Since the feudal age of ancient China, massage has been used as a therapy to help alleviate body aches, sore muscles and overall stress.
Fundamentally, massage help in healing of tissues by helping blood circulation. It gives a sense of well being through the release of muscle tension. Ultimately, massage is therapy for the mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you are professionally trained therapist or simply someone who want to massages the tired muscles of a loved one, you’ll need a proper device to support the body of your subject.
The nature of massage therapy can require both strength and leverage. Extremely tight muscles and tendons can be difficult to relax without extensive pressure and kneading. Therefore, a sturdy massage table with proper cushioning can make a massage safe as well as enjoyable.
Portable Massage Tables
Massage tables that are portable help a professional travel to a client’s home, or to commercial events and public places.
It’s versatility opens up the possibilities of a therapist to gain better access to old clients as well as gain new ones.
It is also great for home use. Not many of us have enough space to accommodate additional furniture and so having one that will fold up and store away compactly is a huge benefit.
Searching for the best can be a daunting task.
Primarily, a good portable table needs to not only be lightweight and compact but it needs to be sturdy enough to handle an active massage on a large size person.
The client needs to feel safe and secure upon the table with no wobbling or creaks. Additionally, it needs to be well padded making it comfortable for the person receiving care. To make this search easier, we have gathered information on several of the best portable tables available and listed them below.
Best Massage Two Fold Burgundy
Features:
- Folds up to form its own carrying case with a handle on its side
- Legs and frame are made of birch hardwood
- Covered in 2 inch thick padding
- Height is adjustable from 26” to 36”
- 27” wide x 72″ Long (excluding face cradle)
- 450lb Capacity
- Adjustable and removable headrest
- Built-in Face Portal
- Removable arm shelf
- Two side armrests.
- Shipping Weight is 39 pounds
- 30 day return policy
The low cost paired with it’s sturdy construction make this a great choice.
It comes with all the accessories needed for an effective massage.
The maroon water and oil proof PU leather and is birch wood construction make it highly attractive. It’s easy and quick to unfold and put together. It’s a great choice for students and people working with a smaller budget.
Drawbacks:
39 lbs is a bit tough to lug around one handed, but it’s manageable. We have to remember that the portability has to be balanced with the sturdiness.
While most people found it quite sturdy, there were a few that complained of creaks and wobbles.
This can be easily remedied by carefully tightening all the joints with an Allen wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, and a small wrench. Also, it doesn’t come with a separate cover so care will be is needed when transporting.
Sierra Comfort All-Inclusive Table
Features:
- Separate Carry Bag with Shoulder Strap
- Waterproof and Oil Resistant Deck
- Legs and Frame made of Beach Maple Hardwood
- 2.5-inch High Density foam padding
- Height is adjustable from 23” to 33”
- 28” wide x 72″ Long (excluding face cradle)
- Fitted 100% cotton Sheet Set (Surface, Face Cradle, Arm Supports)
- Adjustable Face Cradle
- Built-in Face Portal
- Two side arm supports
- Forward Swinging Arm Cradle
- Semi-Circle Bolster
- Towel Hanger and Oil Pouch
- 39 lb. carry weight (accessories included)
The Sierra Comfort may cost a bit more, but gives you superior quality attributes in return.
It is made of beach maple hardwood and sports a thicker two and a half inch thick pad.
The table itself is simple to unfold and set up in any location. Additionally, it comes with a bag and shoulder strap for protection while transporting the unit or storing it away.
The deck is a full inch wider than its competitors and has a convent towel hanger and a pouch that attaches to the side. The fitted cotton sheets are a neat addition that makes it easy to keep a clean it that still remains comfortable for the clients.
The five year warranty is a great comfort that you can get it fixed or replaced if anything was to go wrong.
Drawbacks:
Because the sheets are 100% cotton, you have to be careful when you wash them that they don’t shrink so much that they no longer fit.
The zipper to the carry case only unzips halfway making it a bit more difficult to remove and recover the table. It is pretty sturdy but it is good advice to go over all the screws and nuts to make sure they are properly tightened.
This will make it much more secure even under heavier weights. Further, it’s best if this maintenance is repeated every six months or so to keep it steady as a rock.
Master Massage Therma Top
Features:
- Patented built-in Therma-Top warming system
- Separate Carry Bag with Shoulder Strap and zipped cases attached to the outside
- Legs and Frame made of northern hardwood
- Duo-plane hinges and leg-brace stabilizer bar
- 3-inch foam padding including a layer of memory foam
- Height is adjustable from 24” to 34”
- 31” wide x 72″ Long (excluding face cradle)
- 6-way adjustable face cradle
- Adjustable armrest shelf
- Comfort Bolster for the Legs
- Spa Music 4 pk. CD
- 75 disposable face pillow covers and a professional 4 pocket carrying case)
- 37 lbs. carry weight (accessories included)
- Lifetime Warranty
The manufacturer boasts that this one will hold 1,500 lbs.
Possibly this is due to the duo-plane hinges and the leg-brace stabilizer bar which adds to the strength and stability. It also has a lifetime warranty as long as you own it.
It has a unique table-top warming feature which clients love.
That added warmth helps them relax and stay comfortable. It is a 31” wide which makes it great for larger clients, and yet it remains relatively light to carry at 37lbs. The memory foam and the 3 inch pad thickness is an added bonus to make the session a bit more restful.
Drawbacks:
The carry bag has protruding pouches on the exterior that might be bothersome rather than encase the parts inside the folded up table.
Also, there is no built in face portal in the table top, but this may not be an issue considering there is an attachable face cradle included with the table.
Earthlite Harmony DX
Features:
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- Carrying case with a single pocket on the side for accessories
- Managed forest hard Maple legs and braces with lightweight aircraft grade Birch decking
- 2.5” CFC-free cushion
- Height is adjustable from 23” to 33”
- 30” wide x 73″ Long (excluding face cradle)
- Adjustable Face Cradle with matching crescent cushion
- Carry weight is 33 lbs
- Working weight capacity of 600 lbs.
- Limited Lifetime Construction Warranty, 3 year warranty Foam/Upholstery
This one is an extremely sturdy and doesn’t budge under a heavy weight. It’s made using Eco friendly materials which will minimize off gassing which could disturb your client. When packed up into its carrying case, weighs just 33 lbs. This makes it easier to lug around from place to place. Earthlite also provides a decent warranty that should cover most things that could go wrong.
Drawbacks:
It is easily twice the cost of some of its competitors, but makes up for it in solid construction. The headrest is on the hard side and not very comfortable. Additionally, there isn’t an arm rest or arm supports included in this design, nor is there a face portal in the table itself.
Stationary Massage Tables
Stationary Massage tables are more traditionally seen in permanent salon or office type situations, but also would be ideal for a dedicated home space for individual use.
Master Massage Montclair
Features:
- Elevating Back Lift
- Legs and Frame made of Mahogany hardwood
- Triple Thick Plywood Deck Beneath the Foam
- 3.5 -inch foam padding including a layer of memory foam
- Height is adjustable from 24” to 34”
- 31” wide x 72″ Long (without headrest)
- Adjustable arm rests and face cradle
- Heavy Duty Open Storage Shelf
- Comfort Bolster for the Legs
- Neck roll
- Supports 2,500 lbs
- 3 year warranty
More than a massage-table, this is an attractive piece of furniture made from mahogany hard wood. It is sturdy as it is comfortable.
The ability for the back of the table to elevate and its adjustable arm rests make it versatile in a wide range of salon applications. Another great attribute is the wooden shelf under the table.
It’s perfect for keeping extra towels, sheets, and other supplies handy. The three year warranty also provides ample coverage for anything that might be defective.
Some of the minor drawbacks:
Aassembly is required and it isn’t easily moved once put together.
The instructions are not very clear and the pictures a tad confusing, however with some diligence, the assembly can be completed by most people.
Therabuilt Stationary Therapy Table With Free Manual Tilt Lift Back and Shelf Base
Features:
- Manual Tilt Back Lift
- 3-inch foam padding
- Height is adjustable
- 30” wide x 72″ Long (without headrest)
- Face cradle and cushion
- Open plywood Storage Shelf
- 2 year warranty on frame
The tilting back is a nice amenity to be used in applications when a client needs to be sitting up.
Also, It lacks any arm rests which can get in the way during session. The three inch foam padding is thick enough to cushion and keep the client comfortable.
Drawbacks:
Limited 2 year warranty on the frame and the plywood shelf. I would think a stronger wood would have been preferable as well as more attractive.
Finally, there are no leg supports or arm support included in this design.
Quick Video: Comparing Before Buying
Ultimately, the table you choose depends greatly on your particular needs. You have to not only take into consideration your price range, but also determine whether you need to travel with your table frequently.
If so, you would most certainly want to opt for the more flexible portable table. You have to consider how heavy the particular table is to carry as well as the thickness of its padding.
However, the most important attribute for a table is its sturdiness and weight capability. With all the kneading and pushing that goes on in a typical massage, you need one that will hold your client still and secure.
The massage tables listed here are all fantastic choices for purchase. They are all highly rated and have the best attributes available.
No matter which one of these you choose, you are bound to be happy with your purchase.
Mike Nikko is a blogger with over 15 years of experience. I will bring you the best product reviews and other useful life experiences, tips to increase height, tips to improve health… If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mike Nikko!