One of the first steps in starting a massage therapy business is to choose the location of your office space. You basically have 3 options for setting up your business: 1) Work from home, 2) Rent space, or 3) Go mobile.

1. Working from Home

Setting up a massage business in your home can save you money. You may be able to avoid the risk of taking out a business loan, and you can start out slow without worrying about making enough money to cover rent.

Working from home is convenient; however, it does have its downside. It’s harder to leave your stress at the office. You need to consider details like designating a massage room for your business, deciding whether to build a separate entrance, keeping children and pets from disturbing you while you work, and choosing (or building) a restroom for clients to use. You will need to keep your home and yard clean, neat, and attractive on an ongoing basis.

These are just a few of the details you will need to consider if you want to work from home. Many therapists who choose to set up their massage business at home find that the freedom and convenience of working from home far outweigh any negative factors.

2. Renting Office Space

Renting space is more costly than working from home, but it has its benefits. First, it’s easier to separate your work life and your home life. When you leave the office, you can leave behind the paperwork, laundry, emails, and other endless details. Second, you don’t have to worry about welcoming clients into your private home or family members interrupting a session with a client.

One way you can offset the cost of renting office space is to share space with another therapist or to rent space in a business owned by a chiropractor, physical therapist, beauty salon, or other business. The latter option also lets you work out a referral system with complementary service providers.

If you share space with another therapist, you must be willing to compromise on certain issues (décor, business hours, cleaning, hiring a receptionist, etc). If you want the freedom to do things your way, you may be better off renting your own private business space.

3. Going Mobile

If your business is solely based on mobile massage, you may not need a permanent office space at all. You bring your services to your clients, whether to their homes, offices, events, or other locations. This type of work requires reliable transportation, a portable massage table and chair, and lots of travel time built into your schedule.

You need to be able to adapt to your constantly changing environment and handle the stress of unexpected disruptions to your normal routine. Mobile massage is a huge stress reliever for clients, who feel the most comfortable and relaxed in familiar surroundings.

Imagine this. You’re digging through your outcall massage bag for your oil holster and, with a sinking feeling, you realize that you left it at home. Your only options are to set the oil on the floor or on a side table across the room, both of which force you to break the flow of the massage to apply more lubricant. An unexpected stressor is introduced into the session, and your normally peaceful state of mind becomes flustered. Your stress then transfers to the client, who tenses up in response to your subtle irritation.

Here’s another stressful scenario. You arrive at the client’s home for a massage appointment and make several trips up and down a flight of steps to carry in all of your equipment. By the time you’re ready to start the massage, your muscles are aching and your energy is fading. You pour yourself into the session and leave exhausted after lugging all of your equipment back to the car.

Outcall appointments can be stressful and exhausting. Without the convenience of a permanent location, certain factors affecting the massage may be out of your control. But with a little organization and the convenience of accessories designed for the mobile therapist, you can do all that is in your power to make each appointment as successful as possible.

The Convenience of Mobile Massage Equipment

You love being able to bring your massage therapy into clients’ homes, and your clients love the convenience, but carting your equipment from place to place can take a toll on your body over time. The right mobile massage equipment, however, can ease the wear and tear on your body and make transporting your supplies easier.

One of the most practical and back-saving accessories for outcalls is a rolling table cart. A portable massage table, no matter how lightweight, is a heavy item to transport, and the longer you carry it, the heavier it feels. Save your energy for the massage by rolling your table with a cart. You still have to do a certain amount of lifting, but the cart will ease the overall strain on your body.

A high quality massage table bag can also reduce the strain on your body. A deluxe carry case includes a thickly padded shoulder strap for superior comfort, durable fabric and stitching, and extra padding on the bottom to protect your table from bumps and minor impacts. One of the biggest benefits of a deluxe case is that you can keep all of your main supplies in one bag, with large pockets for a massage bolster, linens, oils, and other accessories on the outside of the case.

If you’re still struggling under the weight of your table, consider purchasing a lightweight aluminum massage table. Aluminum is a lighter material than wood, which makes it perfect for an outcall table. Depending on your size and strength, you may be able to handle a heavier table, but for therapists who prefer the lightest weight possible, aluminum is the way to go.

Organizing Your Mobile Massage Equipment

Even though you can’t always control your environment, there are steps you can take to ensure a relaxing experience for both you and your client. One idea is to make a list of supplies you need for outcalls. Check off your list before each visit. You’ll be less likely to forget something important.

Another idea is to keep all of your outcall supplies together in one place. If you do both office sessions and on-site massage, consider keeping one bottle of massage oil in the office and one in your outcall bag. Store your outcall supplies in your vehicle if possible, except for lubricants, which should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Keep samples of lube in your vehicle, just in case you forget to pack some.

Use the following checklist as a starting point for your own list of items to remember. Add or subtract items as needed.

List of Items for Outcalls:

• Massage table
• Bolster pillows
• Linens (sheets, face cradle covers, light blanket)
• Oils, lotions, or creams
• Product holster
• Towels
• Folding massage stool
• CD or MP3 player and speakers
• Small watch or clock
• Hand sanitizer
• Bottle of water
• Intake forms
• Business cards, brochures, and gift certificates
• Appointment book
• Pen and paper
• Nail clippers and file

If you want to make your outcalls extra special, consider including a few of the items in the list below. Your clients will appreciate these luxury add-ons.

Optional Items:

• Massage table warmer pad
• Oil warmer
• Essential oils
• Hot stones
• Small crock pot for hot towels
• Scented candles and warmer

As a mobile therapist, you deal with a constantly changing work environment every day. Use these tips to reduce the stress of outcalls and ensure a relaxing home massage session for both you and your client.

With chair massage, you don’t have the time or the need for a full intake procedure and treatment plan. But there are a few quick ways you can make the most of a client’s chair massage session.

First off, ask the client if he or she has any specific requests. Are there any tight spots that need extra attention? Any sore or tender spots that should be avoided? If the client asks you to focus on the neck area, take extra time for the neck. If it’s a quick 10-minute session, you might end up working almost solely on the neck area.

Listen to the client’s needs and take them into account during the massage. Knowing that you listen and care about your clients can be as stress-relieving for the client as the massage itself.

If the client doesn’t ask for any specific requests, just follow your normal chair massage routine, paying special attention to any tight areas.

If time permits, you may want to use a brief intake form to gather information. It’s also a great way to follow up with clients through mailings or e-mail. The intake form should include the client’s name, address, phone, and e-mail address for follow-up contact and mailings; a brief overview of current injuries, illness, or other physical conditions; pain medications; assessment of stress and pain levels; and allergies. Include any other specific information you may need.

At the bottom of the form, ask the client to sign a waiver stating that they have provided all related medical information, that they understand the massage is for relaxation purposes only, and that the therapist will not provide any medical diagnosis. This waiver will help protect you in case of legal action taken against you.

If you’re doing corporate chair massage, request that employees fill out the intake form before you arrive. With the form already filled out, they can hop right on the massage chair, which will save more time for the actual massage.

A different way to get client information is to use a sign-up sheet asking for the client’s name, address, phone, e-mail, and informed consent. Place a cover sheet on top of the sign-up sheet with the informed consent disclaimer in large print.

Most importantly, don’t forget to prepare yourself mentally for each client. Take the effort to focus on each client’s individual needs. The attention you give each client makes a huge difference.

Are you considering a lightweight portable massage table but you’re not sure how lightweight your table needs to be? Read on for guidelines about choosing a lightweight massage table.

Do I Need a Lightweight Massage Table?

If you transport your table 3 or more times a week, you may want to consider purchasing a lightweight massage table. The strain of carrying your massage table can take a toll on your body over time. It can also zap your energy before and after a massage session.

The question is—how lightweight does your portable massage table need to be?

As a general ballpark figure, a portable massage table that weighs less than 30 pounds is considered lightweight. An ultra lightweight table is generally defined as 27 pounds or lighter.

What Is the Massage Table Weight Based On?

The portable massage table weight listed by a manufacturer is based on the weight of the massage table alone. This means that the weight of the headrest, side extenders, arm shelf, or other accessories that store inside your table are in addition to the rated massage table weight.

What Is the Ideal Massage Table Weight?

The ideal weight for a portable massage table depends on you as the therapist. If you are short with a slight frame, even a lightweight massage table may weigh more than you’re comfortable with. In this case, the best thing you can do is purchase a massage table cart or a rolling massage table bag to take the strain off of your back and shoulders. If you are taller and stronger, a heavier massage table may work just fine for mobile appointments.

What Makes a Massage Table Lightweight?

Many different factors affect the weight of a massage table, including the weight of the materials used, the table width and length, and the foam thickness. Although some truly lightweight wood massage tables do exist, most ultra lightweight massage tables are constructed with aluminum rather than wood. Aluminum is a lighter weight material and just as strong—in fact, stronger—than wood.

Another factor that reduces the weight of a portable massage table is the length and width. If your clients are short to average height and you always use the face cradle, you may be able to squeak by with a shorter massage table. Massage table width is not as negotiable, however, since the width of the massage table impacts your body mechanics. Performing massage on a table that is too wide or too narrow for your body type can result in injury.

Foam thickness is another possible compromise. The thicker the padding, the heavier the table will be. An uncomfortable massage table, however, is not worth the weight it will shave off if it makes your clients unhappy.

Final Words of Wisdom

When shopping for a lightweight massage table, don’t forget to look at the dimensions! It’s better to purchase a heavier massage table (and use a table cart, if needed) than to purchase a massage table that forces you to compromise on your body mechanics or your clients’ comfort.

A massage chair is a wise investment in equipment for your business and it can also help you attract new clients. Chair massage is the perfect introduction to the benefits of massage therapy. For those who have never received a massage before, seated massage allows them to test the waters with a short session on neutral turf, such as an office, group event, or public setting. Chair massage in an open setting allows people to see exactly what to expect when it’s their turn. The barrier of uncertainty is stripped away.

Most chair massage sessions are shorter than table sessions. Because of this shorter time commitment, chair massage is cheaper for the client. For first-time clients, this means they don’t have to worry about wasting money if they don’t like the massage. People will be more willing to try massage therapy if they can test it out first for a smaller fee and then invest in full-body massage later, if they so choose.

Convenience is also an appealing factor for chair massage clients. They don’t have to drive to your office or schedule an appointment. They don’t have to take as much time out of their day for massage, and they won’t forget to call for an appointment. Your presence reminds them how much they need a massage. And with the convenience of on-site chair massage, they can get one right away.

Seated massage provides an escape from the stress of work and everyday life.

Chair massage is a growing and increasingly profitable massage service. The benefits of seated massage allow you to expand your massage services into the workplace, outdoor events, group or social events, and countless other areas. A portable massage chair can serve as a marketing tool to strengthen your client base, build an independent business, or obtain your first clients after massage school.

Seated massage is an excellent introduction to massage therapy for potential clients. A chair massage allows clients to sample the power of healing touch before experimenting with the deeper benefits of full-body massage.

Chair massage is typically administered with the client fully clothed, eliminating the need for absolute privacy and opening up your massage practice to public locations and group events. Chair massage usually involves shorter sessions, which is appealing to busy clients who may struggle to block out an hour or more of their time.

A controlled research study published by the International Journal of Neuroscience provides scientific evidence that office chair massage reduces job-related stress and increases the productivity of workers. Seated massage is particularly beneficial for relieving neck and shoulder tension built up from long periods of sitting or repetitive motion work.

Massage chairs are easily portable and take up less space than a massage table. The structure of the massage chair is designed to mimic the fetal position and invoke a sense of nurture and security.

Make outcalls easier with these convenient massage accessories.

As a mobile therapist, you face unforeseen challenges and inconveniences with every new appointment. Take some of the uncertainty and hassle out of outcalls with these three massage accessories for the mobile therapist.

One of the biggest hassles for professional outcall massage is carting your massage table and supplies around to various locations. While you may be able to convince a few of your regular clients to purchase their own massage tables, there are several practical accessories available to make your job easier.

1. Massage Table Cart

Lugging around a portable massage table all day, no matter how lightweight it may be, can be a chore. It can also be hard on your back, and you don’t want to risk injury in a job that depends on your own strength and well-being.

With a rolling massage table cart, you can take it easy on your back and transport your table over long distances without tiring out, so you can save your energy for the massage. Most table carts also fold for easy storage in your vehicle or office.

2. Deluxe Table Case

When you travel for outcalls, do you find yourself making multiple trips to the car and back just to haul in all of your equipment? Do you forget to pack important items? Keep all your essential equipment and accessories in one place with a deluxe massage table carry case.

The extra storage space is perfect for therapists on the go, allowing you to store bolsters, linens, lubricant, and other supplies all in one place—which means you’ll be less likely to forget something and you’ll have fewer items to carry in separately.

3. Massage Product Holster

As a mobile therapist, your environment changes everywhere you go, which means you may or may not have a convenient place to set your massage oil or lubricant. With a massage product holster, you don’t have to worry about where to set your lubricant. You can keep it at your side, ready for use at all times. The product holster is compact and folds for easy storage in your deluxe table case.