UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN

HWS40204: SPA MASSAGE AND THERAPY

CHAPTER 3

TOOLS AND SPA

TRADE

DR. NOR DALILA MARICAN

Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness
LECTURE OUTLINE

01 Massage Table and Chair

02 Spa Linens

03 Lubricants

04 Furnishing

2
MASSAGE TABLE AND CHAIR

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OVERVIEW OF
MASSAGE TABLE
• A massage table is what the therapist uses
to position the client to receive massage.
• The most popular massage tables are
portable tables
• Portable massage tables are hinged in the
middle to be folded in half and carried,
resembling an oversized suitcase.
• The primary advantage of portable
massage tables is convenience and relative
ease when they must be transported from
one location to the next.
 MASSAGE TABLE FEATURES: WIDTH
• Portable table width is a personal
preference and depends on:
• Size of the massage room
• Height of therapist
• Type of clients frequently served
• Wider tables may create a
• Frequency of table
situation where it may be
transportation. more difficult to apply deep
pressure if the client is far
from the edge of the table.
• Narrow tables often make
large-framed clients feel
uneasy because their arms
hang off the table’s edge,
especially when lying supine
(face up).
 MASSAGE TABLE FEATURES: HEIGHT
• Wooden table legs are
made in two sections held
together by a tongue and
groove system and one or
two bolts.
• Aluminum table legs are
• Height adjustments to
made of nested tubes and
wooden tables require
adjustments can be made
unscrewing the knob(s),
quickly by pushing in a
repositioning the table leg,
spring-loaded button and
and recrewing the knob(s)
adjusting the leg length
to secure the leg.
longer or shorter.

22 – 34 inches
• Adjustment is achieved, usually in
1-inch increments, by lengthening
or shortening the four table legs.
 MASSAGE TABLE FEATURES: LENGHT

• Most therapists use face rests

and bolsters; a face rest adds
10 to 12 inches to table length
and 6- or 8-inch-high bolsters
will reduce the client’s length
when placed behind the
knees or in front of the
ankles.

• A 6-foot or taller client will have ample

length when lying on your table
 MASSAGE TABLE FEATURES: PADDING

Durability:
Table foam padding will last
approximately 10 years before it
1.5 – 4 inches long
needs to be replaced if you have
a busy practice. Foam has a • Loft:
cellular structure that breaks
down over time. • A firmer padding prevents loss
of therapist’s energy when
downward pressure is applied.
• Density: Thick padding is ideal for client
comfort and for therapists
• Most foam pads are divided who apply techniques under
into three grades of density the client’s body as they lie
light, medium, and high. High- supine.
density generally has better
memory, or ability of the
foam pad to return to its
original height after being
compressed.
 MASSAGE TABLE FEATURES: FABRIC
Keep It Covered:
Ensure the fabric will last a
long time and retain much of
its youthful appearance and
functionality. When your
table is unfolded and set up,
use a quilted mattress cover
or a single fitted or tied flat
sheet over it.
Keep It Cool:
Extreme hot or cold (>35° C or
<32° C) can damage the table
and accessory fabric. Example:
brittleness, cracking, and
stretch marks
Fabric Cleaning:
Clean the table and accessory
fabric when it contains oil
smudges and grimy
fingerprints. Most cleansers
and detergents are too strong
and when used full strength
rather than diluted will
damage the table and
accessory fabric
Fabric Disinfecting:
Disinfection is needed
when the table or
accessory fabric comes
into contact with
contagion, body fluids, or
unidentifiable substances.
Disinfect only when
needed because overuse
of harsh solutions can
erode fabrics’ protective
topcoat, which is
designed to keep it soft,
supple, and resilient.
MASSAGE TABLE
Face Breathing Hole
ACCESSORIES Bolster

• Accessories help position your client, add Face Rest

comfort for your clients during treatment,
and assist you with self-care such as more
effective body mechanics.
• Some accessories help with transporting
massage equipment.
• Examples of accessories are face rest, arm
self, and bolsters. Included in this section
are stools, carry cases, and table carts.

Side Arm Rest

Arm Self
MASSAGE TABLE ACCESSORIES: FACE REST
• A face rest, or face cradle, allows clients to keep
their heads and necks relatively straight while lying
prone (face down).
• A face rest consists of two parts:
• The cushion is generally attached to the frame
by loop-and-pile fasteners, which enable the
cushion to be widened or narrowed
(accommodating a range of facial structures) or
even removed.
• The frame is attached to the table through
support rods that insert into grommets at
either one end or both ends of the table.
• The face rest, which is usually covered with the
same fabric as the massage table, adds
approximately 10 to 12 inches to the table’s length
when inserted into the ends of the table.
MASSAGE TABLE ACCESSORIES: ARM SHELF
• The arm shelf provides a place for forearms to rest
while a client is lying prone.
• The shelf is either a small platform suspended
below the face rest or a hammock style sling
suspended from the face rest frame by straps.
• If the platform style arm shelf is attached to the
table frame, the shelf is usable at one end of the
table and not both ends.
• Avoid side arm shelves attached to the table by
rods or those kept place by straps as clients may
think they are as sturdy as the table top and put
their body weight on them mistakenly.
MASSAGE TABLE ACCESSORIES: BOLSTERS AND CUSHIONS
• Bolsters and cushions help position the client and
enhance client comfort by providing support for
the neck, knees, and ankles
• The most popular bolster height is 6 inches, but 3-
and 8-inch heights are also used.
• In addition, keep four to six bed pillows and
pillowcases on hand to be used for client support
while in a side-lying position.
• A covered bolster placed behind the knees while
supine often reduces lower back strain by
decreasing lordosis. Covered bolsters placed in
front of the ankles while your client is prone help
to relieve hip, knee, and foot strain.
• Bolsters come in a variety of sizes and shapes—
tubular, square, rectangular, wedged, and wavy—
and can be made of foam or stuffed with feathers
or grain/seeds, such as buckwheat or flaxseed.
CHAIR ACCESSORIES: STOOL
• It allows the therapist to sit comfortably when
performing head, neck, hand, foot massage
• You can also use it as an arm shelf (be sure to cover
the stool with a clean cloth) or as a small table for
items such as massage lubricant or a box of tissue.
• Some therapists prefer stools in which the seat
cushion is shaped like a saddle.
• Ideally, the stool height can be adjusted and the
feet will be on casters so the stool can roll across
the floor when needed.
SPA LINENS

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OVERVIEW OF
MASSAGE LINENS
• Massage linens are any cloth that comes into direct
contact with your client.
• These linens drape over massage equipment and
accessories.
• Examples of massage linens are the bottom and top
sheet drape of the massage table, bolster covers, face
rest covers, pillowcases, and towels.
• Popular linen colors are white, off-white, or soft
pastels.
• Avoid dark solid colors as these reveal oil stains more
easily than lighter linen colors.
SPA LINENS: TABLE MASSAGE SHEETS

• Popular sheet fabrics are flannel, cotton, cotton

blends, and percale.
• Avoid using thin or transparent fabrics, such as
jersey knit, because too much is revealed of a
naked client’s body.
• Sheets with a 200 thread count or higher are
recommended.
• A sheet set is usually a fitted sheet and flat sheet
and a standard-sized pillowcase.
SPA LINENS: TOWELS

• Towels are thicker and heavier compared with

sheets because they are made from terrycloth.
• This fabric can absorb water easily, so towels are
ideal for spa treatments.
• Because of the weight, a large towel (or bath
sheet) can be used like a blanket for added warmth
during massage.
• Towels can also help keep sheet draping in place
when positioning clients in a side-lying position.
• Because of the irregular surface, towels can be
used when applying vigorous massage techniques
such as friction.
• Because of their smaller size, towels can also be
used as a bikini top during abdominal massage on
female clients.
SPA LINENS: BLANKETS AND TABLE WARMERS

• As the client’s body relaxes during massage, basal

body temperature often decreases. Because of
this, clients may become chilled.
• When using a blanket, place it over the client
drape.
• A washable medium-weight fabric such as cotton is
preferred over lightweight fabrics such as fleece.
• Along with warmth and comfort, a blanket can add
a sense of security because the client can feel the
weight of the blanket when eyelids are closed.

MASSAGE
LINENS CARE
All linens used during the massage
must be laundered after use.
Replace linens whenever they
become stained, odorous, or
threadbare.
Massage linens must be
disinfected when they become
contaminated.
Examples of situations leading to
contaminated linens are if a client
sneezes onto the face rest, a scab
from a wound rubs across the
sheet and drips blood, or a
nursing mother leaks breast milk.
STEPS OF DISINFECTION PROCESS
1. Remove contaminated linens with gloved hands.
2. Transport the contaminated linens to a washing machine while
avoiding contact between the linens and other surfaces such as
your uniform.
3. Once the linens are in the drum, remove and discard the gloves.
4. Wash linens in hot water; use laundry detergent and 14 cup of
household bleach.
5. Dry linens using hot air.
6. Don a new pair of disposable gloves. Disinfect the table and
accessory fabric with a 1 : 10 solution of household bleach and
water; apply with paper towels.
7. Remove and discard the gloves and paper towels in a sanitary
manner.
8. Finally, sanitize your hands.
LUBRICANTS

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LUBRICANTS
• The primary purpose of a massage lubricant
is to reduce friction; the friction between
your skin (ex: hands, forearms, elbows) and
the client’s skin.
• Types of massage lubricant are creams,
butters, oils, gels, and lotions.
• Some massage techniques, such as manual
lymphatic drainage, use balms, powder, and
talc such as cornstarch.
• Additionally, liniments may be used to
enhance massage’s therapeutic effect.
TYPES OF LUBRICANTS: CREME

• Crème is moisturizing and hydrating, and is

more emollient than other lubricants.
• Because of this, crème has a staying power
almost equal to that of massage oils and gels.
• Because crème is thick, it is less likely to spill
out of a container
• Crème is also less likely to stain your (and your
client’s) clothing and massage linens.
TYPES OF LUBRICANTS: BUTTER

• Butters, which are derived from fruit, nuts, or

seeds, are thicker than crème.
• Like crème, butter is hydrating and moisturizing
and has an excellent rapport with the skin.
• The three most common butters used in
massage lubricants are:
• Cocoa butter, also known as the obroma oil, is
obtained from cacao seed.
• African Shea butter is extracted from the tree’s
fruit (called tree nut).
• Jojoba is a liquid wax and is taken from the
desert shrub’s seeds; it is chemically similar to
the skin’s oil (called sebum).
• Butters take a little time to get used to; body
heat will cause them to melt and liquefy, so use
sparingly.
TYPES OF LUBRICANTS: OIL AND GEL

• Oils and gels are derived from vegetables, nuts,

and seeds.
• Additives such as vitamin E are often used.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant, also acts as a
preservative, which is important because of
oil’s quick rancidity.
• One drawback of oil or gel is the stains and
odor these products can leave on linens.
• Some massage oil manufacturers sell a product
to be added to the wash to help remove oils
stains, but these products have mixed reviews
(some therapists say they work well and others
say they do not work at all).
• If you use oils or gels, perhaps ask your client
to bring a change of clothes to wear after the
session. Some therapists blend oil/gel with
lotion in a 50/50 solution.
TYPES OF LUBRICANTS: BALM

• Balm is made from a mixture of fruit,

vegetable, and seed oils, and is thicker than
gels.
• An additional wax is added to solidify the
product.
• Commonly used waxes are beeswax,
tribehenin, or candelilla.
CHOOSING A LUBRICANTS: INGREDIENTS AND ALLERGENS

• Be sure to disclose the list of lubricant ingredients when you obtain consent for treatment.
• Ingredients such as vegetable, nut, and seed oils and plant essences are commonly used and add nutrients to the skin.
• Because lubricant allergies cannot always be predetermined, keep a hypoallergenic lubricant handy to use when the
need arises.
• Allow clients to smell the scent before applying it all over their skin. Once the scent is approved, proceed with its use
during the massage.
• Avoid strong scents as they may become overwhelming later in the session as they are applied over larger areas of the
client’s body in an enclosed space.
• Scented lubricants increase the likelihood of allergic reactions.
• Be sure to keep clients warm by covering non-massaged areas with a drape and perhaps a blanket.
• Some lubricants contain more water and less oil to increase friction and reduce the tendency of the hand to slide
across the skin during pressure application.
• Oil-based lubricants provide superior glide, tend to remain on the skin for longer periods of time, and provide a layer
of insulation which serves to preserve body heat.
CHOOSING A LUBRICANTS: DISPENSING LUBRICANT

• Be sure your massage lubricant is uncontaminated as it is dispensed from the lubricant container and take steps to
avoid cross-contamination between clients.
• When dispensing thin lubricant such as lotions, gels, or oils, use a container that has a flip top or pump mechanism to
prevent cross-contamination.
• When dispensing thick lubricant such as crèmes or butters, use a clean spatula or tongue depressor to place a small
amount of product into a sanitary dish.
• Be sure to remove enough lubricant for a single-client use.
• Some therapists use the cleaned top of the lubricant jar as the sanitary dish.
• Do not place lubricant containers on unclean surfaces such as holsters, countertops, or the floor during massage.
• Be sure to sanitize the lubricant container after each massage.
CHOOSING A LUBRICANTS: AMOUNT OF LUBRICANT
The amount of lubricant you use will depend on:

Emollience Skin Dryness Body Hair Intention

The more emollient the Dry skin requires more Areas with a plethora of Techniques that help
massage lubricant is, the lubricant and more body hair require more promote relaxation,
less lubricant and frequent reapplication lubricant and more such as effleurage,
reapplications are than normal or oily skin frequent reapplication require a reasonable
needed. Crèmes, than hairless skin. amount of lubricant.
butters, oils, and gels Techniques that
are more emollient than manipulate muscle, skin,
lotions and fascia require less
lubricant
FURNISHINGS

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FURNISHINGS

• The furnishings for the massage room deserve brief

mention.
• Furnishings help create the appropriate atmosphere
where the massage takes place.
• These items include a mirror, clock, wastebasket, chair,
and a place for your client’s garments and personal
items.
• The massage room is an important element of the
massage experience.
FURNISHINGS ITEMS
MIRROR
• Clients use mirrors to groom
themselves after a massage.
• Therapists use mirrors to aid in
postural client assessment and self-
assessment.
• Mirrors also reflect light or room
objects and can be used to make a
space appear larger.
CLOCK
• Massage is a time-structured event.
• Wall or desk clocks help to keep you
on a schedule, and they help regulate
timed treatments such as ice packs or
body masques.
• The clock should be quiet and visible
to you rather than your client, for
whom it may be a distraction.
WASTEBASKET
• A wastebasket is needed in the
massage room for used paper
towels, facial tissue, disposable
gloves, and other single-use items.
• Most state laws require the
wastebasket to close with a lid.
Lidded wastebaskets with foot
pedals are preferred to
FURNISHINGS ITEMS
SUPPLY CABINET
A supply cabinet is needed to stow massage linens,
lubricant, and other supplies.
Cabinets or closets fitted with louvered doors allow
stowed items access to fresh air and allow music from
hidden speakers to move through slats.
Be sure that shelf surfaces are covered with an easy
to-clean material such as laminate (e.g., Formica).
PLACE FOR GARMENTS AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Clients need a place to put their removed garments
and personal items during the time they are
receiving massage therapy.
Removed garments can be placed on a wall hook, a
coat tree, or a freestanding valet.
Personal items such as wallets, eyeglasses, jewelry,
and phones can be placed on a nearby side table.
THANK YOU
dalila.m@umk.edu.my