If you’re shopping around for a massage table, you might notice that most of the product descriptions include a working weight limit and a static weight limit. The type of modalities you offer and the type of clients you work with will be important factors in deciding how high the weight limits need to be.

The Renew Portable Massage Table has a
working weight of 500 pounds.

Working weight applies to weight that is dynamic or changing. For example, as the client turns over from the prone position into the supine position, working weight is applied to the table. Another example of working weight is the force applied by the therapist during massage. Deep tissue massage and other forms that involve more vigorous techniques apply a greater amount of working weight to the table.

For certain modalities, such as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, the therapist must climb onto the massage table with the client. In this case, working weight is VERY important, both for the safety of the client and for your own safety. It’s also important if you work with obese clients. The changing pressure of massage strokes and compressions may exceed the working weight limit if the client’s weight is already near the working limit.

Note that the working weight limit generally assumes that the weight is distributed evenly over the table and is not concentrated solely at the head or foot end of the table.

Looking for a new massage table? Check out these customer reviews on the Professional Series Massage Table.

Love this table! Much better quality than I had hoped for given the excellent price. - D. Kendall

I purchased this table about a month ago, mainly to give massages to my wife, and so far have been very happy with it. My main plan was to give massages, but I have also been receiving them, so that is a bonus!

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The table is very sturdy, stable and comfortable. The only downside, I guess, would be that it is fairly heavy. So it wouldn’t be very convenient if I was planning on moving it around a lot, or taking it from place to place to give massages. But then, I knew when I bought it, it wasn’t one of the lightest available, and the price is/was very reasonable. Highly recommended!

- C. Miller

Love this table! Much better quality than I had hoped for given the excellent price. Very pleased.

- D. Kendall

Awesome professional quality massage table! Thrilled with it! Super comfortable, superb quality! Better than expected for the price! Fast shipping, just in time for Christmas, just as promised. Totally recommend this if you want a high quality table! The cushion is dense and comfortable! Sturdy and holds a 265 lb. person with ease. Length is great for tall people. Very happy with this product.

- Gloria

Massage Table Warmers
by OneTouch

Just got my table warmer and it makes the massage experience much more pleasant from the start.

Very happy with the speed of getting the warmer, I did have a question on the control feature and called for help… they were helpful and courteous. Will get more of these warmers!

- Deb

This table warmer is a great value and very comfortable for clients. The timed settings are very helpful and allow for pre-heating before a client arrives. The materials are very nice–better even than the more expensive “big name brands” product. This warmer is very highly recommended.

- GXS

It lets you choose your temperature, choose how long you want it on, it is padded, soft and comfortable. What else does anyone need? It is the best.

- “DreamCatcher”

This item fits perfectly on my table and doesn’t slide. Automatic shutoff is great so you can relax without worrying about whether or not you left it on.

- Gary

Reviews by professional therapists on the Deluxe Portable Massage Table from OneTouch Massage.

I am thrilled with the quality of this table! - Dorothy M.

This table is great! I can make various adjustments, and it is very professional looking. I had a tiny problem, and the company fed ex’ed out a replacement, so quick!! I actually had a very large client yesterday, and the table was very solid, and didn’t creak! I know the tables have weight limits, but seems like a lot of bigger guys come to me, and I feel confident with this table. I did a pregnancy massage and could raise one end of table for her comfort, and it increased my business with her referrals.

I would buy this, and I’d pay more $$$, definite!

- Laura Peterson

I will be using this table for reiki treatments. I am thrilled with the quality of this table! It is sturdy, and very comfortable. When folded and put in storage bag, it would be difficult for me to use this as a truly transportable table, but only because I am very short… But overall, I am absolutely thrilled with this table, especially considering the cost of it! They come in different colors too.

- Dorothy M.

It is heavier than the ones we use at school, but it is longer and wider too; it is, however, sturdy and just as comfortable.

- N. Bertolero

What makes a massage table earth-friendly?

The earth-friendly Aspire Massage Table is made from renewable hardwoods and 100% PU vinyl.

The longer a massage table lasts, the fewer massage tables you will need to buy during your career, which means fewer unusable massage tables that end up in the landfills. Don’t settle for cheap materials that will wear out in only a few years.

Second, it’s made of eco-friendly materials. The more renewable and nontoxic materials used in the construction of a massage table, the easier it is on our world.

The wooden legs and base should be constructed from renewable sources of hardwood, not rainforests or old growth forests. Farmed and renewable wood sources are considerate of the environment. The upholstery should be 100% PU vinyl, which is nontoxic and earth-friendly.

OneTouch Massage Tables are both durable and eco-friendly. They are constructed with renewable hardwoods, 100% PU vinyl, and quality materials that will last for years of use. See our selection of portable massage tables for yourself for more information.

6 Ways to Use Your Face Cradle More Effectively

The Velcro back allows you to adjust the face cradle pad as needed.

• Use the face cradle pad as a neck bolster in the supine or side-lying position. Since the pad is Velcro, it can be removed from the face cradle attachment and used in a variety of different ways.
• Move the face cradle pad closer to table or further away. The Velcro attachments allow you to adjust the face cradle pad position on the head base to essentially lengthen or shorten the massage table. Some clients may be more comfortable with the face pad close to the table, and others may prefer it further away.
• If client prefers using the face hole, remove the face cradle to move around the massage table easily without maneuvering around the face cradle.
• Ask if the client needs to meet with someone or return to work after the massage. If so, begin the session with the client in the prone position and then switch to the supine position. This will give time for any pressure or wrinkle marks left on the client’s face to fade away.
• Use face cradle covers that are smooth and wrinkle-free to prevent them from leaving wrinkle marks on the client’s face. Your clients will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
• For extra luxurious service, consider purchasing a memory foam face cradle pad. It automatically adjusts to the unique contours of the client’s face and provides the most comfortable head rest possible for your clients. Sometimes a little extra luxury and special service can go a long way towards increasing your client retention rate.

Face cradle positioned parallel to the floor

Some clients like the face cradle tilted down slightly to relieve pressure. Other clients feel more comfortable with the face cradle parallel to the floor. For overweight clients or large-chested clients, raise the face cradle, while keeping it parallel to the floor. This helps keep the spine in a neutral line.

For clients with sinus problems or allergies, try bolstering the chest area and raising the face cradle (while keeping it parallel to the floor). Elevating the chest area helps to relieve congestion. You can also try adding a couple drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the face cradle cover. These essential oils aid in clearing the sinuses.

Ask for feedback. Ultimately, your client is the one who can tell you what’s working and what’s not. What you think should be comfortable may be completely different from what the client finds to be comfortable. Let the client guide the positioning and follow their lead.

Without certain massage table accessories, your options for client positioning are severely limited. That’s why most massage therapists look for a massage table package that includes a headrest and arm shelf, at the very least.

Other massage table packages may include side arm extenders, a massage table bag, bolster pillows, or a table cart. These accessories can also be purchased separately. So if you don’t have the funds to purchase all of the massage table accessories you need when you purchase the table, you can always make these purchases later or as the need arises.

Face Cradle / Headrest

An aluminum face cradle offers strength and durability.

Several types of headrests are available on the market. The cheapest headrests are stationary, which means you can’t adjust the height or angle. For a slightly higher price, you can buy a face cradle that allows for multiple adjustments. Most therapists prefer adjustable face cradles for more flexibility in client positioning.

Headrests are made from different materials. Some headrest materials are stronger and more durable than others. Plastic is the cheapest type of headrest but does not have the same strength or durability as metal or aluminum.

Forward Arm Shelf

Along with the headrest, most therapists prefer a forward arm shelf. A massage stool can double as a temporary arm shelf, but it is less professional and less convenient than a forward arm rest. A massage stool used as an arm rest can also get in the way as you move around the table.

Side Arm Extenders

Side extenders come in handy for wider clients.

Package Deals

For the best deal, look for a massage table package that includes all of the basic accessories that you need. It’s generally cheaper than buying all of your accessories separately.

For more information on massage table features, see the Buying a Massage Table Series.

One question we get asked every so often is “How do I remove the vinyl smell from my new massage table?”

It’s not uncommon for new massage tables that contain vinyl or rubber materials to give off a smell when you first take them out of the box. However, the smell can be irritating to you and your clients. That’s why it’s important to let your portable massage table “air out” before using it for the first time.

That “new” smell of vinyl or rubber is the result of your massage table being packed for shipping. The very same additives and stabilizers in the vinyl or rubber that give these materials their specific attributes can also give off an odor when they’re cooped up in a shipping box over time.

But rest assured, the “new” smell will not last forever. It will slowly wear off over time. The best thing you can do to speed up the process is to let your massage table air out by exposing it to fresh air outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Try setting up your massage table outside on a dry, windy day to neutralize the vinyl smell more quickly.

Another way you can speed up the process is to mix a solution of warm water and baking soda, then wipe down the massage table vinyl with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with this solution. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors.

You can also try diluting vinegar in warm water and wiping down the massage table vinyl several times with this solution.

Related Posts

• Massage Table Maintenance – Caring for your portable massage table
• How to Clean Massage Table Vinyl – Cleaning your portable massage table

Taking steps to prevent damage to your portable massage table will save you money and lengthen the lifespan of your table.

Tighten the screws and joints regularly to maintain your massage table.

How often should you perform maintenance on your massage table? It depends on how often you use your table. Every 1 to 3 months is generally an adequate maintenance schedule for tightening screws and checking for signs of damage. Other maintenance, such as cleaning the vinyl and tightening the height adjustment screws, should be done more often.

Check out the following guidelines for taking care of your massage table:

Massage Table Frame and Leg Maintenance

1. Periodically tighten all screws, bolts, and nuts.
2. Check and tighten all joints and leg supports.
3. Tighten the height adjustment knobs on each leg. These knobs are an important factor in the stability of your massage table, so tighten them often.
4. Inspect the cables for frays, sliced wires, or other signs of weakness.
5. Inspect the wooden frame, base, and legs for cracks, warping, or other signs of damage.

Massage Table Vinyl Maintenance

Clean your massage table, face cradle, and other vinyl table accessories regularly with mild soap and water or a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use alcohol-based cleaners to clean a vinyl massage table cover. This could result in damage to the vinyl.

Be careful when using sharp objects, such as acupuncture needles, around your massage table. Torn or damaged vinyl is difficult to repair, so protect your massage table as much as possible.

Face Cradle Maintenance

Adjust the cam lever on your face cradle for the correct locking pressure.

You’ll know when the cam lever is adjusted correctly when the pressure needed to push the lever down is about equal to the pressure needed to push down a stapler. If the cam lock is too loose, then the face cradle will not stay in place. If the cam lock is too tight, then you could break the lever. Never use force to push down the lever, as this could break the cam mechanism.

If the cam lock is too loose, turn the lever clockwise several times before pushing the lever down again to test the pressure. Repeat until the lever engages with firm (but not forceful) pressure.

If the cam lock is too tight, turn the lever counterclockwise several times before testing the lever again. Repeat until the lever engages with firm (but not forceful) pressure.

Other Maintenance Tips

Keep the Velcro hook and loop sections together during storage to prevent lint, hair, strings, and other materials from clogging up the Velcro.

Finally, ALWAYS protect your massage table with a carrying case during storage and transportation. It only takes a few minutes and can save a lot of potential headaches in the long run.