Top 10 Tools for Therapists in 2017

Being a massage therapist is hard work so why not take advantage of the wide variety of tools out there that can make your life just that little bit easier? Depending on your specialty and the focus of your practice, you may just find one or more of these a “must have” this year.

Take a look at our review of the top ten products for massage therapists in 2017!

1. Essential Oil Burners: Essential oils can be effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, as well as creating the right atmosphere. Essential oils can also aid in reducing sinus pressure, help in breathing during the winter and reducing allergy symptoms in the spring and summer. An essential oil burner is a great way to offer the benefits of essential oils in the treatment room, without incorporating expensive oils into every service individually.
2. Heat Packs: Heat opens the muscles and relaxes the joints, which helps you to penetrate the tissue more easily and leaves clients less sore from deep work. Meanwhile, by providing warmth in your massage sessions, your clients will feel more nurtured and leave your care with a lasting glow.
3. Hot Stones: Hot stone massage is not only a relaxing massage method, but it also has many healing properties. The use of hot stones allows a therapist to give a deep, penetrating massage without putting excessive stress on his or her own body. The use of massage stones is also a great way to increase circulation in and around the area being massaged. Increased blood flow will help clear out toxins and assist in healing an injured or strained area.
4. Table Warmer: Especially in the cooler regions, a table warmer makes a huge difference for both client and therapist. The table warmer allows you to adjust the temperature directly under the client, while keeping the room a bit cooler. This gives a greater possible temperature range, which is good because not all clients like to be warm. With a table warmer, it is easy to adjust to the client while keeping yourself cool as you work!
5. Body Support Cushion: Whilst it is possible to support a pregnant client with multiple pillows, a dedicated support cushion makes life easier for the therapist. With shaped sections for the breasts and belly, these cushions keep the pregnant client comfortable and supported while giving the therapist easier access without bulky pillows getting in the way.
6. Oil Bottle Holster: These handy holsters provide convenient access to your massage oils, lotions, and creams, which means less walking backwards and forwards to re-apply during a treatment.
7. Therapist Thumb: The Therapist Thumb could be the best massage tool you’ve ever used. It allows you to give deep tissue and trigger point therapy without straining your thumb. The Therapist Thumb can be used in two ways so one size will suit all. The traditional hold acts as a support for your thumb whereas the reverse hold replaces your thumb completely.
8. Bluetooth Speakers: There are several brands of Bluetooth speakers out right now that offer great sound and are portable. Look for a speaker that is chargeable, which can be used for mobile work as well as in the clinic, and can be paired with massage and relaxation music from your phone, tablet or computer.
9. Credit Card Services: Take payments wherever your business takes you! There are several options for accepting credit cards now, many of which can be done through your mobile phone. This is becoming an essential tool for therapists as most people pay for services like massage with their credit or debit cards.
10. Online Referral Services: There are many ways to market yourself online. One option is an online referral service. Register with the service, create a profile and list your specialties and qualifications. Potential clients can then contact you through the service.

This year’s list includes some new technology tools that have become as much a necessity in doing business as a massage table and oil. At the end of the day, the goal is to provide a comfortable clinic and treatment experience, starting with a streamlined booking process and ending with a happy client and therapist.