Half-round bolsters help support the neck.

Bolstering Basics

Most massage therapists use these basic bolstering techniques in the following positions:

• Prone

  The most common bolstering method for the prone position is a full massage bolster under the ankles, one under the pelvis, and, for some clients, under the upper chest area at the sternal notch.

• Supine

  The most common bolstering method for the supine position includes a thin neck bolster, a bolster under the knees, and sometimes a pillow under the entire lower leg from knee to foot.

  If your client has trouble breathing in the supine position, elevate the head and shoulders more to allow for easier breathing. Likewise, if your client is experiencing congestion, he or she may appreciate an extra boost in elevation.

• Side

  Bolstering is especially important in the side-lying position to support the client’s head and neck and to cushion the top leg and top arm. Most clients are comfortable with the top leg resting on a bolster and the top arm supported by a soft pillow they can hug to their chest. A bolster along the back can also provide extra support in the side-lying position and can be removed as needed for better access to the client’s back.

Ask for Feedback

Before bolstering, ask the client if there’s any need for extra bolstering, such as for an injury, sore spot, or painful area that might be irritated or eased through bolstering. After bolstering according to the client’s requests or your normal method, ask if the client is comfortable and adjust the bolsters as needed.

Give Yourself Options

Keep a variety of bolsters (round and half round), pillows, and rolled towels at hand to cover any bolstering needs you may come across. Each client is different, and what works for one client may not work for another.

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.

The chi machine was the focus of a recent episode on The Doctors with Dr. Michael Yang (Doctor of Oriental Medicine). According to Dr. Yang, some of the many benefits of using a chi machine include the following:

• Increased circulation, especially for people with lymphodema or people who are not particularly active
• Decreased swelling in the legs and other areas of the body
• Pain management, including spine, hip, and neck pain

Although the doctors aren’t sure exactly how the chi machine works, success stories abound. Sarah Kate, featured on The Doctors episode, used the chi machine for 2 weeks to see if it could improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The chi machine experiment was a success. Sarah’s pain subsided, her swelling reduced, and even her skin cleared up.

Dr. Yang gave several tips for beginning chi machine users:

1. Start off slowly with a 5 minute session once a day.
2. Over the course of a few days, work up to a 10 minute session, then 15 minutes, then 20.
3. When you’re ready for the next level, increase your sessions to 20 minutes twice a day.
4. After each chi machine session, lie still for a several minutes to allow the full effects of the chi benefits and relaxation to set in.

In conclusion, Dr. Yang noted that the chi machine meets the 3 criteria for safe and effective fitness devices:

1. It’s affordable.
2. It’s safe.
3. It makes you feel good.

Click here to try a chi machine for yourself from OneTouch Massage! Recommended by The Doctors.

Premium 100% Cotton Massage Sheets and Headrest Covers

Choose the Right Massage Lubricants

It’s easier to prevent stains in the first place than to try to get them out after the fact. Choose high-quality massage oils, lotions, creams, or gels that are completely water soluble for easier cleanup. Lubricants that absorb easily into the skin generally leave behind fewer stains, simply because there’s no excess lubricant left to absorb into the sheets.

Choose the Right Massage Sheets

The quality of the sheets is another factor in preventing stains. 100% cotton sheets release stains more readily than polyester linens or cotton-poly blends. And if you’re worried about how your sheets will look after a few bouts with massage oil, choose light-colored massage table sheets. They show stains far less than dark colors. Patterned sheets are another slick trick for hiding oil stains. Also, remember that the dimmed lighting in the massage room helps hide light stains, so don’t stress too much over pristine-looking linens.

Wash or Soak Sheets Immediately After Use

Soak the massage sheets immediately after use and wash them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the stains will set and the harder it will be to get them out.

Add a half cup of vinegar to the load to help disperse the oil. Pre-treat larger stains with detergent, vinegar, or other stain-fighting agents. Large oil stains and makeup stains may need to be soaked overnight.

Shake out the sheets before transferring them to the dryer and take the sheets out of the dryer before they are completely dry. This keeps the sheets from getting wrinkled and saves you the hassle of ironing.

Related Posts

• For more tips on caring for massage linens, see the post on Caring for Your Massage Linens.

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.

Browse through the list below to spark your creative juices for massage therapist gift items! The following gift ideas are listed in order from least expensive to most expensive.

Massage Tool

1. Massage Tools

   Massage tools are a great way for massage therapists to save their hands. They are also a relatively inexpensive gift.
   
   Price: Starting at $9.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Sample Kit

2. Massage Oil

   Professional therapists often enjoy trying new massage lubricants, including oils, lotions, gels, and creams. Just make sure the massage oil that you purchase is a professional-grade lubricant.
   
   Price: Starting at $11.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Product Holster

3. Product Holster

   These handy massage accessories keep the oil or lubricant right at the therapist’s side during the massage. Great for mobile therapists or any professional therapist.
   
   Price: Starting at $14.99 from OneTouch Massage

 


4. Reed Diffuser / Candles

   For a special gift that creates an aura of peaceful relaxation, give a set of reed diffusers, candles, or a candle warmer.
   
   Price: Under $15

 


5. CDs

   New music is a practical and thoughtful gift for any therapist. Choose a relaxing CD (soft jazz, nature sounds, instrumental, etc.) that the therapist can play during sessions and to relax on his or her downtime. If you’d rather leave the choice of music to your therapist, give an iTunes gift card.
   
   Price: Under $20

 


6. Magazine Subscription

   If your massage therapist is not a member of a professional organization, he or she may enjoy a subscription to Massage & Bodywork or Massage Therapy Journal (members receive a free subscription). If your massage therapist already receives these magazines, he or she may enjoy a subscription to a different massage magazine, such as Massage Magazine or Massage Today, or to a health magazine that relates to their interests.
   
   Price: Starting at $19.95 / year

 




Bolster Pillow

7. Bolsters

   New massage equipment, such as bolster pillows, are a great way to support a massage therapist in his or her business. Old equipment wears out, and extra equipment always comes in handy.
   
   Price: Starting at $24.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Reflexology DVD

8. Massage DVDs and Books

   Most therapists enjoy learning new techniques and brushing up on old ones. A massage therapy DVD on a unique modality, such as reflexology, would be a welcome gift for any professional therapist.
   
   Price: DVDs Starting at $29.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Massage Linens

9. Massage Linens

   Show your support for your massage therapist by giving her a brand new set of sheets and face cradle covers. With constant washing and use, massage sheets wear out quickly and need to be replaced often.
   
   Price: Starting at $29.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Table Warmer

10. Massage Table Warmer Pad

    In colder climates, table warmer pads are a hot item! Your massage therapist will love this luxurious addition to her top-notch service.
    
    Price: $54.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Deluxe Table Bag

11. Deluxe Carry Bag

    A step up from basic massage table bags, the deluxe carry bag includes room for other massage supplies, including oil, linens, bolsters, and CDs.
    
    Price: $59.99 from OneTouch Massage

 




Table Cart

12. Massage Table Cart

    For the massage therapist on the go, a table cart is a gift that makes transporting a massage table and equipment easy and enjoyable.
    
    Price: $69.99 from OneTouch Massage

 


13. Gift Certificate for Massage

    As busy as the holidays get, your massage therapist will enjoy the chance to relax and enjoy the healing power of massage. Although many therapists trade massages, it’s more relaxing for them to receive a massage without having to give a massage in return.
    
    Price: $40-$70

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.

A rolling massage stool allows freedom of movement and flexibility.

1. Do you want to be able to move around the massage table?

If so, a rolling stool is your best option.

2. Do you need a massage stool for a knee rest, or do you plan to use the stool to kneel on?

Choose a stationary, folding massage stool.

3. Do you use the stool for leverage or as a stable support?

Use a stationary stool to support your body weight without rolling away.

4. Do you need to transport your massage stool?

A folding stool is more compact and weighs a few less pounds than a rolling stool, although either massage stool is easily portable. The OneTouch Massage Folding Stool weighs in at a mere 5 pounds, while the Pneumatic Rolling Stool weighs only 8-1/2 pounds.



A folding wood massage stool provides stable support and portability.

5. Do you want to be able to adjust the height of the stool?

A pneumatic stool will adjust at the touch of a lever.

6. Do you want assurance that the stool won’t roll out from under you as you sit down?

Choose a stationary stool for peace of mind.

7. Want the best of both worlds?

Consider purchasing both a stationary and a rolling massage stool for the ultimate convenience and flexibility in your office and mobile massage equipment.

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

Related Posts

• Portable Massage Table Comparison – Chart comparing OneTouch Massage Tables with other manufacturers
• OneTouch Massage Table Comparison – Chart comparing the OneTouch Aspire, Professional, Deluxe, Elite, and Renew Series massage tables
• 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.