Recommended Supplies for Mobile Massage Therapists
Packing for mobile massage can be tricky. You don’t want to come tumbling into someone’s house with so much stuff that it looks like you’re moving in, but you also want to insure you have everything you need.
Here are my favorite supplies! Full disclosure, this post contains some affiliate links.
Also, be sure to download the Mobile Massage Supplies Checklist and sign up for our email list to be notified when our mobile massage course launches.
Massage Table
Master Calypso Ultra Lightweight
My biggest piece of advice: GET A LIGHT TABLE! I hurt my back when I attempted mobile massage with a heavy wooden-legged table. I recommend that you pick a table under 30 pounds. Some people recommend those trolleys but I’m not a fan. It’s one more thing to bring, it can get dirty, which you’re then bringing into your clients’ homes, and it’s difficult to navigate on stairs.
Massage Oil Double Holster
Earthlight Bottle Holster
Because I have fewer surfaces to put my items, I like using a double holster. One side for oil and the other for lotion.
Duffle Bag
CANWAY Travel Duffle Bag
Some of our items fit in the massage table bag but it’s pretty impossible to fit it all in there! I recommend using a duffle bag or duffle backpack to bring linens, lotion, etc.
Folding Stool
TG Cushioned Stool
This stool folds up nice and flat. You can store it in the pocket in the front of your table bag or even inside of your table bag, next to the table.
Table Heater
Wellhut Table Warmer
My clients absolutely RAVE about the table heater. It’s especially important for mobile because sometimes you have to set up in a cold basement. There is a Master Brand as well that lots of people use but they never lasted long for me.
Waterproof Pillowcase Covers
Biloban Waterproof Covers
I use these for pillows and also for storing dirty and clean linens. They’re a must in my practice!
Small Wet Bags
La Petite Ourse Wet Bags
I use these bags to store cups in. Bring a clean set of 4-8 cups in each bag and return to the bag when they are dirty. Wash your cups as usual and toss the bag in the wash with the sheet. To remember which bags have dirty cups, wrap the wristband around the top of the bag and secure with the snap.
Clock/Watch
Silicone Nurses Watch
I love these little nurses watches even though my husband Jordan makes fun of me for being a nerd! lol. I clip it to my holster waistband. Another option is a little battery operated clock, but be aware that they are not backlit, so if the room gets dim, they can be hard to see. Another option is to use your phone as a clock (the FLIPCLOCK app is handy!) but be aware it kills the battery life (both for that day and also forces you to replace the battery sooner), so make sure you bring a charger with you.
Lotion
Ginger Lilly Fragrance Free Lotion
I like using lotion for the feet and hands. Most of my clients have hardwood floors and they don’t like oily footprints on them! Please be aware that this lotion is not slick enough to use for a full body massage.
Holly Oil
Holly Oil by Body Best
Holly oil is my favourite oil for massage! It washes out of sheets nicely, is hypoallergenic, and is reasonably priced. I also like Myo-ther’s Signature Massage Lotion. I usually buy these both from my local supply store, Healthcare and Rehab Supplies in Calgary, AB. But both can be found on Amazon as well.
Massage Sheets & Pillowcase Covers
Earthlite Premium Sheets
My clients rave about my silky microfibre sheets. Click here for the pillowcases.
Fleece Blankets
Grey Fleece Throw
At $3 a piece, you can’t really go wrong with these blankets. I’m a huge fan of washing blankets after EVERY massage, so it’s nice that these are very thin.
Vinyl Cover
Master Protective Cover
I love this vinyl cover for over my table warmer. For sanitary reasons you shouldn’t have your sheets right on top of your table warmer.
First Aid Kit
Compact First Aid Kit
This is important to have. Bring it in your supply bag - you don’t want to have to run out to your car in an emergency. Many first aid kits do not have CPR shields, so you may want to add one of those as well.
Storage Bin for Oil Bottles
Plastic Lidded Storage Container
I store my oil, lotion, aromatherapy spray, medistik spray and soap container in here. You can easily grab something similar from the dollarstore - I use one that’s meant for craft supplies.
Lint Rollers
Pet Lover’s Lint Rollers
Extra sticky lint rollers. One word: DOGS! IYKYK.
Towels
Amazon Basics Cotton Handtowels
I bring three hand towels to each appointment. One for the stool, one for the bathroom to dry my hands and wipe the vanity, and one to assist with draping or set cups on.
Pillows
Blue Whale Pillow
These $5 pillows just can’t be beat. Swing by your local Wal-Mart and grab three. One for under the client’s ankles, and two others for when you need to do sidelying.
Square Payment Processing
Square Terminal
Square for taking payments; use this link to get your first $1,000 of processing free! Please note that the small swipe reader that plugged into your phone is no longer available (but if you have one, you can continue to use it for the time being).
Slip on Shoes
Vans Classic Slip On
Ain’t nobody got time for tying laces!
Table Wipes
Myo-Ther Genie Plus Wipes
These wipes are great to use on your table and stool. SAFE FOR VINYL!
Bar Soap
Chestermere Soap Co. (my husband and I started this company!)
Some clients’ bathrooms don’t have soap for some reason and sometimes they are those super scented ones that destroy your skin. Always best to bring your own. (I bring mine in a travel soap case from the dollarstore).
Medistik
Medistik Pain Relief Spray
I like this spray because I can target the areas that need it and it travels easily! For sanitary reasons, don’t use the roll on or stick style on clients. Use our code OWI15 for 15% off!
You made it! Check out our three part series on Mobile Massage for more tips, tricks, and encouragement!
