Massage Supply
Question:
I am currently enrolled in a massage therapy program and wish to go to a store in order to purchase equipment and supplies, but I can't find any stores. Can you name any in the Greensboro , Winston-Salem , Hickory , Charlotte or Asheville area, or any at all in the state of North Carolina ? I would appreciate any assistance you can give.
Answer:
I did an Internet search for massage therapy supply stores in your area which returned several relevant listings. As I reviewed the results, I found that many don't have an actual show room. Most companies do provide contact information, so you may be able to contact these companies by mail or phone and ask for a current catalogue of products. What I have found very helpful in the past while researching products was attending massage therapy trade shows, or conferences.
Try contacting the American Massage Therapy Association (or AMTA). The AMTA has 52 chapters across North America, including one in North Carolina . The AMTA was set up to support fellow massage therapists and to uphold the professionalism of massage therapy across the country.
Membership with the AMTA grants a massage therapist:
- National Accreditation the AMTA has a nation-wide reputation.
- Network Opportunities - with other massage therapists for ideas for your business and to build referrals.
- Open Forum - to discuss massage techniques and issues.
- Conventions/Conferences provides a list and dates for the AMTA National Convention and other massage conventions, conferences and workshops for continuing training.
Massage conferences and conventions will allow you to see and inspect the equipment, test out products and equipment, and ask manufacturers specific questions which you'll get answers to immediately. The samples can be nice too, especially when you're just starting your own business and don't know what oils and lotions work best for you. There are several companies and massage supply stores at conventions. Once you find the one that suits your needs, you can just order online or by phone.
MassageTherapy101 has some great shopping links on every page for quality supply companies, conferences and shows in your area. Research the products on the internet first, and then you'll have a head start on exactly what to look for, and specific questions to ask!
Good Luck!
Karin
