Table width?

[Pompal 09.]

I have an Oakworks Advanta portable table which I love, but I ordered in while still in school, when I didn't know as much as I know now. I'm short (5' even) and I always adjust my table up or down depending on the size of the person I'm working on but it's come to me lately that my table might be just a bit too wide for my height. Is there any formula for determining width? I wanted one wide enough that a large person would be comfortable on it with their arms at their sides, and except in the rare case of a very large client, most seem to fit well on it. I'm just thinking that when it comes time to replace it, I may want to look at something a bit narrower although not too narrow. But I think it's the width that is giving me problems.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Table width?

Yup. I'm short too. I have a narrow width (27-28) table to accomodate my height and a wider one to accomodate the larger clients. Doing deep tissue on the smaller table allows me to get leverage when needed without compromising my own body mechanics. Watch the weight limits on the narrower ones though.

I think you could test the width by seeing if you could comfortably elbow to the middle of the table with a client (so add inches) on it.

 

[Dunyah]

Table width?

Even at 5' 6" I've contemplated how nice it would be to have an almost table length platform to keep underneath my my table. If I had one that was made to boost me up another 2 to 3 inches it would certainly help with body mechanics, especially for deep tissue work. If it was able to mount on some sort of sliding mechanism that could be locked in place that would be even better. Not sure it exists, but it could be cheaper than replacing a table you love to have something made for you. Just a thought!

 

[Terra G]

Table width?

I am 5'1 (and a half) and like a 28″ (for a strict travel table) & the 30″ width for my table that doesn’t travel as much. Both still allow me to climb up on the table if I need to. Occasionally, I get up on the table in order to get more pressure or work a spot more specifically; the few extra inches helps to give my knees a little better support.

• A trick of the trade: If you want your table to have another inch or two for the client to feel more cozy (and will give you some soft flexible edges which still hold an arm very nicely), add one to two twin size egg crates to your table and cover them (and the table) with a mattress pad. This will add an inch plus on either side. And, that’s why I take the 30″ for my office table – the egg crate makes it into a soft sided 32″ table – now I can get in close to the client if I need (without having to deal with a hard edge) and the client has enough room so their arms don’t drop off.

For the rare occasion, I keep a little short medical stool under my table for leverage, if I don't want to lower my table prior to a session that may need me to be up a little higher for just a few movements in the session, but not high enough for me to get "on" the table.



If it helps, I also PM'd you a link to an article I wrote this a while back on my blog.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Table width?

There are also Armrest Bolsters that add width. You strap them on to your table when you get a clients that needs them. This thread reminded me that I started out with those before I bought my second table. I still have them. If you want to buy them Reviewom me, let me know.

Also, I have 1-inch heel sandals I occasionally slip on to add height/leverage.

 

[Bitchy Blonde SUSPENDED.]

Table width?

I have a 30" table plus arm bolsters.

Otherwise large clients do not feel secure - and their arms can't stay on the sides of the table.

I am 5'2". I have no problems if my table height is right.

I used to keep a large platform under my table - it was the kind they used for step-aerobics if anyone still does that.
But found that too annoying to keep pulling it out so I am just going to keep saving up for an electric lift table.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Table width?

I would love an electric lift table, but since our home is located next to a river & has been threatened with flooding in the past, owning one isn't likely to happen for the foreseeable future for me!

That said, I also have plenty of padding on the table with enough overlap on the sides for larger clients to feel comfortable and for me to have good access - so that takes care of the width problem, and allows for a very comfortable/cozy feel for the client. As pueppi says it does at some height as well.

Keeping the table relatively low helps too, and for those on the shorter side you could consider having the legs cut down an inch or so if needed, as you would still have the ability to use the adjustable holes on the legs to raise it up. Just a thought

 

[Unregistered]

Another critical consideration is the size of the electric massage table. I like high quality massage table can also reduce the tension on entire body. We can use plant oils, such oil become used in the massage. I felt so relaxed, calm and focused after each session.

 

[Wiktoria]

Another critical consideration is the size of the electric massage table. I like high quality massage table can also reduce the tension on entire body. We can use plant oils, such oil become used in the massage. I felt so relaxed, calm and focused after each session.

 

[sash_007]

lots of info shared here ..never knew massage table can make so much of a difference

 

[Kmittal]

Never new so much f importance was given to d tables

 

[teaseme]

I hate small massage beds

 

[Swagga1969]

I agree... I didn't know there were so many factors to take in when using a massage table. Thanks for sharing - next time I'm on a table, I'll check it out!