At Vitality Depot, we partner with leading manufacturers to offer a complete range of professional-grade massage mediums. Explore trusted brands including Biotone, Sacred Earth Botanicals, Myo-Ther, L'Herbier, Therablend, BioOrigin, Bon Vital, Health Medics, Natural Elements, and Poya, each selected for their commitment to quality and performance.

Understanding the Foundations of Massage Mediums

Professional massage mediums come in various forms. Before selecting your medium, consider these key factors:

• Glide Factor: How smoothly the product allows your hands to move
• Grip Control: The amount of tissue control the medium provides
• Working Time: How long the product maintains optimal properties
• Absorption Rate: How quickly the skin absorbs the medium
• Heat Compatibility: Whether the product works well with thermal treatments

Swedish Massage: Mastering Flow and Effleurage

Swedish massage requires exceptional glide for those long, flowing strokes. Here's what works best:

Primary Choice: Massage Oils

• Optimal glide for effleurage techniques
• Extended working time with minimal reapplication
• Superior petrissage movement support
• Pro Tip: Grapeseed or sweet almond oil provides the ideal balance of glide and control

Alternative: Professional Massage Gels

• Comparable glide to oils
• Reduced residue
• Excellent for warm weather conditions

Browse our selection of professional Massage Oils and Massage Gels to find the perfect medium for your Swedish massage techniques.

Deep Tissue Massage: Maximizing Therapeutic Impact

Deep tissue work demands products that enhance your ability to access deeper structures effectively.

Recommended: Professional Massage Creams

• Enhanced grip for deep pressure application
• Superior control for targeted work
• Stays concentrated in treatment areas
• Clinical Note: Apply in measured amounts to maintain optimal friction

Alternative: High-Performance Thick Lotions

• Reliable grip characteristics
• Adjustable consistency
• Better spread control

View our professional Massage Creams and shop our collection of Massage Lotions specifically formulated for deep tissue work.

Evidence-Based Selection Criteria

When choosing your massage medium, consider these clinically-relevant factors:

1. Treatment Goals
   • Therapeutic objectives
   • Depth of work required
   • Duration of treatment
2. Client Factors
   • Skin condition and sensitivity
   • Treatment area characteristics
   • Post-treatment activities
3. Environmental Considerations
   • Ambient temperature
   • Humidity levels
   • Season-specific needs

Professional Tips for Optimal Results

Inventory Management

• Maintain technique-specific product kits
• Rotate seasonal options strategically
• Monitor product performance metrics

Quality Control

• Regular product testing
• Client feedback documentation
• Treatment outcome tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the most versatile medium for multi-modality treatments? A: For treatments incorporating multiple techniques, we recommend a medium-weight professional lotion or adaptable gel. These products offer balanced performance across various modalities while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Q: How do you manage product transitions during treatment? A: Keep sanitized transition supplies within reach and communicate changes to clients. This maintains professionalism while ensuring optimal product performance for each technique.

Q: Can I use the same medium across different techniques? A: While possible, technique-specific products often optimize treatment outcomes. We recommend maintaining 2-3 specialized options for best results.

Equip Your Practice with Professional-Grade Products

At Vitality Depot, we understand the science behind massage mediums. Our comprehensive range of professional-grade products is specifically formulated to enhance your therapeutic techniques and improve treatment outcomes.

Take Action Today:

1. Explore our complete range of massage mediums
2. Request a professional consultation with our product specialists
3. Join our healthcare professional program for exclusive pricing

For personalized recommendations based on your specific modalities and techniques, contact our professional support team at 1-800-461-0100

This guide is provided by Vitality Depot, Canada's leading supplier of professional healthcare products since 1995. All products mentioned are available through our healthcare professional program.

At Vitality Depot, we partner with leading manufacturers to offer a complete range of professional massage products. Explore trusted brands including Biotone, Sacred Earth Botanicals, Myo-Ther, L'Herbier, Therablend, BioOrigin, Bon Vital, Health Medics, Natural Elements, and Poya, each selected for their commitment to quality and performance.

Understanding Viscosity and Glide

Before diving into specific products, it's essential to understand the concept of viscosity – the resistance of a fluid to flow. This property directly affects how a product performs during treatment:

• Lower viscosity = more glide, less friction
• Higher viscosity = less glide, more friction

Oils: Traditional Excellence

Benefits:

• Superior glide for long, flowing strokes
• Excellent durability with less frequent reapplication
• Easy to blend with essential oils
• Natural moisturizing properties
• Cost-effective due to longer-lasting application

Considerations:

• Shorter shelf life
• Can leave residue on skin
• May stain linens, however many massage oils are formulated to minimize these issues
• Not ideal for deep tissue work, but there are specific oils with more viscosity for such work

Best For: Swedish massage, relaxation techniques, aromatherapy treatments, and clients with dry skin

Browse our selection of professional Massage Oils.

Gels: Modern Versatility

Benefits:

• Excellent glide without greasiness
• Cost-effective due to controlled application
• Works well for hairy clients
• Easy to clean
• Non-staining properties

Considerations:

• Limited essential oil compatibility
• May require warming before application
• Not ideal for deep tissue work, however, some modern gel formulations can be more adaptable for deeper work

Best For: Sports massage, general massage, summer treatments, and clients concerned about residue

Explore our range of Massage Gels.

Lotions: Balanced Performance

Benefits:

• Quick absorption
• Minimal residue
• Less likely to stain
• Easy to apply and control
• Generally more affordable

Considerations:

• Requires frequent reapplication
• Not ideal for hairy clients, however lotions are less likely to mat hair compared to creams.
• May not provide enough glide for some techniques

Best For: General massage, clients who prefer quick absorption, and treatments requiring moderate friction

Shop our collection of Massage Lotions.

Creams: Deep Work Specialists

Benefits:

• Excellent grip for deep tissue work
• Good absorption rate
• Minimal residue
• Skin-nourishing properties

Considerations:

• More expensive per application
• Cannot be pumped from bottles
• Difficult to blend with essential oils
• Requires more frequent reapplication
• Not ideal for hairy clients

Best For: Deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and focused work on specific areas

View our professional Massage Creams.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

• Recommend: Gels and light lotions
• Why: Less residue, quick absorption, cooling properties

Winter

• Recommend: Oils and creams
• Why: Better moisturizing properties, longer-lasting protection

Special Client Considerations

For Hairy Clients:

• Best choice: Gels
• Alternative: Light oils
• Avoid: Thick creams and lotions

For Dry Skin:

• Best choice: Oils and butters
• Alternative: Rich creams
• Avoid: Light lotions

For Sensitive Skin:

• Best choice: Hypoallergenic lotions
• Alternative: Unscented gels
• Avoid: Heavily fragranced products

Professional Tips for Product Selection

1. Keep multiple options available
2. Consider your primary modalities
3. Test products on yourself first
4. Monitor client feedback
5. Account for seasonal changes
6. Consider cost per treatment

Maintaining Product Quality

• Store products in a cool, dark place
• Check expiration dates regularly
• Use appropriate dispensing methods
• Keep containers clean and sealed

FAQs

Q: How do I choose between different products for the same client? A: Consider the treatment type, client preferences, and specific needs for that session. For example, use a gel for general relaxation but switch to cream for focused deep tissue work.

Q: What's the most cost-effective option for my practice? A: While oils typically last longer per application, gels often provide the best balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. However, cost-effectiveness isn't just about product longevity - it's about finding quality products that meet your specific needs without unnecessary expense.

When evaluating products:

• Track your usage patterns to understand true cost per treatment
• Remember that price doesn't always correlate with quality - many excellent products are available at competitive price points
• Focus on the product's performance rather than brand name
• Consider starting your product search by filtering prices from lowest to highest and evaluating each option based on your required features

The most cost-effective choice is often the product that best meets your specific needs at the lowest price point, regardless of brand recognition. Consider essential factors like durability, performance, and client satisfaction when making your selection.

Q: How can I prevent product waste? A: Use pumps or dispensers with measured amounts, start with small quantities, and warm products to proper temperature before application to ensure even distribution.

Q: Should I offer multiple options to clients? A: Yes, having 2-3 options allows you to accommodate different preferences and treatment needs while demonstrating professional versatility.

Ready to Stock Your Practice?

At Vitality Depot, we offer a comprehensive selection of professional-grade massage mediums to suit every practitioner's needs. Browse our collection of massage therapy supplies and professionally selected massage oils, lotions, gels, and creams to find the perfect products for your practice.

Looking for specific product recommendations or have questions about which massage medium might work best for your practice? Contact our experienced team at Vitality Depot for personalized guidance and support.

In the last year, hundreds of spa professionals have opted for Vitality Depot, making us their preferred supplier for spa products and massage therapy supplies. Our everyday low prices, bulk discounts, and free shipping for orders over $50 have made us an ideal choice for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) working in both healthcare and spa settings.

In 2023, we're expanding our selection of massage lotions, massage sheets, towels, heating pads, ultrasound gels, disinfectants, and topical pain creams to better serve these professionals.

In 2022 we also noticed a new trend with our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and foot care specialists. Lines like PodoExperts have crossed traditional barriers as more healthcare professionals have adopted the idea that skin care is healthcare and that professional skin care products offer new solutions for many of their patients.

Vitality Depot is happy to announce that we are introducing a new line of spa products for professionals focusing on Canadian brands that offer premium, ingredient-rich formulations.

Here’s what we’re adding:

1. Salt & Sugar Scrubs: Dead Sea mineralized salt has been recognized for thousands of years for its therapeutic powers. Our new line features a variety of dead sea salt or sugar polish options to prepare the skin for the absorption of other topicals.
2. Traditional Muds and Wraps: Like its salt counterpart, our Dead Sea mud comes directly from Israel and contains higher levels of Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Bromine and Sodium, all vital to skin cells. We are also offering a selection of cranberry and marine algae wraps for hydration and slimming.
3. Gel Wraps: Our ready-to-use gel wraps offer many of the key ingredients of traditional wraps without the need to mix or blend them. These also do not require shower facilities as they can be wiped off or massaged into the skin.
4. Facial Masks: Our unique facial masks are available with a variety of key ingredients, including collagen or tea tree, to suit many skin types or skin concerns. They peel off when you're done, with any residue easily massaged into the skin.
5. Balneotherapy: Many of the new products can also be used as bath or foot soak additives. We have added this new category to our website, so you can easily identify them.

We have also expanded our selection of towels, robes, slippers and other linens to better suit these new lines.

In 1830, Dr. Carlos Matteucci discovered that injured tissue in the human body discharged electricity. Later it was understood that all cells use electricity to communicate, respond and regenerate.

TENS and most other forms of electrotherapy use currents measured in Milliamps (mA), which equals one-thousandth of an Amp. Microcurrent therapy, however, uses Microamps (µA), which equals one-millionth of an Amp. This extremely weak current mimics the energy naturally found in the cells.

How does Microcurrent work?

Most researchers agree that the application of Microcurrent therapy increases the production of Adenosine 5'-triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells. Your cells store this energy like a bank account, withdrawing when they need to use it and adding when they can. They use this energy to convert unfavourable reactions in a cell to favourable ones.

How do I apply microcurrent therapy (MCT)?

Microcurrent therapy can be applied with electrodes like most forms of electrotherapy. Other systems use pen-like devices to charge the region.

How is Microcurrent different from TENS?

TENS is used primarily to temporarily block your brain from experiencing physical pain in the region. Microcurrent therapy seems to kickstart or facilitate healing of the region. Although not fully understood yet, early research shows therapeutic benefits for chronic conditions that do not respond well to other forms of therapy.

Does Microcurrent Work?

Yes. There is now significant evidence that Microcurrent therapy can speed the healing process for skin, bone and other structures. New research also shows substantial results for conditions such as chronic neck pain and knee pain.

The recent knee pain study had 52 participants in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The active group showed a significant improvement in their pain, most notably in the third week of therapy. This implies that this group benefited from either the region being triggered to heal, blocks being removed for healing or the Microcurrent being applied provided the extra energy with the cells needed to heal. In any case, the active participants showed significant improvement even when the “placebo effect” was considered. Read Research Publication

When should I choose Microcurrent?

If you are treating a chronic injury that continually causes pain and has not responded well to other forms of therapy, you may want to try Microcurrent therapy. However, understand that you are now trying to help the body heal, versus blocking immediate pain, so you need to be patient and consistent with the therapy for the best results. For example, the active group in the knee pain study used the Microcurrent device 3 hours a day for four weeks total.

Does Microcurrent therapy hurt?

No. Many people do not feel the current at all. It is the most gentle form of electrotherapy.

Is Microcurrent Safe?

Yes. Like other forms of electrotherapy, Microcurrent does not seem to have any side effects. However, until the research suggests otherwise, we would recommend the same precautions. It should not be used with cancer, pregnancy, epilepsy or pacemakers. Electrodes should never be placed on the face, front of the neck, or the heart, as these regions may be affected by the current.

The future for Microcurrent Therapy

This long-ignored form of electrotherapy seems to have a very bright future. Now finally being rediscovered and researched, Microcurrent could offer new solutions for many painful conditions that do not respond well to other forms of therapy.

Microcurrent may also help bridge the gap for many traditional healing arts to mainstream, researched medical practice.

Find Microcurrent equipment

IFC vs TENS: What is the difference between TENS and IFC?

Interferential (IFT or IFC) is a medium frequency current used to control acute or chronic pain. So what does that mean?

It is difficult to talk about IFC without relating it to TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), as most people actually want to know "what is the difference?".

Simply put, they are more the same than different. IFC machines and TENS machines are used primarily for the same purpose and conditions and have the same contraindications.

Clinics often prefer to use Interferential as these frequencies are less likely to cause skin irritation or a "stinging" effect on the skin. Treatment times also tend to be shorter at about 15-20 minutes versus a typical 30 minutes for TENS.

There is evidence that with IFC, by adjusting the frequency produced in the "interference zone," it is possible to influence a range of different nerves and therefore improve outcomes.

How does Interferential work?

Like with TENS, the "Gate Control Theory" is the most common explanation for how it works. 

Think of your nerves as a four-lane highway sending information from parts of your body to your brain. The slowest car on this highway carries the signal for pain. The faster cars send signals for touch, pressure, heat, or cold. 

Electrotherapy currents like TENS and IFC add a bunch of high-speed "touch" cars to the highway blocking the old, slow "pain" cars from reaching their exit at the brain. This can provide hours of natural, drug-free pain relief.

What does it treat?

Considering how it works, it is easy to see why IFC can be used to manage most types of physical pain.

Some of the conditions that IFC can successfully help with include:

• Arthritis
• Back Pain
• Cervical (neck) pain
• Rheumatism Pain
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Headache/Migraine
• Sciatica
• Tendinitis
• Fibromyalgia

Is it safe?

Yes. The amount of electrical current being used is not enough to shock you or harm the skin. However, patients with cancer, pregnancy, epilepsy, or pacemakers should avoid electrotherapy. 

Electrodes should never be placed on the face, front of the neck, or the heart, as these regions may be affected by the current. Electrodes should not be placed on open wounds or in any area where you may have limited sensation.

How is it done?

Unlike TENS, IFC requires 4 electrodes to create the Interferential zone. Each channel (requires 2-channel unit)  operates 2 electrodes (one positive and one negative). One of the channels maintains a constant medium frequency of about 4000 Hz while the other channel modulates its frequency. 

For the electrode placement, in simple terms, X marks the spot (if X is the pain site). The idea is to cross the channels around the pain site as per the image below.

How often can I use IFC?

You can use an IFC device as often as you want to manage your pain. There are no known side effects to regular use other than some potential irritation where the electrodes are placed.

How much does a unit cost?

Interferential machines will typically be more expensive than their TENS equivalents. Prices vary depending on what else the unit does, the interface, and whether it is meant for clinical or home use.

Browse our Interferential devices here.

In a typical year, buying in bulk would be a careful balance between cash flow and space. Savvy clinic owners look for bulk deals or sales on items they know they will use (or sell) to reduce costs or increase profits. When supply chains are normal, you can count on essential products being there when you want them, so you are simply managing your inventory.

2021 has been anything but normal, however. 2020 suffered from no sales, but 2021 has suffered from no supply. Manufacturers have been plagued with a lack of key components, ingredients or access to shipping containers. Sending the entire supply chain into constant back orders or minimum production capabilities. Unfortunately early 2022 will likely be worse and a return to “normal” is more likely for the summer of 2022.

So what should a clinic owner do?

First, we suggest you take a real look at every item that you order that are critical for treating your patients. Make a list of the items you can not do without such as cleaners, transmission gels, electrodes, massage lotions, table papers etc… and buy these in bulk. Keep a rolling 2-3 months worth of inventory on hand, so that if the supply chain gets worse, you have your essentials covered.

Buying in bulk can have other benefits too

• Buying in cases or volume can save you on the “each” price of your essential items
• Having sufficient inventory means you do not have to make costly “emergency” purchases should your supplier run out or your usual product not be available
• Prices will definitely be going up in 2022, so think of your purchases as an investment against the future price
• If your year end is in December, buying more “expense” items could have a marginal tax benefit
• Shipping costs could also be reduced or even free when you place larger orders

Don’t have the space?

Most clinics have been so busy in 2021 trying to “get back to normal” that they have not truly reflected on what our new “normal” is. Many of you probably have storage cabinets filled with products or equipment that you are not actually using, so toss it, sell it or move it out.

Surviving this pandemic has taught you to be focused on the profitable and the essentials. Reward yourself by letting your space reflect that too.

See all our products with case quantities or volume discounts at Bulk Discount

We know many of you are wary to use your moist heat pads or table warmers as you are unsure how to safely use them and meet your disinfecting protocols. A new solution has arrived!

A few weeks ago at the Canadian Massage Conference we met the guys from High Seas Upholstery. We were looking forward to seeing their product line as they are Canadian and all of their products are made here in Canada. When we saw their heating pad covers however, a deal was struck on the spot! Once again clinicians can use their favourite TheraTherm or Thermophore heating pads.

High Seas Upholstery has come up with a brilliantly simple solution. They have created pad covers using premium upholstery material, that is usually only found on quality electric tables. Now your heating pads can be cleaned with any approved table disinfectant.

Having a background in the marine industry, High Seas Upholstery’s products are made to last. They use premium materials, threads and zippers to assure their products will stand up to the high use of clinical environments.

They also produce full table covers, stool covers, pillow covers and a complete line of bolsters using these materials. To check out the entire line CLICK HERE

Vitality Depot is proudly Canadian owned and operated, so we also do our best to support Canadian made products.

Buying Canadian products helps support our economy by providing revenues and jobs that stay here in Canada. Often multiple levels of manufacturing or distribution are supported with these products.

Buying local also reduces our carbon footprint. As many of the goods we need for our clinics are often transported from other parts of the world, reducing this transportation where possible can benefit our environment.

We are so proud of our Canadian partners, we have dedicated a section of our website just to them. To see the complete selection of Canadian products, CLICK HERE.

You asked and we answered! We had many requests from our Massage Therapists to add the Sacred Earth Botanicals line to our offerings.

Sacred Earth offers a broad range of massage lotions, oils, creams and gels with either Certified Organic or Vegan formulas. Their commitment to quality and the environment goes even further however.

• Products are cruelty free as they do not test on animals
• Products are unscented
• Products are hypo-allergenic and do not include nut oils
• Products do not contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives
• Plus they commit to recycling and reusing everything they can

Sacred Earth Botanicals also commits itself to the professionals they serve. They offer frequent sales and continue to add or improve their formulas.

To see the complete line CLICK HERE

Patient retailing can be a sticky subject for some healthcare professionals but for Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists it can no longer be avoided. Patients are looking for your expertise and recommendations to help them manage their pain or conditions, so sending them off to shop somewhere else is not providing them the full service they want or expect.

Many of the best products are also not available in retail outlets or will require your expertise to assure patients are using them correctly, so the best solution for patient outcome is to have pre-assessed products readily available for sale.

Selecting Your Products

The best advice we can offer when making product selections is to follow three basic guidelines.

1. Choose products not readily available via online retailers. Many products are offered exclusively to the healthcare market and these tend to have the ergonomics, ingredients, designs etc that professionals prefer. In addition, these products do not require you to constantly manage the retail price you are offering to your patients as fewer sellers are in the market.
2. Choose products that will comfortably retail at prices your patients can afford. You may want the “best” for your patients but if the best is unaffordable then no one will benefit from your efforts.
3. Try the products yourself before you offer them to your patients. Selling products you believe in and knowing how they set-up, work etc… removes any awkwardness when you offer them. You do not have to be a salesperson to successfully retail. If you believe in the product, and believe it will benefit your patient, your enthusiasm and expertise will shine through.

1. Topical Analgesics

The majority of patients you see are likely coming in because of some type of physical pain. Helping patients safely manage their pain in between appointments is one of the best things you can offer. Topical analgesics offer the simplest solution for many patients.

Vitality Depot offers a variety of pain creams, sprays and gels because both patients and professionals have their favourites. For more on selecting an analgesic, see our full ANALGESICS BLOG on the topic. See our selection of ANALGESICS

2. Portable TENS or Electrotherapy Units

The days of strapping patients into a clinical electrotherapy unit during each visit are quickly going the way of the Dodo. With the wealth of information on the internet many patients are becoming more sophisticated about which modalities work best for their condition. Shockwave therapy and laser therapy are often sought out by patients for their clinical visits, while patients know that products like Dr. Ho, can manage their pain at home.

Where patients often need the help however, is selecting the correct programming and placing the electrodes for their condition. This is why patient portable devices are still amongst the most popular items clinics sell. See our PATIENT PORTABLES

3. Back Belts

For most clinics, a high percentage of the patients they see, come in with back pain. For most of them, an affordable belt with rigid or flexible stays will help them avoid re-injury while they are still recovering. Choosing a belt design and keeping the most popular sizes in stock, offers patients an immediate solution while they are in an acute phase. See our BACK BRACES

4. Posture Medic

Posture Medic is in a class by itself. This patented product allows patients to stretch and strengthen the muscles involved with good posture and works as a training device to teach patients correct posture during their daily activities. Unlike a brace, the Posture Medic does not create atrophy. The goal is to engage the active muscles correctly while sitting or standing. With so much injury being caused by “text neck” and poor posture, almost every patient can benefit from the Posture Medic, even if it is totally unrelated to the condition they are seeing you for. See our POSTURE MEDIC

5. Pillows

For decades, Chiropractors have been offering sleeping pillows to their patients but this has only become more common in other disciplines in recent years. When it comes to pillows, most patients choose unwisely and considering we spend about a third of our lives in bed, the right pillow can make a big difference for general aches and pains and for overall health.

Although Vitality Depot offers a large variety of pillows, if you are making recommendations to your patients,we encourage you to select pillows that offer real ergonomic solutions. These however, will likely have an adjustment period for your patients as most of them are used to flat or fluffy pillows. Once they adjust however, they will notice a real difference and thank you for it. See our PILLOWS

(Bonus) Homework Tools

In addition to the broad categories above, you will also want to assure that you have available any tools you are regularly prescribing as part of a patient’s “homework”. If you want them using exercise balls, resistance bands, foam rolls etc… you will likely want a selection of these on hand. It is hard enough to get patient compliance without sending them home without the basic tools they need. See our RECOVERY KITS for some of the most popular items to consider.