You should always buy the best quality equipment that you can afford. Remember that if you are working mobile you will be carrying this equipment around on a daily basis and if it is heavy you could injure yourself or risk repetitive strain injuries.
Buy the lightest but sturdiest equipment available and never compromise your own health. If you visit your local wholesaler to purchase your equipment you will need to show them copies of your Guild membership insurance cover documentation to prove that you are qualified before they will issue with a trade card.

Before commencing the treatment, you will need to have the following pieces of equipment:

• Couch – this can be static or collapsible if you are mobile. Always ask the supplier if you can try to put up and dismantle the couch before you buy it and check that you are able to lift it. The couch must have an adjustable head rest and be covered in a washable material. Some of the more expensive couches are electric but these are more suited to salon based therapists as they are not transportable. You should make sure that the couch is adjustable to help your client get on and off, as well as making sure it is at a height where you can perform the treatment without bending or straining. A couch which includes a face hole will also be more comfortable for the client when massaging their back, and will make sure they are in the ideal position for you to perform the treatment.
• Couch cover – ensure that the couch cover is made of a material that can be washed at a high temperature.
• Disposable bed roll – this is placed over the couch cover and is replaced after each use.
• Equipment trolley – a sturdy trolley is required that is large enough to hold all your equipment safely.
• Stool – this will need to be easy to clean and should be adjustable in height.
• Clean towels – must be used for every client. These can be used to drape over the client, and for use during the treatment.
• Mirror – a small hand mirror should be available for the client to use before and after their treatment.
• Headband – this will protect the clients hair from any of the products and will prevent it getting in the way during treatment. It should be either disposable or be able to be washed at high temperatures.
• Massage medium – a massage medium could be a oil, cream, emulsion, gel or powder. This should be selected according to the clients skin type and condition.
• Anti-bacterial/alcohol solution – this can be used to sanitise the clients feet.
• Support props – these can be used to support the knees or ankle during the treatment if required.
• Cotton wool – this can be used to apply or remove products and should be disposed of immediately after use.
• Tissues – these may dry off areas of skin or help to remove excess products. They should be disposed of immediately after use.
• Waste bin – for any non-contaminated waste products.
• Written aftercare advice – an aftercare advice leaflet should be given to the client after their first appointment and you should record on the record card that this has been discussed and the client has taken it away with them.

It is important to ensure that the working area is properly ventilated to minimise the escape and spread of substances that are hazardous to health. Fresh air must be allowed to circulate, using as much natural ventilation as possible, such as open windows and doors.

Ensure that the temperature of the treatment room is comfortable for both you and the client. You may choose to have some towels and blankets on the couch to cover your client and keep them comfortable. In colder months, some therapists put an electric blanket on the couch to help keep clients warm.

You may wish to dim the lighting in the treatment room once the client is on the couch to help with their relaxation. However, you should ensure that there is sufficient light to perform the treatment effectively.

You should make sure that you are fully prepared for the treatment before the client arrives. This will make your treatment more efficient and prevents you from keeping your client waiting. Make sure all the products and equipment you need are close to hand, and your couch, music and lighting are all set up as you require.
Whatever brand of products you use, you should always ensure that you use them correctly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When the client enters the treatment room you should advise them to remove any clothing and accessories that your products may come into contact with during the treatment, as this will prevent them from being damaged. You should provide the client with a safe place to leave these. Advise the client how to position themselves on your couch and make sure there are towels or blankets available to protect their modesty. This will ensure that the client feels confident and comfortable. You should then leave the room while the client undresses and covers themselves on the couch.

Whilst the client prepares themselves you too should prepare yourself for treatment. Make sure you have had a drink of water and that you have eaten before hand.
Remember a full body massage treatment can last up to an hour and half and to give the best treatment you should be able to put your full concentration and energy into it.

Wash your hands and try not to have eaten any strong smelling food such as garlic beforehand. Make sure your hair is tied back and any jewellery is removed.
When you return to the treatment room, ensure the client is comfortable and covered. You should try to make sure that the clients hair is protected with a headband or towel.

Massage Mediums

A massage medium is the product used on the client’s skin during the treatment. You should have a selection available, and your choice should be determined by the client’s skin type. There are different types of massage medium available, but the most popular are creams, oils and powder.

Make sure that you use the medium sparingly, and always apply to your own hands to warm it to body temperature first and do not apply a cold medium directly onto the client’s skin.

A massage cream is most suitable for normal to dry skin and made of a mixture of wax, oil and water. Creams are generally very readily absorbed and so they leave the skin soft and nourished.

Massage oils are best used on normal to dry skin as they will provide nourishment and lubrication. As oil helps to prevent the skin from tearing when stretching it can allow you to provide a deeper form of massage.

Powder can also be used as a massage medium when applied to dry skin. It is best used on combination and oily skin as it absorbs excess sebum and perspiration. This generally contains finely ground magnesium silicate.

You should always ask your client if they have a preference of massage medium, and whether they have had a reaction to one in the past. Remember, pregnant clients will not be suitable for any kind of aromatherapy massage oil and should stick to a basic massage oil such as grapeseed. Some clients may prefer not to use almond oil in order to protect their baby from having potential nut allergies.

Make sure you use the correct quantity of your chosen massage medium for the client. This will make sure it is effective and also minimises waste. By avoiding over- using the medium you will also minimise the risk of soiling the surrounding area, which is of particular concern when offering mobile treatments.

Pre-Massage Heat Treatments

Heat treatments can be offered to clients prior to a massage. In a spa setting, this could be a sauna, however, in a salon or mobile business you can use an infrared lamp which gives out a warm, deep heat on any area of the face or body. Heat treatments warm the muscle and tissue, which can double the effectiveness of the massage movements.

A thermal sensitivity test should be carried out prior to the treatment to ensure that the client does not have a loss of skin sensation, in which case they may burn without realising. This would be carried out by using two test tubes with warm and cold water in them. The test tubes should be placed against the skin of the area to be treated and the client would need to be able to differentiate between the two for the treatment to go ahead.

Infra-red lamps provide localised heat treatments which can focus on specific areas. The mild heating of the muscles can have a sedative effect and assists in soothing general aches and pains.

It not only relaxes the muscles but also stimulates the circulation, produces a local rise in skin temperature, increases the rate of the metabolism, induces sweating and increases the absorbency of the skin. The lamp can be used in the preparation of the body as it relaxes tight muscles and provides pain relief for joints and muscles.

There are number of contra-indications for heat treatments, including:

• Circulatory problems
• Skin disorders
• Diabetes
• Respiratory problems
• Metal pins and plates
• High or low blood pressure
• Heart or artery problems
• Inflammation
• Loss of skin sensation
• Claustrophobia
• Hypersensitive skin
• Cuts or bruises
• Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
• After a heavy meal

In addition to a verbal consultation, you should also assess the clients skin before commencing a treatment. You should explain what you are doing to the client as you go along, and use a magnifying lamp if necessary. Begin by cleansing the skin, particularly on the feet and removing any make-up so that you can see the skin properly.

You should look at the skins condition and identify any problem areas. You should also look at the texture of the skin as well as any pigmentation or moles. Once you have completed this assessment, you will be able to select the best massage medium for that client.