and they will feel more comfortable calling for an appointment.

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   You can boost your search engine rankings by including keywords related to massage in each therapist profile. For example, include keywords such as any modalities that you specialize in (Reiki, pregnancy massage, Shiatsu, etc.), any unique services you offer (spa treatments, hot stones, etc.) and off-site services such as home massage or corporate massage. People searching for a massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage, for example, will be more likely to find your website.

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3. Update your website regularly.

   Fresh content, whether through a blog or a news page, is important on two different levels. One, it helps your clients stay informed about new services, special offers, and events. And two, it boosts your rankings in the search engines by feeding them fresh content (which they love).

Related Content

• Want more tips on how to improve your massage website? Check out the Massage Your Website article in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork!

The American Massage Therapy Association has just released the results of their annual consumer survey on the state of massage therapy in the U.S.

Americans now get massage for medical reasons as often as they get massage for relaxation, according to the 2009 AMTA survey. The percentage of consumers who receive massage for medical or health-related reasons is almost equal to the percentage of consumers who receive massage for relaxation. Both are just a touch over 30 percent.

Compared to last year, the number of Americans (ages 35-44) who have talked with their medical provider about massage has grown from 14 percent in 2008 to 25 percent in 2009.

This annual consumer research on massage therapy led by the AMTA helps massage therapists and massage students gauge the direction that the industry is headed. You can view the full report on the AMTA website.

Replace threadbare or oil-stained massage sheets with new sheet sets and face cradle covers.

Professional appearance in massage is vital to the success of your business. Here are some tips to make sure that the first impression your client gets is a positive and professional one.

1. Dress For The Occasion

If you employ other therapists at your business, you may want to consider choosing a dress code or spa uniform for a consistent appearance among your employees. If you work solo, keep your dress consistent, whether it’s a casual or trendy look.

Most importantly, wear clothes that are comfortable. You’re going to be moving around, working with your whole body in a room that’s warm for the client’s sake but too warm for physical activity. Wear light clothing that keeps you cool and allows free movement.

2. Keep Your Massage Equipment Up To Date

The appearance of your business will reflect the appearance of yourself as a massage professional. Make sure your décor and massage equipment is clean, appealing, and up to date.

Ripped vinyl on your massage table, threadbare sheets, and oil stains can leave a bad impression even if the service is superb. Keep your massage equipment in the best condition possible, and replace your massage table, sheets, bolsters, and other equipment as necessary.

3. Be Consistent With Your Décor

Choose soothing colors and décor that match the objectives of your massage business. Do you primarily target clients with medical needs? If so, you will want your office to reflect the sanitation and décor of a doctor’s office. Do you primarily attract the spa and relaxation crowd? If so, incorporate a luxury look into your office and massage room.

Be consistent with your décor and marketing materials. It not only reinforces your professional image but it also gives your business a unique look and feel that your clients will begin to recognize.

4. Tidy Up The Office

Get rid of clutter. It’s not only displeasing to the eye but the busyness of clutter makes it hard for your clients to relax and sends the message that you’re unorganized and frazzled. If you work best with an “organized mess,” at least keep it to the back room where clients will never see it.

Conclusion

Most of these tips are common sense, but when you’re focused on the day-to-day business of massage therapy, it’s easy to let things like professional appearance fall through the cracks. Remember that you only have one chance to leave a good first impression! It could make the difference between a returning client and a one-time visit.

With the right care, your inversion table should require very little maintenance. However, there are several things you should do to make sure your table stays in excellent condition and is safe to use.

Follow these inversion table maintenance tips to keep your table in good working order:

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your inversion table.

1. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and other fasteners before the first use and on a regular basis thereafter, such as every three months.
2. Check all moving parts to make sure they move freely with no obstructions.
3. Lubricate all moving parts with a clear aerosol, silicone or Teflon spray. Do not use oil-based lubricants, as these will attract dust, dirt, and grime and will eventually erode the joints and moving parts. Regular lubrication, such as every few months, will keep your inversion table in excellent working condition.
4. Check all parts, including the frame, bed, and other parts, for wear and damage. Check all welds for signs of cracks. If you spot any damage, stop using the inversion table immediately. Do not resume using your inversion table until it has been repaired by a qualified technician.
5. Clean the inversion table bed as often as needed. Wipe down the upholstery with a mild solution of soap and water. Regular cleaning will prolong the life of the upholstery.
6. Clean all chrome surfaces regularly to maintain the sheen of your inversion table frame. Use a commercial grade or automotive chrome polish.
7. Keep your inversion table out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may fade the vinyl and crack the upholstery.
8. Keep your inversion table away from walls and other objects. Leave enough room around the inversion table to rotate freely.

Aspire Massage Table Featured on Page 99 of Massage and Bodywork magazine (Nov/Dec 2009)

The Aspire Portable Massage Table is available in black or cream and includes luxury features such as memory foam wrap, ultra-soft upholstery, and rounded corners for better therapist access. The Aspire is a luxurious, high quality massage table that any therapist would be proud to own. Now available for an unbeatable price of $239.99!

Massage Your Website article featured in Massage & Bodywork | Page 22

You can read the full article, “What’s On the Web: Massage Your Website,” on page 22 of the print version or digital edition of the November/December 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.