Oakworks
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High price, but justified by durability
How to Choose a Massage Table in 2025
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This article sums up the essential points to consider when choosing the ideal massage table, from my point of view as a sports massage professional.
LQA Award / Palace QualityMétropole Spa Monaco - 2016 WinnerBrazilian Ministry of HealthOlympic AthletesCannes Thermal Baths17 years of experience
The importance of intended use
Before even talking about technical features, it is crucial to define how you will use the table. This first step will determine how much weight you should give to the different criteria when choosing a massage table, and it should be discussed as part of a massage training course.
For amateurs and massage enthusiasts
If you are an amateur or you practise occasionally to massage friends and family, the technical recommendations that follow, while useful, will be less critical in your case. A more basic table can meet your needs.
For massage professionals
As a professional, two aspects deserve equal consideration:
The quality of the service you offer your clients
Your own physical preservation
This last point is often overlooked, but it is fundamental. Sports massage is a physically demanding activity that can, over time, have a significant impact on your body. To be able to take care of others over the long term, it is essential to take care of yourself first. Suitable equipment is the foundation of this prevention.
The type of table: why start with a folding table?
To get started in the profession, I strongly recommend a folding table, for several reasons:
It offers excellent flexibility for home massages
It is practical to store and takes up little space
If you choose a quality model, it can be perfectly suitable for a fixed setup in a practice
The essential technical specifications for a massage table
Width : a decisive criterion
I have personally tried tables of different widths, from 60 to 79 cm. From this experience, I can say that a table of around 70 cm is the best compromise.
Here is why:
It offers satisfying comfort for the client
It allows the practitioner to protect their back
It provides the best ergonomics for quality work
It is important to note that even if a wider table (80 cm) may seem ideal on paper, particularly in terms of prestige and client comfort, the reality in practice is different. For practitioners who work regularly (and I don't mean 4 or 5 massages a week), a table that is too wide can become a problem and cause back pain in the long term.
Choosing the material
For professionals who work at clients' homes, aluminium is the material to favour. This choice may seem trivial, but a difference of two kilos on a table can have a significant impact after years of practice and transport.
The headrest : a crucial element
An often overlooked but essential point: avoid tables with a built-in face hole. Choose a removable headrest instead, which offers:
A better anatomical position for the client
More flexibility in the adjustments
Greater comfort
It is no coincidence that the major brands have adopted this system.
The budget
Budget is often a deciding factor when choosing a table. Here are the different price ranges:
For a professional-quality table
Price range: 300€ to 800€
Recommended investment for regular practice
For small budgets
Tables from 100€
An acceptable temporary solution for getting started
Weak points:
Limited client comfort
Reduced durability
Risk of covers and accessories failing
Need for replacement in the short term
Recommended brands
Based on my personal experience and feedback from colleagues, here are the brands I recommend:
Earth Light
Excellent value for money
Professional quality
More affordable than Oakworks
Master Massage
Good reputation in the profession
Positive feedback from colleagues
(Note: I have no personal experience with this brand)
Body Nova
Specialist well-being website (formerly focused solely on massage)
Full range, including entry-level models from 200€
The premium option:
the electric table
If your situation meets the following criteria:
A comfortable budget (minimum 600€)
A fixed space available
No need for mobility
A wish to invest in your working comfort
Then the electric table is the ideal premium option for your professional practice.
Conclusion: matching your choice to your practice
Choosing a massage table should above all match how you will use it:
For occasional practice: an entry-level table can be enough
For regular practice: invest in quality
The key is to find the balance between your budget constraints, your professional needs, your clients' comfort and, above all, your own long-term health.
It is perfectly acceptable to start with more modest equipment - we have all been there. What matters is being aware of the limits of your equipment and planning to upgrade it as your business grows. Normally, if you follow a good massage training course, you should have been given these explanations.
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