Which massage couch is the best?

[Holli]

Hello! I need to invest my money in a more robust massage couch than i already have. I am currently using a portable one, which is brilliant, but i am finding it a little bit 'rocky' when i'm treating larger clients. I would hate for the couch to buckle underneath their weight - it would be awful - so i need to look for a stronger, sturdier model. It doesn't need to be portable as i will just keep it in my treatment room. If it can be folded up occasionally then that would be ideal, but not essential. Please can someone who has experience with using a variety of couches, direct me towards the most suitable one? I can't afford to pay much but do not want to go totally low budget for health and safety reasons.
Any response will be gratefully received!

[Indo]

Stronger and sturdier don't really go with portable, folding or low budget!
Plinth couches are the industry standard for continued use priced at around £800 +
They will last a life time and have a operation and parts gaurantee for life. I love mine and wouldn't part with for any other, very good product.

I don't think you will find a 'budget' couch that will be suitable for larger clients.

If you are on a budget i would suggest staying away from metal ones and getting a decent wood version. I also have a wooden portable couch that i bought when i first started training, its a Craft Master couch which is very good, but as all cheaper couches they will wear over time and that means creaks and noises.

Have you tried taking your couch apart and refitting all the screws tightly, sometimes this can give a couch new life.
Other wise try this one
Special Edition Massagetable - Massage Tables & Yoga Mats from Zenthings.com, Ireland, UK

The main difference with these couches is that the it has the frame fixing across the bottom of the frame, most couches are designed to fit your legs under so the strength is only at the top.

What kind of therapy do you provide?

INDO

[myarka]

Hi Holli,

It really depends on the type of massage you practice and if you need to change your working height.

The vast majority of couches are imported from the far east and "branded" by the importer and therefore there is little to chose between them.

For a little extra it may be worth investing in an Affinity or Marsh couch. Both are very high quality and will last for years. But if you don't need to move your couch, then it maybe worth looking at some of the spa or physio suppliers for either a static or electric couch.

HTH,
Myarka

[Holli]

Thankyou both for your helpful replies. I practice Aromatherapy, swedish and reflex but am going to be going into sports too.
I will have a look at your suggestions - thankyou!!
All the best,
Holli

[tranquilcherub]

Hi Holli

I myself, have been considering getting a new couch for the same reason.

I did see a new one on ebay yesterday, it claims to take up to 500lb in weight and was £99.

It was purple, not to everybody's taste perhaps.

[Holli]

I like Purple!!! What brand was it?
I've had a look at the Affinity couches and they do seem to be pretty good, plus they give you lots of add-ons for free...

[tranquilcherub]

The brand was Heathline.

Hope this helps.

[andan]

I have a purple couch and love it! Always a great topic with clients!

I'm mobile so i go for a very light couch, but having visited other therapists i have seen that what works especially well is having an adjustable height one, so thaty can adjust to suit.

I think you can pick up a good bargain on ebay and you never know if someone in your area is selling a couch they no longer need. Sometimes people train and then give up. One of my clients has her own table because she decided she prefered to receive treatments rather then give them!

[JuicyS]

I also have some dout when choosing massage facilities.So I have checked on internet,I find that the massage chair from Healthline is a good choice,high-quality and low-price.You can consider to buy one.

[Jabba The Hut]

I bought my portable table when I lived in the USA - it's by Oakworks - Natural Living have some that look almost identical Portable Massage Tables and Massage Couches | For Sale Online UK - and it takes my 20+/-stone clients very comfortably. Any larger than 30 stone and really they should not be on a portable couch, but on a hospital style bed - it's all to do with H&S and safe patient transfer protocols - I would advise that you only ever treat someone of 30 stone or over with a carer on the premises.

My portable couch goes with me everywhere in the back of my Smart Car!!

I have an electric plinth couch in my home clinic, but, as the company that sold it to me went out of business, it no longer has any guarantees! It has failed on me twice, when I had to take it to pieces and send the motor to a company in Birmingham - it was that company who explained it has a "lift weight limit" of 20 stone - so, if during a consultation, the client tells me they exceed this weight, I invariably offer home visits, or use my portable couch instead!

[Sue1]

This is the one I have, it is brilliant! Sturdy, lightweight, and reasonably priced:

Portalite Delta Lightweight Massage Table