What supplies does a beginning massage therapist need?
Saturday, April 17th, 2010 at
4:46 pm
Can you recommend a type of portable massage table? What features are important to look for? What other equipment or supplies does a beginning massage therapist need?
Filed under: Alternative Medicine
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I think a lot depends on where you plan on working, whether you will be starting out on your own or working for someone else. If you are employed by someone you really don’t need any supplies. Many places will "hire" you as an independent contractor and they will usually provide a table for you and sometimes lotions/oils but some places don’t. If you are going out on your own then you are responsible for providing all your own supplies. When I attended massage school we were given the One table by Oakworks and everyone loved it because it was very comfortable. Make sure you check for the weight limit on the table. If you are planning to travel around with your table make sure it isn’t too heavy unless you are going to get a cart for it
Of course you will need lotions and oils, you should purchase unscented (and hypoallergenic if you can afford it) and you can experiment with different (light) scents if your clients have preferences. If you have the money for it, a hot towel cabbie is nice for heating and keeping towels hot, this relaxes the muscles before and after the massage and can also be used if you will be doing spa treatments. However, if a cabbie is not within your budget right now you can use a crockpot to heat up towels also. Don’t know if you will be doing hot stone massage then you will also need the stones and a heater. You could also get a massage chair if you are interested in doing seated massage. I have a couple of tennis balls I use for trigger points and I seat on a exercise ball sometimes if I have to work on one area for a long time.
If you are just starting out and want a table on a budget you can check craigslist for a used one. That and lotions and or oils and of course your hands are really all the supplies you need to start once you complete your training. Best of luck to you and have fun.
TRAINING WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED
Yeah, take a look on craiglist.
The new Earthlight model is nice for the money (around 300)
and whatever you do, dont get background music that has water (waves, rain, etc) in the background – it makes people have to pee, and then they dont enjoy the massage.
A suitable two or three year course in massage therapy. Which will cover all you need to know about the practice side of things. As well as the business side.
It is important to get a table with a lifetime warranty if you are planning on setting up your own business. If you just need a table for massage school get a cheap one through costco.
You don’t really need much else. Sheets, pillows, lotions, oils, blanket or table warmer.
First of all – a good massage training program (generally 500-1100 hours) and whatever licenses your city or state requires. I would also recommend membership in one of the National Professional Massage Organizations (AMTA or ABMP). I joined AMTA, I have friends in both.
Portable Massage Tables – I like wood and use Oakworks as my supplier for the table and chair. I had considered Custom Craftworks but they were more expensive than I wanted to spend. I also own a Stronglight Table – it’s not as nice but I spent a fifth as much to buy it.
If you’re traveling a lot – get a lighter table. If you plan to set up in one place you can splurge on a wider table and thicker padding.
Other Stuff: CD Player, Relaxing Music, cell phone, business cards, lubricant of choice (I prefer viscous cream for slower and deeper work), massage sheets, intake forms, SOAP Note forms, and a receipt book.