Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

[WinonaGal]

Could someone please explain to me, what a Face Plug is, in a Massage Table. I hate to sound so dumb, but I am new. And, our school did not have them, so it is new to me - I am looking for a table, and have noticed these, and I cant figure out what they would be for.

I am used to working with a "head rest" - is it the same idea - just without having to use a headrest....... Tell me how they work!


Also - Anyone use a table with rounded corners?? What do you think of those?

I am at a loss of what width I should go with. Is one better? I am 5'5", with SHORT arms.

Thanks!

 

[[email protected]]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

A face plug enables clients to use the face cradle as a table extension for their head while they are face up. I can see it being helpful for VERY tall clients, those who's feet hang off the table when face up. I can't see myself wanting to use for short clients.

I am 5'1" and have used 31 inch wide table for over 6 years. The narrowest massage table is about 28 inches. That's not much more than my table, which is considered wide. I can tell you, heavy set clients really do appreciate those extra few inches of space!

I highly recommend getting the widest table you can get, 31 or 32 inches for your clients comfort and adapting how you work to accommodate a more comfortable wide table.

 

[Misty]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

A tip when it comes to table height don't adjust it once then leave it. Adjust as need per client. Certain clients you will need to lower as to not cause strain on you.
My table is 32 inches in width.

 

[Shafiq]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Thank you!

I can tell you, my school was absolutely the joke of the town, and still is even after I've graduated. Seems wherever I go, and they ask - "What school?" you see a face - and you know what that face means! LOL Of course you never hear ANY of this before you sign up with said school, only after.

I feel so unprepared with things like....... Tables, Body Mechanics, Chairs, Etc. Sure - I know all about the muscles and the body, and Ive got a good idea (as I'm sure it will grow with time) on how to give a decent massage, Ive been told I am good

But everything else - I am at a complete loss, and it really is irritating me.

I think my biggest concern is the body mechanics - I don't want to hurt/strain my body.

So, Peacenut, when the client is face down (prone) - they put their face into the "Face Plug", as opposed to using the Face Cradle?? Do they tend to like that more, than a cradle?

Ive never thought of using the cradle for the supine position.

 

[who da man?]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Also - Anyone use a table with rounded corners?? What do you think of those?

My old table had the rounded corners which I ordered ($30 more) thinking I would like that better from an aesthetics viewpoint but it really didn't make much of a difference. The new table that I just ordered will not have the rounded corners.

Also, my old table was narrower (actually hour glass shaped with side inserts). This time I ordered the largest available for the model, 31 inches. Having put on some extra weight myself was the motivation for a wider table.

 

[eric d on my block]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Could someone please explain to me, what a Face Plug is, in a Massage Table. I hate to sound so dumb, but I am new. And, our school did not have them, so it is new to me - I am looking for a table, and have noticed these, and I cant figure out what they would be for.

I am used to working with a "head rest" - is it the same idea - just without having to use a headrest....... Tell me how they work!


Also - Anyone use a table with rounded corners?? What do you think of those?

I am at a loss of what width I should go with. Is one better? I am 5'5", with SHORT arms.

Thanks!

The face plug can be two different things. There are tables with a face hole built in, so that there is no need for a face cradle. The plug is out when the client is prone, and replaced when the client is supine. This would make the table seem much shorter - okay for working with kids, not so great when working with tall people.

The other face plug goes into the face cradle when the client is supine, so that the face cradle becomes an extension even then. When the client is prone, you use the face cradle normally.

Be sure you know what you are getting, when you order your table!!!

 

[TOOT]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Thanks again for the help! I think I understand now

I'm kind of liking these tables that are combo deals (Ebay) - where you get the table and all the accessories with it. But Ive never heard of these names, I am used to the names such as Oakworks and Earthlite. I am now thinking I might spend the money and get an electric table. Any recommendations there??

Or recommendations for a good table, I am with short arms, and I wouldnt consider myself skinny either. t012

 

[magoo]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Thanks again for the help! I think I understand now

I'm kind of liking these tables that are combo deals (Ebay) - where you get the table and all the accessories with it. But Ive never heard of these names, I am used to the names such as Oakworks and Earthlite. I am now thinking I might spend the money and get an electric table. Any recommendations there??

Or recommendations for a good table, I am with short arms, and I wouldnt consider myself skinny either. t012

This thread may be helpful: http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=221

 

[dado]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

I'll add my $.02 about the rounded corners - don't get them, It's the only thing I don't really like about my table ~ when a client is face down, and their arms are perpendicular to their body, and forearms hanging over the long side of the table, their arms slide off - tough when you are trying to work the triceps and axillary area/lateral border of the scapula. Most my clients use the arm rest too. Also agree with get the widest table you can get. Good luck!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

Ha.. what will they think of next?? Here's a novel idea, if you want to use your face cradle in the supine position, just place a folded hand towel on the hole. or, you can put a small rolled up towel inside. As for rounded corners, it doesnt make such a difference. If you cover your table with a table warmer or fleece pad, then its pretty much unnoticable. The best bet is to have an electric table to adjust the height..

 

[T-Mac]

Face Plug?? and... Rounded Corners

I've never used or owned a table with a face plug - but I do have the rounded corners on my table & love it. I have a bit of a space crunch & have to keep my table positioned on an angle for it to work in my studio/office. My previous table had the square corners & it was harder for me to move around those corners - so it all depends on your needs & how you'll be using your space. Both tables I've had were wide 31" and actually slightly wider due to the extra padding I have as well.

I keep 2 eggcrate pads, plus a memory foam pad (all in twin size) and a real wool fleece pad on top, as well as my table heater. So there's plenty of extra width for the larger clients to feel comfy, without their arms falling off the sides. The main thing with the extra padding is don't forget to have some type of mat that keeps things from sliding around on whatever type of cover you end up choosing. All my clients love the deep cushy feel of my table & so do I! It makes me really dislike receiving a session on tables that are to firm! IMHO the body can't fully relax on a hard surface, so a little sinking in allows for a deeper state of relaxation for my clients & you may find it's something you will want to consider.

Best of luck with your future career!