Design Considerations

massage rooms should have a small sink and linen cabinet. Tip: provide storage above and below sink

rooms need to be sound insulated.

use lever-type hardware for door knobs (therapists have oil on their hands)

Equipment

72”x30” massage tables: (deep tissue tables should be 39” wide)

Tip: tables should have built-in shelves and an adjustable face cradle attached to the end of table--adding another 12” to the end of table

massage table upholstery should be made from Naugahyde with a smooth surface with medium firm padding

Space Requirements

generally 120-140 sq. ft., room variations include: 9’x12’, 19’x12’, 10’x14’, 12’x12’

therapist requires a min 3’ work-space around the massage table

Location & Access

located in “dry” therapy area.  Tip: should have access to laundry storage and drop off

Room Set-Up

sink and cabinet should be in corner at an angle in 9’x12’ rooms.

sinks should have hot and cold water

Flooring

vinyl tile, wood, or cushioned recreational surface.  Tip: avoid tile, marble, or granite (too hard for the therapist to stand on)

Walls, Ceilings, and Doors

washable wall paper or paint. 

allow doors to open comfortably.

doors need lettering or numbering and an “in use” sign or light

Lighting

Indirect lighting with dimmer control on walls or overhead (not directly above massage table)

windows lighting preferred with vertical, horizontal, or roman blinds.

Electrical

provide wall outlets at foot and sides of table, and a counter-height outlet for and essential oil diffuser. Tip: In-house phone with intercom in rooms is advised in larger facilities.

Sound System

One centrally located sound system, with speakers in each room that have an individual volume control knob.

Storage

smaller rooms can have tables with built-in storage space for linens, towels, oils, bolsters etc.

If room is too small to provide storage inside, storage directly outside room is necessary