QuestionHi,
I have recenlty started a massage NVQ and am looking to buy a massage couch for home. I am hoping to start my own business, initially part time, and although clients will probably come to my home i would like the couch to be portable. I may also go onto learn other treatments where i may need a tilt top. I really like some tables with wooden legs which are about 17.5kg is that too heavy to be portable? The aluminium legged couches don't look so great but are they better? Any tips for buying the right couch would be great.
Thanks
Lillian
AnswerGreetings Lillian. 17.5 kg, or about 39 pounds to those of us not on the metric system, is not that heavy to be portable. They are bulky, take some getting used to, and you have to be very good about taking care of yourself. Stretches, altering the side you carry it on, and even a rolling carrier are important so that you do not hurt yourself doign your job. One of the other benefits of having a portable table, even if you never leave home, is that it is easy to move and store when you don't want it out.
I personally like the wodden tables better than aluminum ones. Aluminum's one main benefit, I think, is that is can be a little lighter than wood, but I think it does not look nearly as nice and professional. Metal tables look too 1970's for me. They don't have larger weight bearing loads than wood, or if they do, chances are that you will never have a client that is heavy enough to strain a wooden table, so there is no need for more strength. I like doing massage on wooden tables; it seems to be more in character with a natural healing modality like massage, and seems more friendly and inviting.
One thing that I would strongly recommend is finding a table that has a face cradle with two sets of hinges, instead of the one pivot hinge. They are a little more expensive, but are more flexible and easy to adjust into many different positions to make your client more comfortable.
As for a tilt top, they can be hard to find and would add more weight to a table. One alternative is a body support system, or a wedge made from foam. I had one made at a foam/mattress store cheaper than buying one, and it works beautiofully for prenatal massage. When you don't need it, you just leave it in your car or in the closet. I also think that they offer more flexibility than a tilt top, as you could use them to elevate the legs, too. A body support system, as can be found in a lot of massage magazines, are extremely flexible, in that you can use them in a lot of combinations and make a lot of adjustments to them. they are also more expensive, and I have found that it takes a lot of time to get comfortable enough that you can move them quickly and easily. Since they are so flexible, it can take some time to adjust them perfectly.
I hope this is of some help, Lillian. Please feel free to write if you have any other questions. Also feel free to rate me on AllExperts, as both positive and constructive feedback help me learn to help others better.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
