We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Massage Equipment?

By CW Deziel
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,535
Share

While there is not an overwhelming amount of massage equipment needed to create a pleasant experience, most practitioners have a few basic tools and supplies. A massage table, massage chair, or massage mat allows the client to recline comfortably, and these typically have covers that can be removed and cleaned. Pillows or bolsters are usually needed to position the client. A massage oil, cream, or lotion is another essential supply, chosen mainly for its lubricating and aromatic qualities. Two other pieces of massage equipment, perhaps non-essential but found in most massage studios, are a CD or MP3 player and a room heater.

Whether or not a massage table is portable, it has to be sturdy and comfortable. Typically made with a plywood base covered with heavy foam and upholstered, it has a C-shaped face cradle at one end to support the client's head while lying face down. This essential piece of massage equipment is often built with collapsible legs so it can be folded and carried like a suitcase for on-site appointments. Massage chairs have padding and a face cradle strong enough to support a client's weight while the masseur applies pressure to the neck, shoulders, and back.

There are a plethora of massage oils, creams, and lotions available, and while most are designed to lubricate and penetrate the skin, some have to be washed off after a session. Since the relaxation produced by massage produces a heightened sense of smell, many massage lotions include an essential oil of lavender, rosemary, pine, or another aromatic herb. The aroma not only enhances relaxation by producing a pleasant aroma, it also penetrates the skin to calm, excite, or otherwise heal the client internally. Practitioners of aromatherapy massage consider aromatic oils to be an essential part of their massage equipment.

The relaxation created by a massage is deeper if the mind is quiet, so many massage practitioners have a portable music player so they can play calming music during a session. While not technically massage equipment, the player is considered by some to be as important to a successful session as massage oil. There are a wide variety of massage music CDs available, but any calming or healing music can enhance the experience. One last piece of massage equipment that can help ensure the comfort of the client, who is often unclothed, is a room heater. It is difficult to fully appreciate the healing benefits of a massage when the body is cold.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-massage-equipment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.