Massage table with your hands

The massage table is a useful device, which is indispensable for those who have just finished courses with the intention of starting the practice of a massage therapist, and for those who do the simplest manipulation of their relatives at home. In both cases, you need a reliable massage table, for example, a foldable type, so that at the end of the session the plane can be removed into a niche, outside the door or onto the balcony. There are several types of folding tables, and each has its own advantages, but professional equipment for massage rooms is expensive, and many have to make a massage table with their own hands.

Varieties of massage tables

Whatever type of activity an expert may be engaged in, one can judge its craftsmanship in relation to the case and the tool. Agree, I do not want to trust the repair of electrical wiring to a neighbor who is torn into a socket with a screwdriver, without turning off the switch on the guard. Similarly, a real masseur does not work without a suitable horizontal plane, massage oil, sheets and towels, thoroughly washing his hands.

The massage table is the main indicator of a specialist's qualification, because without proper placement of the patient's body, in the most comfortable position for the spine, there will be no proper effect. A flat and slightly hard surface makes it possible to achieve maximum muscle relaxation. Yes, and the masseur must work in comfortable conditions, with full access to the patient, performing high-quality manipulations with the least fatigue.

The massage table on the photo below is a visual confirmation that the device can have:

• extended functionality;
• folding plane of two parts;
• is the simplest device.

Portable table is convenient for working outside the stationary massage cabinet, it has a light weight and folding format, it is transported even in public transport. Dimensions of the massage bed sometimes are quite impressive, especially if it is stationary equipment for patients suffering from obesity. Portable models should weigh up to 20 kg, so that with a massage table you can go up to the patient's apartment without an elevator.

The stationary massage plane for ordinary patients is the most stable, but even its transportation is a complicated matter due to its impressive overall dimensions and weight. On a stationary massage table, several structural details are often provided to provide additional functions. For example, the raised headrest allows you to perform the most qualitative cosmetic massage, and the slit for the face - for a long time to lie on your abdomen for detailed study of all muscle groups.

To work in the salon and in the service of special categories of patients( elderly and obese people, pregnant women, athletes with complex injuries) try to use the most stable stationary structures. However, it is not always convenient for these people to get to the massage room on a daily basis, and they prefer the paid services of the visiting specialist with their massage table.

The most common designs:

1. One-section massage table for classical massage and simple manipulations.
2. Two-section massage table with raised headrest for the convenience of the cosmetologist and SPA procedures.
3. The three-section massage table has an additional adjustable surface so that the position of the planes can be changed arbitrarily - for the needs of the procedure and the convenience of the clientele, for example, half sitting at foot massage.

The ready standard is a bed with a width of 55-85 cm. It is narrow enough and additionally equipped with lifting armrests, but this is not enough for obese patients. The plane with a hole for the face reaches a length of 210 cm, a solid table - up to 190 cm. We list the types of coating that can be used for a massage table made by one's own hands:

• artificial leather upholstery for furniture;
• inexpensive imitation leather;
• expensive arpatek;
• vinyl leather;
• is a glued medical imitation leather on a cotton basis.

Premium massage tables are covered with arpatek, which visually( and according to other characteristics) does not differ from genuine leather. It is used for upholstery of upholstered furniture or elite car seats, and not just for massage equipment. Filler and polyurethane are used for filling.

In some ready models it is possible to adjust the height of the bed, but usually 60 to 90 cm above the floor is sufficient for work, depending on the growth of the masseur. Adjusting the height of the finished tables comes from the electric drive or by means of hydraulics. In a self-made table, the legs with holes enter the supports, where the height is regulated by the usual long bolts inserted into the holes made opposite each other every 2-3 cm. Complex massage designs sometimes have 4 to 8 supports. But whatever the functional and the width of the massage surface, the specialist and the patient should be in the conditions most comfortable for work and relaxation.

The portable massage table is designed for a standard patient weight of up to 120 kg. Mobile stationary can withstand up to 200 kg, and for special patients there are massive tables designed for 350 or more kilograms. No matter how reliable the table design, it is recommended to stack on it slowly, get up - without sudden movements. Material for the frame of massage tables:

• wood;
• aluminum;
• steel;
• combined materials.

The cost of the finished multifunctional massage table depends on its technical characteristics, brand and manufacturer's warranties. However, in everyday use, the simplest functional is avoided, in the extreme case, a folding structure is used. And even to work on the road try to limit themselves to a lightweight construction, reminiscent of a folding suitcase with sliding legs made of light metal.

Having thoroughly studied all the design features of the massage tables and the functionality of individual sections, choose the most appropriate dimensions for yourself to prepare your massage table drawings or a sketch with dimensions. We will consider several variants of making massage tables with our own hands.

Making massage tables by yourself

Option 1 - the simplest table from the finished base

If you are not going to go out with your massage table regularly for every session, but you need it to care for the sick elderly parents at home, you can do with the simplest design. In any case, to make the simplest table and learn the basics of massage for the prevention of pressure sores - it is much more economical than paying for the services of an out-patient masseur daily.

The bottom line is that it's enough to cover the interior smooth door with foam rubber, wrap it with imitation leather using a furniture stapler, and the massage plane is ready. Then you can lay it down and fix it on a solid base from the kitchen table - it will be a stationary structure. You can make a table on folding legs.

The stationary table will take up a lot of space, especially since the apartments are standard layout and so close. Therefore, it is better to make a folding variant, for example, to take ready folding legs from two ironing boards. They can be mounted not only along the surface, like the ironing board, but also across: some under the head, others under the feet - this design is more stable. Crossings from 2 ironing boards as folding supports under the massage table - this is the simplest version, so to speak, the design for the lazy.

To fix the grooves on the back side, where the folding legs will be inserted, it is enough to cut the corner, securely screwed with screws. It is much more convenient to use those ready-made fastening mechanisms that were at the old ironing boards. Such a design quickly folds and retracts through the door or into the pantry.

Folding legs can be fixed both along and across the massage table, with the transverse fastening giving the greatest stability of the structure. When folded, it will be more cumbersome if the feet are fixed permanently fixed on one side, like the ironing board. Or it is necessary with the help of a desk to fold and remove the removable frogs. The distance between the legs of the legs will be about the same as that of the ironing board, but you can change it for the convenience of the massage therapist. The required height is measured by an experimental method - the closer the grooves are, the higher the massage table.

Option number 2 - folding wooden table

You can make a massage table if you have the skills of working on wood and all the necessary tools. Of the tools you may need:

• gon, pencil, tape measure;
• drill and screwdriver( can be a universal construction tool);
• screwdriver, knife and scissors;
• hammer and nails;
• knife and chisel;
• electric jigsaw;
• furniture stapler;
• screws according to the number of holes in the piano hinges;
• self-tapping screws;
• hacksaw;
• 8 metal corners.

It is recommended to use a finished furniture board made of wood, pine rails 5x3 cm, but you can make all the parts yourself if you have equipment. Alternatively, you can order wooden parts in the carpentry shop.

Materials:

• 2 pieces of plywood with a thickness of about 9 mm, according to the dimensions of the parts of the folding table - not less than 600х900 mm;
• for the frame will need a beam size of 30x50 mm - about 18 linear meters;
• piano hinges complete with screws up to 15 mm;
• 2 pieces of foam rubber of medium thickness( about 50 mm) in the sizes of plywood pieces;
• imitation leather or artificial leather according to the dimensions of plywood, plus 10-15 cm for bending and fastening;
• contact adhesive for foam rubber of the "Moment" type;
• self-tapping screws with a length of 45 mm;
• clasp.

1. We cut plywood with an electric jigsaw for 2 pieces of 600x900 mm, in one piece we immediately prepare a round cutout with a size of 180x110 mm.
2. For these pieces of plywood, we make sections for the frame of the timber, we attach them to the structure by screws.
3. We fix on the plywood both frames, making a semblance of countertops. In work we use self-tapping screws and nails.
4. Paste the finished structure with foam rubber and let it dry. First, we apply glue on the plywood, and after 5-10 minutes we apply foam rubber and press it down. When the material is glued, its edges are rounded with scissors - so the appearance of the finished surface will be more accurate.
5. We wrap finished parts with imitation leather or other washable material. We process the hole for the face, where the foam is also cut out along the contour.
6. Both parts of the countertop( or solid panel) are covered with upholstery material, the edges are bent to the back of the frame and fasten them with a furniture stapler along the contour. It is more difficult to process a cutout for the face, but it can be preliminarily sewed with a wide piece( such as a ribbon) and the edges are also exactly fixed. It is important to create aesthetically the corners and cutout for the face, all the rest of the fixation does not cause difficulties.
7. We now turn to the manufacture of supports by preparing a complete set of blanks. Supports can be of different designs, including removable ones, so the type of table and supports should be chosen in advance.
8. Connect the workpieces with self-tapping screws, processing the excess. Mark the pencil and the square for fixing the supports and mount to the table tops.
9. Half of the massage bed is connected with piano loops, after which our massage table is ready.

Massage table photo:

Option number 3 - folding massage table on metal supports

This folded design is more like a leather case. The couch consists of two identical parts, which are folded comfortably, and the legs are hidden inwards. To begin with, it's important to think through all the details and draw a drawing. All that concerns the box, do the same as described above.

You will need:

• 2 supports, each with 2 vertical pipes;
• 1 connection strip;
• 2 parts of a folding countertop, where one has a face slit;
• short and long levers;
• angles for fastening long arms;
• 2 long ropes and 4 short;
• foam rubber( or sintepon for a smaller volume), imitation leather or other practical material;
• fasteners parts.

The most difficult thing is to make the correct mounting of supports from vertical pipes, and the material can be purchased in the construction market.

Variant № 4 - folding table on W-shaped supports

Assembling the table top is described in detail above, we will consider the manufacture of supports for a massage table, here you will need a circular saw with an inclined disc.

1. Cut a 20x50 mm billet from a bar with a hacksaw or electric jigsaw for 2 identical sets, 12 pieces for supports must come out.
2. Connect the screws of the workpiece, cut the edges of long bars at an angle of approximately 45 °, but the same angle should be for all the support parts. It is convenient to make a circular saw with an inclined disc, otherwise you will have to use an electric jigsaw, which is less convenient.
3. Connect the parts "under the tree" and secure with screws, cutting the edges of the supports at an angle of 30 ° with a circular saw. The obtained parts are fastened with loops and long self-tapping screws, obtaining 2 sets of supports connected by loops. When installing, it is important to check the compactness of the structure - the parts must be folded without interfering with each other.
4. We proceed to the assembly of the countertop on W-shaped supports, noting the places for loops on the rear side of the frame. Mount the supports and countertops with piano loops on the self-tapping screws, using 4 loops, that is, on each support by 2. The support should be fastened to both parts of the table. It is best to fix them on the central screw and check how the parts are embedded.
5. With a pendant loop and self-tapping screws, secure both halves of the massage table by marking them on the underside of the frame, but so that they slightly recede from the edge.
6. Fit the struts with both pivots from both rails and check the stability of the whole structure of the massage bed in folding form.
7. Finished table with fasteners and handle for carrying the product, they can be borrowed from an old briefcase or suitcase.