Reiki and standard end plates are two types of the end plate used on a massage table. When reiki practitioners become certified after doing their course, they need to buy massage tables to start their own practice. With no prior experience, it is easy to be confused when seeing different types of massage tables in the market. Probably the most important feature in a reiki massage table are the end plates, and you would find that there are three types of end plates available in the market, namely reiki end plates, standard end plates and a combination of the two.
Reiki masters have to conduct a lot of therapy sessions remaining seated most of the time as they have to carry out head or foot massage. Reiki end plates are designed in such a manner so as to provide the legs of a therapist maximum comfort while he is sitting. You can think of them as being an inverted U under which knees of the reiki master can easily fit in. To make this arch durable, the end panels are 2-3 times thicker than standard end plates.
On the other hand, standard end plates are designed to increase the stability of the massage table. They extend lower than reiki end plates which provide extra stability to the massage table and it does not rock or vibrate even when the reiki master is making use of more vigorous massage techniques. However, standard end plates do not provide as much comfort as reiki endplates as their arch does not leave enough room for the therapist to slide his knees underneath. This implies that for masters who rarely sit during their therapy sessions, it is not a problem at all, but for others, standard end plates cause discomfort.
It is to be noted that end plates are permanent structures and an integral part of therapy table. Once you make a purchase, it is hard to change the end plates option. This is why you must choose between these types of end plates after ensuring your comfort only.