Posts Tagged ‘massage therapy equipment’
What is a Massage Therapy Pillow?
February 22nd, 2010
Massage therapy pillows are a tool used by massage therapists to assist in massage. The pillow is most often placed under the neck and/or knees when a client is lying in a prone or supine position, but it can also be used to support the body in other positions. Quite often several massage pillows are used when a therapist is giving a massage to a pregnant woman. Facial pillows, normally built into massage tables, are used when a client is lying on his/her stomach. These very specific pillows, generally shaped like the letter ‘C’ and attached to the upper portion of a massage table, are placed under the client’s face and are very effective in allowing the therapist to fully massage the neck, shoulders, and cranial area without moving the head from side to side. The most important thing is for a client to be comfortable during a massage. Massage therapy pillows are used for this purpose.
By using a support item like a pillow, the therapist is able to relieve pressure so that a client can comfortably lie still while the therapist performs his/her massage. By placing a pillow under a client’s neck, the muscles of the neck and shoulder are relaxed and the cervical area is properly aligned. Similarly, a pillow placed under the knees is used to help relieve pressure on the lower back muscles and to keep the spine relaxed. It is not uncommon for a client with specific pain from an injury or illness to place a pillow somewhere else in order to help them find a comfortable position on the massage table.
Massage therapy pillows come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Two key characteristics to consider when choosing a pillow are the material from which the pillow is made, and the firmness or softness of the pillow. Pillows made from the best quality material are recommended because they last longer and because they are more pleasing for the client. If the pillow is going to touch a client’s skin, it is best to have a cover which fits snugly over the pillow that can be frequently changed and washed. The best covers are made from high quality cotton that protect the interior of the pillow well and have a zipper enclosure. An alternative to using a cover is to select a pillow made from vinyl, which is easily sanitized after each use.
US $79.00
The firmness of the pillow is determined by the material used to make the inside of the pillow. Most pillows and support positioning items are made of various types of foam/polyfiber material. It is important to try and handle different products before you buy and also to check and see from what the different products are made. It is not worth it to pay more for a brand name made of the same material. On the other hand, it is worth it to purchase good quality and to avoid cheap products. Cheap products are usually poorly made and don’t last. Micro-bead pillows are the softest and most flexible. They usually come with a spandex or silk type of covering and are relatively inexpensive. Dense foam products are the most firm and durable. They are also comfortable for clients and conform to the client’s body and provide excellent cushioning. An even firmer type of filling that is made from a natural product is buckwheat. Buckwheat pillows are not always the most comfortable, but they are hypo-allergenic and cost less. Buckwheat pillows can be heated up in a microwave or chilled in a freezer which can be quite useful for clients with sports injuries.
Some massage therapists claim that massage therapy pillows are not all they are cracked up to be and that they lose their effectiveness after a short period of use. These therapists most often prefer to use towels of different lengths and roll or fold them into the necessary size or shape to fit the client’s needs. Towels are also very convenient because they can be changed easily and are easy to warm up and add a few drops of essential oils for additional comfort.
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