Massage table height

[Rick-E]

Hello!

I have been reading all kind of things about the height of the massage table... I read it was supposed to be at about the same height as the middle "wrinkly bit" of your index finger when you are standing straight with your arms on your side. But when I adjusted my table to that height, I found it was too low and gave me back pain (for Swedish massage).

Any other views?

Thanks!

Claire.

 

[CafamogmalodS]

A good rule of thumb is, stand side on to your couch and the height should be so you can place a flat hand on the couch. For deeper bodywork height should be at finger tip height.

This is general, if you have been taught properly you should be able to adjust your posture and height with your stances.

Correct posture and body control are something you will learn from experience ( i.e back pain) but experiment to see what suits you.

Hope this helps

INDO

 

[reeihukrieliehehj]

Hi Claire,

Welcome to healthypages. I have my table at the height you mentioned and sometimes lower. I do deep tissue work so the lower height enables me to use my body weight. I move my whole body when and have been taught diferent stances to use so I can work without any pain to my lower back. However the main thing is to have it at a height that is comfortable for you.

 

[jak.]

I vary the couch height depending on the technique I'm using. However, not all places I work have adjustable couches, and in that case I set the height to my ASIS and then adjust my height by using me knees.

Myarka.

 

[And 1]

If the couch is too high, the massage will be too gentle and the therapist won’t be able to use his/her bodyweight to lean into the client. Some inexperienced therapists have the couch too high to allow the use of correct bodyweight. The key is for the therapist to be taught the correct working posture for effective massage. Most ITEC / VTCT tutors should teach this as part of a student’s training, but some don’t (including my ITEC tutor when I began training back in the 1990s).
If Claire wants a clear illustration of correct posture and bodyweight, I’d suggest looking at the illustrations in either of the Mel Cash books on sports massage. I’d also suggest going on a CPD course such as the three-day course run by http://www.jingmassage.com or the two-day ‘introductory massage workshop’ run by http://www.lssm.com .

Alan

 

[ZoomN]

Thanks everyone! I did do an ITEC course but my tutor didn't really go into table height...
I'll look into doing an additional workshop!

 

[Jarisa]

I'm one of those therapists who don't follow the general advice. For a start I'm only 4'10", and I also have rheumatoid arthritis.

Chiropractors and others who do a lot of deep work do need a lower couch so they can put their body weight behind their moves.

However, I find having the couch higher than is usually advised suits me as I don't have to bend using my back (or using my knees which are also affected) quite as far, and I can reach over using my arms a lot easier. No doubt people will tell me this is going to give me trouble in the long term, but at least if I work this way I don't cripple myself with back pain at the time.

 

[LeaJeaeiaa]

Get yourself an electric couch as soon as is practical, Easier for you to work on, easier for your client to get on and off, more comfortable for you and your client. If you work at a large gym or clinic get together and persuad the owner to get them. Health n saftey! its your back.

 

[Alvie]

I wish I could afford an electrical couch, but I will need a few more clients before I do!

How much is a correct one? They seem to be well over £1000?

 

[staisil]

Try ebay, or look out for Salons in your area that are closing down and have equipment to get rid of.

Myarka.

 

[Joshua S]

Thats good advice from marka.
I have 2 couches at different clinics, one was a freeby = going to be chucked out by holmes place, another I paid around £800 for 8 yrs ago. (will try to find web site)
The one I bought is an amazing design that lowers to just 15 inches and on wheels for storage.
What ever you do don't buy chinese easy to spot at half or less price but poor reliability.

Regards steve