There is a wide range of couches available and the whole process can become slightly overwhelming when trying to decide which couch is best for you and your needs.

Try to choose a model of couch that will suit your needs by asking yourself a few questions:

• Does it need to be portable?
• Is adjustable height a necessity?
• What width of the couch would be best?
• Does the therapy necessitate the client sitting up?
• Is the weight of the plinth suitable for you (if you intend to opt for a portable couch)

Types of Couch

Adjustable couches offer a certain amount of flexibility. They're ideal for clinics with different practitioners using the same couch, as well as being able to accomodate the different client sizes. Adjustable height can be useful, but most therapists have commented that once a height has been established, they tend not to change it thereafter.

Portable couches would be the first choice for those that are mobile, or if the couch needs to be stored away between clinic sessions.

Hydraulic beds are more professional looking as well as durable, they offer all the best features in one package, especially if you have a permanent and established clinic. The electrical beds are not as convenient, especially with all the wires about.

Width of Couch

In most cases the width of the couch will depend on the height of the therapist and the frame size of the client. The standard width of a couch is 24 inches. Although wider couches may be more comfortable for larger clients it may not be comfortable for you to work around and could force you to lean further across, resulting in back problems.

How to Measure

The correct height for you is the height you feel comfortable to work at, however, there is a general rule of thumb used to determine the couch height.

Extend your arm and hand, measure from your extended fingers, at the very least they should just lightly brush the couch. You will need to take into further consideration that your clients will come in many sizes and will influence the height of the couch. If a client is larger, it would mean your couch would need to be lower in order for you to work at an optimum level, hence, it is better to have a couch a bit lower rather than the expected "perfect height". Other considerations include what position your client will be in, i.e. if they are side lying the height of the hip is substantially higher than when they are in a prone or supine position. In Sports Massage, the wide baseof the feet used in applying massage techniques will bring the therapists position lower to the ground and can make as much as 3-4 inches difference. A final consideration could include the technique you are choosing to use for those trained in advanced techniques. If a couch is measured correctly, it will account for 90-95% of the body sizes you will likely encounter.

If you are planning to come onto the NLSSM course, it is best to try out the couches first and get professional advice, before making your decision.

The Extras

It is recommended that you obtain a couch with a face hole, without it will lead to muscles becoming uncomfortable and will limit techniques specific to the application of sports massage.