The Art of Perfecting Your Treatment Bed.
This blog entry is one for the fellow entrepreneurs!
Creating a warm, inviting treatment space is at the heart of what we do as massage therapists. A cosy and comfortable treatment bed is more than just a piece of equipment – it’s where our clients find relaxation, healing, and relief. In fact, some say that 50% of a client’s all round experience is associated with the bed in which they relax into. But what truly makes a treatment bed feel like a sanctuary? In this post, I’ll share the little details that can transform your setup, helping you create an experience that your clients will not stop thinking about. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current setup, these tips will inspire you to master the art of cosiness in your treatment space.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This powerful quote is at the core of my approach and guides the ethos behind every treatment I provide. It beautifully highlights the importance of creating an exceptional client experience, starting with how they feel the moment they lie on your treatment bed.
Are they warm and cosy enough? Is the room temperature just right? Do they prefer their legs elevated or need extra support for their neck or knees? Are their arms comfortably positioned, or could they benefit from a wider bed? These are just a few of the details to consider when crafting the ultimate treatment experience. After all, it’s those thoughtful touches that help your clients feel truly cared for and ensure they leave your space feeling amazing.
Let’s explore some of my favourite tools and products for creating an exceptional client experience.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the bed itself. For me, a multifunctional bed is a must-have. Not only to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the client but also to support my posture and overall wellbeing as a therapist. Investing in a fully electric bed eliminates the need for manual adjustments, reducing strain on your body. It also offers clients the added benefit of customisation, such as raising their knees for lumbar support or creating a cocoon-like effect, perfect for longer treatments.
Here’s a link to the bed I use in my treatment space - Avalon MultiFlex 3 Deluxe - Avalon Couches
When it comes to finding the perfect linens for your treatment bed, I always gravitate towards white linens and towels. Not only do they create a clean, fresh spa-like look, but they’re also neutral and versatile. I prefer using flat sheets over XL towels because they’re the perfect size to comfortably cover clients, offering that cosy, tucked-in feeling, just like being snug in their bed at home. From a therapist’s perspective, flat sheets are a more budget-friendly option, wash more effectively, and are less prone to staining from massage oils in my personal experience.
To elevate the experience even further, I love to complement my treatment bed with a light feathered duvet. It adds a touch of luxury while providing a gentle weight that helps clients feel grounded and relaxed. This extra layer of comfort makes it easier for them to switch off completely without feeling exposed. I also like to make my treatment experience multi-sensory in various ways [maybe I’ll do another blog entry about this in detail if you’d love to know more…] so for an added sensory element, I also love using muslin-textured fabrics. Their softness adds a delicate yet luxury touch that clients always appreciate and compliment, making the entire experience feel even more special.
I get my flat sheets and towels from Richard Haworth and my muslin duvet covers from H&M Home.
To take the comfort of my treatment bed to the next level, I love using an electric blanket. It adds a soothing layer of warmth and cosiness, especially during the colder winter months, creating an experience that feels luxurious and indulgent. However, it’s important to remember that every client is unique, and preferences can vary. Some clients relish the gentle heat, while others may prefer a cooler setup. That’s why I always make a point to check in with each client before their treatment to ensure the temperature suits them. Tailoring this aspect of the experience not only enhances their comfort but also shows attention to their individual needs, making the session feel truly personalised.
Any electric blanket will do but an energy efficient one is always good - Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket
To further enhance the sensory experience, I love spritzing the treatment bed with a calming pillow mist or a blend of essential oils. This small yet powerful touch creates an inviting atmosphere and helps clients relax the moment they lie down. Using essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or ylang-ylang can promote a sense of calm and tranquillity, while uplifting scents like bergamot or sweet orange can brighten their mood and create a soothing ambience.
The aromatic benefits of essential oils can deepen the relaxation experience, allowing the client to truly unwind both mentally and physically. As with all aspects of the treatment, I tailor the scents to suit each client’s preferences, ensuring their experience is as personalised and enjoyable as possible. After all, it’s these thoughtful details that elevate the entire session and leave a lasting impression.
Top tip: I personally avoid dropping concentrated essential oils directly onto the head space of the bed, as the strong scent can be overwhelming for some clients, potentially leading to headaches or migraines. Instead, I prefer to dilute the oils and spritz them lightly, or simply rub a few drops onto my hands and gently wipe them over the towels. This ensures a softer, more subtle aroma that enhances the sensory experience without being overpowering.
Lastly, while not directly part of the treatment bed itself, hot towels add a wonderful touch to the overall experience. And they ALWAYS get complimented. Incorporating regular body presses and stretches using heated towels helps clients deeply relax their shoulders and muscles, allowing them to sink into the bed and fully embrace a multi-sensory journey. This extra layer of warmth and touch enhances comfort, creating a more immersive and rejuvenating experience.
Creating the ultimate treatment bed is about more than just comfort, it’s about crafting a space where clients feel truly cared for and relaxed. By incorporating thoughtful details like cosy linens, luxurious touches, and sensory experiences, I aim to create an environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being on every visit. Each element is carefully curated to enhance the client’s journey, ensuring they leave feeling rejuvenated, nurtured, and blissfully at ease. Whether it’s through thoughtful adjustments or the smallest touches, my focus is always on providing a personalised, immersive experience that makes every session memorable. I hope this blog entry helps inspire you to create the bed of dreams for your business. Let me know in the comments how you love to elevate your treatment bed experience, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.