A must for your chiropractic equipment list, consider whether you want the electrodes to be wired or wireless …
Several factors contribute to the creation of a successful chiropractic practice. While providing effective treatment and offering a high level of patient service are two, investing in certain equipment can also make your office more in demand and, thus, more profitable. Here are a few key items for a chiropractic equipment list that fall into this category.
Hot and cold therapy devices
Applying heat in-office serves to relax tight or spasming muscles, offering patients an easier adjustment while also reducing inflammation and pain. Cold therapy may be more appropriate in some situations, such as when the patient’s condition is acute or involves inflammation and swelling. Having both types of devices on hand enables practitioners to treat patients with various conditions and in different stages of healing.
Heat therapy device options include dry or moist hot packs, heating pads, warm compresses, and heated strips. Ice packs and cryotherapy devices are considerations when cold therapy is preferred. Purchasing at least one of each can help set your practice up for success no matter what the circumstances.
Massage gun
Starting the patient’s session with a mini massage promotes improved blood flow and increased range of motion. The use of a massage gun makes it easier to target problem areas, relieving pain without requiring practitioners to place even more stress on their hands.
When choosing a massage gun, consider how easy it is to hold, how much pressure it applies (its amplitude), and the device’s durability and sturdiness. If your staff delivers the pre-adjustment massage, getting their input may be helpful as well.
Spinal traction device
Spinal decompression can help reduce a patient’s pain (almost instantly in some cases), also relieving other symptoms associated with spinal cord compression, such as numbness or weakness in the extremities, and is a must for many for their chiropractic equipment list. Offering this type of immediate response makes it easier for patients to not only justify chiropractic care, in general, but also to stick with their treatment plan long-term.
Different traction devices are available for this purpose, such as tables or other motorized devices. The one you select will depend on the features you want, the space available for the device, and the cost.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit
Research supports transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for relieving peripheral pain, also sometimes easing central neuropathic pain. Other studies have connected this treatment with short-term improvements in functional disability in patients with chronic back pain, with some controlled trials finding that TENS can offer “fast-acting” relief from acute migraines.
A must for your chiropractic equipment list, consider whether you want the electrodes to be wired or wireless, how many electrodes can run at the same time, pulse duration and rate, and whether it comes with a preset timer. Other factors to look at include the TENS intensity levels, whether the device is portable (which can help if you move it from room to room), and any available accessories.
Chiropractic equipment list: cold laser therapy device
Cold laser therapy is another non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t require the use of medications, all while speeding up the healing process, reducing swelling and inflammation, and increasing functional movements.
Choosing the right laser therapy device requires considering the reputation and longevity of the manufacturer. It also involves assessing the durability of the device, its ease of use, and its specifications—which include its wavelengths, power density, and mode of delivery.
Ultrasound machine
Ultrasounds provide practitioners an inside look at patients’ muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This contributes to diagnostic accuracy which, in turn, contributes to the creation of a more effective chiropractic treatment plan.
Technical considerations such as the type of imaging the device provides, resolution quality, device portability, and cost can all help you decide on the best ultrasound machine for your practice.
Dietary supplements
Although not technically a device, offering patients access to high-quality dietary supplements can also contribute to the success of your chiropractic practice. It does this by increasing office revenues and providing patients another avenue for improving their health and wellness, making them feel even better as a result of doing business with you and strengthening your role as their health care provider.
When adding supplements to your practice, consider which supplements you’re likely to recommend most often. Also look at brand reputation, product quality, and materials you can provide to encourage their safe and effective use, such as informational pamphlets that share recommended dosage amounts and best use practices.
For the latest on chiropractic equipment for practices, see the CE Buyers Guide.
