Bolsters

[Veronika [:]

We don't seem to have a specific thread just for bolsters, or I can't find it, so I thought I'd start one.

Maybe we can put types of bolsters, where to get them, what you like and don't like, pros and cons of different ones, etc. along with links to buy them at - here for those interested.

I'll start. I found an interesting one today. Not necessarily my style, but who knows!


Massage Table Bolster 12x30"
Designed by a certified massage therapist, this bolster provides grounding natural support for thighs or ankles on treatment table. Buckwheat hull filling for lasting support. Removable, washable cover.

 

[wag mayonsE]

I bought my bolster from massage warehouse. I use it 90% of the time.

I was taught to use them in MT school.

I use the half moon one, http://massagewarehouse.com/images/product/9374L.jpg

 

[Eternity]

Mother in law and I made mine, about 6", and table width. Leather cover, quilt batting filling. Since it goes under the bottom sheet, it never gets touched by those dirty old clients of mine. Actually, all my clients seem to have clean legs, but you never know..........

 

[Whats Up Doc]

I have one of those big fluffly "air" bolsters and really don't like it. It was recommended to me by the owner of a massage supply store whose other customers loved it.

I put the bolster under my clients legs when they are already on the table and this bolster is so big that it's hard to get between the sheets & the table.

At the spa, I prefer a firm pillow that I can leave on the table when they roll over. When the pillow doesn't provide enough support for people with big feet especially, I will add another full or half round bolster on top of the pillow. That's always worked just fine.

All that being said, my therapist doesn't always use a bolster and I need to ask for it. My back without a bolster.

 

[Mystic Shiva Says]

I always use a bolster, the one I ordered with my table, one of those fullly round ones. Cylindrical, I guess I should say. I'm with ladybug1, my back is happier if I have a bolster while on the table. And, personally, I don't like the feel of a pillow under my ankles, whether fluffy, firm, or buckwheat.

Right now, I'm looking online for a wedge, or set of wedges, like my chiropractor uses. (Hmm, wonder where she got hers...) Not for under the knees, but to support a hip that wants to laterally rotate. I have one client in particular in mind, but I'm sure if I had it, I'd find more reasons to use it. Anyone use wedges that way? What brand do you have, and did you get it online?

edit: Maybe it's these "Pelvic Sacral Blocks" I'm looking for:

 

[Guinea Pig Lover]

Ihave a set that I made, based on the blocks/wedges that are sold at MFR seminars.

Great, like you said for a pelvis that needs balanced. I guess that is all I use them for, but they could be used to help prop a pregnant tummy or elevate something if needed.

 

[Petra]

Seebs, I'd love some wedges like that, too, but maybe not quite so tall? I'd use them under a rotated pelvis and under shoulders while prone.

 

[Nikki C]

bolsters!

I have a full round and a half round firm bolster I use on my table with my clients.As far as recieving a massage- I must have a bolster under my knees when recieving a massage-my knees are much happier with one than without. I also have a smaller one for use under the neck when my clients are supine.

Blessings and Light-
Johnny

 

[gregory s]

Hi Seebs,
Bumped this thread b/c I was using the search engine here on MassagePlanetL to find a supplier for wedges and only came up with this thread. Finally I just contacted the Sedona myofascial center and asked.

In case you haven't found them yet, the number to order the ones you are looking for is 1-913-239-0228 $64 and tax/shipping for the pair.

 

[Uhg.......]

John Barnes recommends the wedges from SORSI, he says they're the only ones he's had that have stood the test of time...

http://www.sorsi.com/products-services

 

[Mummy 2 Lorenzo]

These are nice leg elevators that help to support the whole leg and not just hang them up by the calf.

http://www.footsmart.com/P-Leg-Elevator-30014.aspx

http://www.bannertherapy.com/ProductInfo.aspx?leg-elevator&number=48-010

I don't think either one of these bolsters have a vinyl cover. In really like how these bolsters support all of the leg unlike the triangle wedge type. I do not have a bolster like this, but I have thought about getting one.

Banner Therapy also caries those strap on leg spacers . I buy them 10 at a time and sell them in my clinic. Clients asked about them on a regular basis, so I decided to carry them. http://www.bannertherapy.com/Specialprices.aspx?number=48-071

I just ordered some 6 inch round bolsters. The one I have from my old table is just getting too squishy. It is almost 6 years old and has had some heavy use. If a heavy set client uses it it squashes almost flat. Once in a while a client will ask about purchasing a round bolster for home use. I bought mine from Sam's Club online. They were about $17 a piece, the three of them shipped for under $5. I plan on selling them for at least $30 a piece, and probably closer to $32 to $35. That is what similar bolsters cost at Massage Warehouse and similar sites, not including shipping.

 

[XlenaX]

The number I gave is for SORSI (the company Barnes and his clinic in Sedona uses), thanks maestra for providing the website.

 

[Vortex]

So Seebs,

Are you looking for wedges that would go under the clients legs laterally?? Kind of like a door wedge but for legs?

 

[lexG]

Right now, I'm looking online for a wedge, or set of wedges, like my chiropractor uses. (Hmm, wonder where she got hers...) Not for under the knees, but to support a hip that wants to laterally rotate. I have one client in particular in mind, but I'm sure if I had it, I'd find more reasons to use it. Anyone use wedges that way? What brand do you have, and did you get it online?

edit: Maybe it's these "Pelvic Sacral Blocks" I'm looking for:

Your chiropractor is most likely using pelvic sacral blocks, like the ones you posted. Also known as SOT blocks. They are generally used with Sacro-Occipital Technique, but may be used independently.

Here are a few places to get them:

http://www.chiroelements.com/SOTblocks.html

http://www.scriphessco.com/itemdetail.asp?cat=&MENU=&item=832+0091

http://www.komkare.com/tables/tbl_acc/sot.html

http://www.lhasaoms.com/SOT_Pelvic_Sacral_Blocks-51-273-page.html