If you are thinking about buying an electric massage table, do remember that some tables are flat, just like a traditional massage table, where the whole table lifts up in one piece.
But others have the additional flexibility of moving in sections, so that you can position the client even more precisely.
Our last electric table had three sections that moved independently, which was really nice.
But the massage table that we really liked this time around (as it matched all of our other criteria) only came with two options. We could get it flat, or with a tilt option.
We didn’t know if we would use the tilt feature that much, but as the difference in price was minimal (all things considered) we chose the tilt option as it allowed us to position the client anywhere from slightly elevated to a full seated position.
As it turns out, I’m so glad we made that choice because we use the tilt feature quite a lot. It’s especially great for when a client is congested, or is uncomfortable for any reason lying flat.
I’d highly recommend that you consider a similar option if you are going to invest in an electric table too.
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As with any massage table purchase, you’ll want to consider the amount of leg room you prefer. For example, my husband does a lot of Cranial Sacral Therapy and energy work from a seated position. So leg room is an important consideration for him.
However, unlike portable massage tables, hydraulic or electric lift tables sometimes have the motor boxed in under the table in a way that reduces leg room considerably. We knew this would not work for us.
Other electric tables have legs that cross in a way that could also restrict your choice of positions when working on a client. For example, sitting at the side of the table could be a challenge.
So if leg room is a factor for you too, do choose your new electric table carefully.
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Some electric lift massage tables come with hand controls, some with foot controls and some with the option of both.
When I was researching tables I didn’t think I would use hand controls, so in the end I chose a table that shipped with one set of foot pedals. My last electric table had two sets of foot pedals, one for each end of the table (or each side if you prefer).
I decided to try it with just the one set, but I made sure before I bought my table that I could add an extra set later if I wanted to.
What I found was that I really missed the second set. The pedals somehow always ended on the other side of the table when I needed them.
So I ordered an extra set of foot controls (if you do this, don’t forget the “splitter” that lets you plug both sets into the motor unit) and I am so glad I did.
I do recommend you get two sets of controls. When you are spending this much money anyway, it’s well worth a bit extra to make your life so much easier.
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Two other things to think about if you are shopping around for an electric lift massage table are the noise of the motor and the smoothness of the movement.
I have found that “silent” is a subjective term when it comes to a company describing its table. Of course, if you can try out a table before you buy it that is ideal.
If not, you can always go online and read some reviews of the table you are thinking about. I’m happy to say that our new table is virtually silent, which is really nice. Our old one sounded a bit like a locomotive was in the room.
Also check out how smoothly the table glides up and down, and how quickly or slowly it moves. Again, this may be something you have to do via online reviews.
With a good table you can hardly even tell (if at all) when the table is moving. My husband (also a massage therapist) and I had fun with this. We took turns lying on the table with our eyes closed while the other person adjusted the height. We found that neither of us could accurately determine when the table started moving, but there was a slight “settling” sensation when it came to rest. Not bad!
We also liked that our table moves very slowly and the control pedals are very precise.
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When thinking about buying any new massage table there are always many decisions to make. You’ll want to consider things such as the table width and length, the thickness of the foam, the color and texture of the fabric, the weight capacity of the table, whether you want round or square corners, what brand you may have a preference for, and which optional accessories you may need.
However, there are additional considerations that are unique to buying an electric lift table. One of the first things you’ll have to decide upon is how low to the ground and how high up you would like the table to go.
For my husband and I, it was more important for the type of work that we do that the table went as low to the floor as possible. It mattered less how high, as long as it had about a 12 inch height range (which is the difference between the lowest and the highest setting).
I found that some tables had more range of movement and some less, but 12 inches seems to be about average.
So think about your clients (do they need a lot of help getting on and off the table, in which case one that goes lower to the floor may be better) and the type of massage that you do (for example, if you do a lot of work standing, make sure you choose a table that lifts up high enough).
So be sure to look for a hydraulic table that meets your height requirements.
But that’s just the first thing… more to come.
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It’s been a long time since I had my massage practice in Kona, Hawaii and bought my first electric massage table (almost 20 years in fact!).
It was not the most comfortable table in the world, that’s for sure. And it was clunky and noisy.
But my oh my… the convenience of being able to adjust the height and position with a touch of a button were well worth it.
One of its biggest drawbacks was its weight - it was HEAVY. So when I left the islands I sadly left it behind (much to the delight of the therapist who inherited it).
My somewhat mobile lifestyle made it impractical to replace it right away, but I missed it so much. Once you have experienced the delights of using an electric table, it’s hard to go back.
When I finally went to replace my hydraulic table a couple of months ago, I was blown away with the selection now available. They’ve come a long way baby! They now come in a huge range of both price and features.
More about that later….
Meanwhile, if you have any comments about the pros and cons (yes there are a few) of using an electric table versus a portable one, do let me know. You can reach me at elizabeth @ massagebusinesscenter.com.
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I’m shopping around for a new hydralic massage table. My husband and I had one in our practice in Hawaii and it made a HUGE difference in the wear and tear on our bodies. But that was some time ago and there are many more options now available.
We are looking for one that is quiet, and that has plenty of leg room at the head of the table.
If you have one that you just love (or don’t like) please hit the comments link and tell me what you do or don’t like about it.
Here are the ones we are looking at:
This one is an Oakworks ProLuxe Seville.
This is an Earthlite Everest Hydralic Electric Lift. We are leaning towards this one.
This is a Custom Craftworks Pedestal Lift.
Also, has anyone ever ordered anything from ComfortChannel.com
They seem to have good prices on massage tables and supplies.
Thanks for your feedback…
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Sometimes simply talking things out with a person who will listen without judging you or colluding with you is very helpful. This is particularly true when you are feeling stressed. It can help put things in perspective. However, do make sure the person you choose is compassionate, a good listener, as well as positive in their outlook towards life.
You may not want to discuss your stressful situation with someone who is really attached to their way of seeing things as they will probably give you a lecture. And we’ve all had plenty of those! Nor do you want to choose someone who is feeling overwhelmed and stressed themselves. Then you have a case of the blind leading the blind. Instead, choose someone who really cares for you and whose company you enjoy
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So this is a hard one for me as I am Ms Radical Self Reliance, the original Lone Ranger. But there are times when we just have to admit that we can’t do it all by ourselves any longer. And the crazy thing is, we often have friends that are just itching to help if we would just give them half a chance.
A great way to start if you are also afflicted by the Lone Ranger Syndrome is to make a list of the people that could provide support for you in different ways. For example, I have friends and colleagues I can call when I am feeling low and need an energy boost. I have other family and friends I can count on when I just need nurturing and comforting. Then there are the BS detectors who I can rely on for clarification and even confrontation. When my ego feels I little bruised I know who to turn to for acknowledgment. And then there are the friends, colleagues and communities that provide me with spiritual inspiration.
All of those people form part of my support network, and I contribute to theirs. We have a willingness to help each other meet our needs. I feel comfortable sharing with them specific ways they can help me, and they do the same with me. So, who’s in your support network?
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Sometimes simply talking things out with a person who will listen without judging you or colluding with you is very helpful. This is particularly true when you are feeling stressed. It can help put things in perspective. However, do make sure the person you choose is compassionate, a good listener, as well as positive in their outlook towards life.
You may not want to discuss your stressful situation with someone who is really attached to their way of seeing things as they will probably give you a lecture. And we’ve all had plenty of those! Nor do you want to choose someone who is feeling overwhelmed and stressed themselves. Then you have a case of the blind leading the blind. Instead, choose someone who really cares for you and whose company you enjoy.
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