The Massage Therapy Business Purchasing Guide

Most massage therapy business owners will need the following equipment and materials to get started:

You should expect to budget approximately $1,000 to $8,000 for initial purchasing costs.

Picking the right massage bed is arguably the most important buying decision you’ll make when starting a massage therapy business.

There are many different styles of massage; to build your brand, you should establish clearly which massage style you will use and make your purchases accordingly.  Each massage style will require different type of bed and matching decor to create a cohesive look. Common types of massages include acupuncture, deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, Reiki, Swedish massage, Thai massage and more.

The length of the massage bed, how thick the bedding will be, firmness of bedding and more should all be considered when selecting the proper massage bed for your spa. Below we list some common massage techniques and what sorts of bed would best suit them.

Types of Massage Beds

Acupuncture

Acupuncture requires long, comfortable massage tables with thick paddings. A table width of at least 30 inches with three inch foam padding is recommended. The tension and pressure during the procedure demands for great comfort for the clients, as many choose to relax on the table after procedures to let their body detoxify.

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Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages come come in the form of various techniques and styles. In general, sturdy tables with thicker padding is ideal for therapists who may want to use stones to go deep into the massage, as this ensures that the table can handle the pressure. Also, you might consider purchasing a heated massage table for this type of massage.

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Thai Massage

Thai massage is well known for the high pressure and strength associated with the technique.  A good, sturdy table is strongly recommended, as you will need a table that can easily support the full weight of both the client and massage therapist.  

An adjustable table that allows the table top to rest on the floor when needed would also be useful for this type of massage.

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Swedish Massage

Swedish massage, known for rocking, vibrating and oscillating movements, requires a stable and wide table so that clients feel secure on the bed’s surface.

Fixed installation for these tables are strongly recommended for Swedish massage. Two-inch foam padding will suffice.

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Most equipment for your massage therapy business can be purchased through either wholesale stores and specific retailers. Some products may be better to purchase wholesale, such as towels and other disposable goods needed for the business.  Other products will be only found through professional retailers, such as massage tables and other massage related equipment.

Massagewarehouse

A great retailer option for all massage related equipment, Massagewarehouse is a great starting point for people to take a look at all the options available for building their massage therapy equipment, such as oils, tables and more.  With good estimation on shipping time and relatively affordable price range, Massagewarehouse is a good first option to look into.

PureSpaDirect

The wholesale option for your massage therapy business, PureSpaDirect offers wide selection of products offered at cheap prices. This may be a great place to start for owners on a limited budget, but do caution on quality of products.

EarthLite

A leading brand in producing massage related goods, EarthLite offers great quality selection of products for customers and many different forms of massage beds.