MM Chapter 02: Massage Equipment

When designing your massage space, think about each area of the business and analyze its accessibility and functionality. Consider the entrance and reception area, dressing area, and the bathroom. Entrance and Reception When choosing a business location, consider its accessibility. Are doorways, hallways, and bathroom entrances wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair? Is there enough […]

Once on the massage table, the client should be enveloped in warm, soft textures. Bolsters support the joints in a relaxed position. Blankets, warm packs, Fomentek water bottles, and heat lamps help keep clients warm throughout the session. Lotion warmers heat massage oil or lotion so that it does not feel cold when applied. Never

In most cultures, food and drink have celebratory associations. Children celebrate birthdays with ice cream parties, cake is eaten at weddings, and special friends are invited over for a meal. Incorporating small food items in the session is a pleasant and smart practice. Clients can sometimes get up from a session and feel shaky and

Good ventilation and fresh air are essential in the massage treatment space. In the warm, closed environment of the massage room, aromas from a previous client (e.g., heavy perfume, cigarette smoke, etc.) can persist into the next session if the room is not well ventilated. Open the windows between clients if possible, or point a

The auditory environment is also important because it helps set the tone for the session and may mask outside noise. Consider the treatment room flooring. A tile or wood floor may cause echoes that are annoying or distracting. The wrong music may also be disturbing and irritating to the client. Most therapists have probably heard

Every business has its own unique focus and personality. A therapist who practices relaxation massage and stress reduction is likely to operate in a different environment from a therapist who practices clinical massage. The first may choose soothing color combinations and images of natural beauty for the walls, while the second might choose a neutral

Therapists should have a variety of products on hand to meet the needs of their clients. It works well to offer clients these choices: Oil, cream, or lotion: Briefly explain the differences and direct clients toward the type of slip that will best help them meet treatment goals. For example, if the client says, “I

Massage therapists should learn to read product labels carefully. The product label indicates the type of oil used in the lubricant, any dyes or fragrances that have been added, any ingredients that might be potential allergens for a particular client, and any undesirable fillers or chemicals. If the fixed oils included in the product are

Lotions and Creams Lotions and creams are popular with clients because they absorb, leaving the skin smooth but less greasy than oils. Some massage techniques work best when the therapist’s hands can sink into the tissue and “grab” it instead of sliding over it. For this reason, a cream or lotion might be used instead

The types of oils (also called lipids or fats) used in massage usually come from vegetable sources pressed from nuts or seeds (such as avocado oil and almond oil), but some animal fats (such as ghee, or clarified butter) may also be used.   Oils are classified as “saturated,” “polyunsaturated,” or “monounsaturated” fats. Most oils contain