Is Your Equipment Working for You as a Therapist
This is one of the most important questions a therapist can ask, yet it is often overlooked. Many therapists arrive at work and simply omit things like checking if everything what they need is there, if they have enough space to work, if their equipment is adjusted to their treatments. I always encourage therapists to ask at the very beginning of the day, before the first client arrives. Is the space you are working in actually supporting you?
Whenever possible, I recommend going into the treatment room you have been assigned and taking a few moments to check everything. Notice where your equipment is placed and whether it feels accessible. This small act of awareness can make a significant difference over the course of a long day.
The treatment table is one of the most important pieces of equipment you work with. Start by checking the height. Even though you will adjust it depending on the treatment you will give, it is essential that you focus on your own comfort and postural safety. Treatment rooms are often shared, and the table may have been adjusted for another therapist the day before. Working at the wrong height forces the body into compensation patterns that can lead to strain in the back, shoulders and wrists.
An adjustable table is not a luxury. It is essential. A well supported treatment uses the therapist’s whole body, allowing weight to travel through the legs and into the hands. If the table cannot be adjusted properly, this natural flow is interrupted. When a table is too high, therapists often end up working only from the shoulders, bending in unhealthy ways and placing unnecessary pressure on the lower back.
Width matters too. If a table is too wide, accessing certain areas of the client’s body becomes difficult and the therapist is forced to overreach. If it is too narrow, the client may feel unstable and the therapist cannot work with confidence or ease. A good face rest is also crucial. A simple hole in the table does not allow the neck to adjust or the therapist to access the body fully, which compromises both comfort and technique.
For facial treatments, seating is just as important. The height of the stool directly affects the position of the arms, shoulders and spine. If the table is too high in relation to the stool, posture is immediately compromised and tension builds quickly.
Beyond the table and stool, consider the space itself. Equipment should be easy to reach without twisting or stretching repeatedly. This is especially important in treatments that involve multiple tools or stages. A well organised room supports flow, focus and longevity in your work. While employers are responsible for providing equipment, therapists also have a responsibility to speak up when something is not working. Health and safety are not negotiable, and your body is your most valuable tool. Learning how to advocate for yourself is part of becoming a sustainable practitioner.
This is something I explore in depth in both my Beata Face Massage course and my Beata Back and Body Deep Tissue Massage course. In these trainings, we look closely at how posture and body positioning support your work, from maintaining healthy alignment while seated during facial treatments to using your body effectively and safely when standing for back and body massage.
Your hands do the work, but your body carries you through your career. Make sure the environment you work in is working for you.