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Massage Accessories- Bolsters
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Bolsters are pillows that provide clients with additional comfort during massage. They also assist the massage therapist with positioning the clients, and they help ease muscle and joint pain. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pillows from which to choose, such as round, semi-round and wedge. Other shapes include rectangles, triangles, or a combination of all of the above shapes. There is also a peak bolster which is a rectangle shape with a triangle shape at the top. Round and half round (or semi-round) bolsters are the most popular types. They are used under the knees with the client laying on his back. They may also be used under the ankles when the client is laying on his stomach. These positions would be uncomfortable if it weren't for the bolsters adding support and comfort to the client. The headrest can also be used as a bolster because it puts the head in a position that is more comfortable for the massage recipient. (It would be quite uncomfortable without this headrest.) When a client is lying on his stomach with his feet fully extended, it will be more comfortable for him if a bolster is placed under the ankles for support. This position also allows the therapist to have better access to the client's legs. As for support of the shoulder, a round bolster may be placed under it. A bolster with a soft, fluffy cover would be even more comfortable while giving extra support. The neck bolster is also necessary for comfort and support. This bolster is usually the same size in diameter as a full round bolster, but half as long. The round and full bolsters come in jumbo and full sizes. The half round jumbo and the full round are the most popular sizes. Also popular are the medium size bolsters. Also available are bolsters with straps referred to as handle bolsters. These straps permit you to maneuver them in a way that is comfortable to the client. Otherwise you would be pulling the bolsters out from under the clients with an oily hand, thus causing slipping and tugging that is not necessary, not to mention uncomfortable for your client. The straps on the bolsters are sewn into the seams of the bolsters. However, do not use them in a rough manner as they may tear. Be as gentle as you can when removing the bolster from underneath your client. The bolsters are available in a variety of colors, shapes and firmness. Some pillows are fluffy and some are firm; some are angled and some are peaked. Colors will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you purchase your table from one manufacturer, then order a pillow of the same color from another manufacturer, the colors probably will not match and may even be totally different. Most of the bolsters are covered with vinyl, which make them durable and easy to clean. It would be best to purchase the bolsters when you purchase your table so that the colors will match and the material of the bolster will be the same as that of your massage table. Since most bolsters are covered with vinyl, you may want to cover them with a flannel cover. This makes the bolster softer and you can change the cover with each client, then throw the cover in the wash. That way you don't have to clean the bolster between clients. The oils will also not stain the flannel as it might with the vinyl. By using the flannel covers over the bolsters, you will save wear and tear on the bolsters. You will also find that the covers look better than just plain vinyl bolsters. Another advantage to the flannel covers are that they are inexpensive. A fleece cover is a comfortable addition to a bolster. Since bolsters are quite firm, the fleece adds a great deal of comfort to the bolster. It would be like adding a mattress pad to the bolster, and is also very soft on your skin. You are still able to reap the benefits of a firm bolster, and at the same time obtain the comfortable feeling of fleece. These fleece covers are available in a variety of shapes and colors to fit your particular bolster. |
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