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.

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.

Massage therapists who offer in-home and on-site mobile massage face the dilemma of purchasing a portable massage table that is both lightweight and top quality.

• A portable massage table should be crafted from lightweight but sturdy materials. The Canadian maple wood used in constructing the OneTouch massage tables offers the premium strength and quality that a client expects without sacrificing the lightweight feature essential for a portable table. For the ultimate in lightweight tables, the aluminum OneTouch Ultra-Light is one of the lightest portable massage tables on the market.

• A carrying case is essential for transporting a light portable massage table. OneTouch lightweight massage tables come with a free zippered carrying case with an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap and side handle. Also available are the OneTouch massage table case with wheels and the rolling table cart, perfect for preventing back strain or for therapists who require greater ease in transporting their table. Both OneTouch cases include an extra pocket on the outside of the case, perfect for storing massage oils or lotions, hand sanitizer, face cradle covers, or massage table sheets. Massage table cases offer protection and prolong the life of your massage table.

• All accessories should be removable for easy storage. The massage table accessories for OneTouch are secured with elastic straps underneath the table and fold into the table’s built-in storage space when the table is ready to be put back in the carrying case.