Chiropractic table maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in the long run
As a chiropractor, your table will be one of your most expensive equipment purchases. Even basic, portable models are a few hundred dollars, with some of the more high-tech options costing well into the thousands.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help better protect your investment, giving you a table that can withstand the stress of adjustment after adjustment. Here are a few chiropractic table maintenance tips to consider.
When you can, go high end
For starters, if you purchase a higher-quality chiropractic table, it will likely cost more, but it will also generally last longer too. So, while you’re going to pay more up front to make your buy from a reputable manufacturer, if your table lasts you several years longer than one that is made by a sub-par company, you’ll end up further ahead.
How do you know which chiropractic table manufacturers are better than others? One way to determine this is to read online reviews. Do a search for the table or brand you want, adding “reviews” at the end. See what others have to say about it before making your purchase.
Another option is to talk to other chiropractors in your area and see what they recommend (or, alternatively, which brands or tables they suggest you stay away from). Also check out the Chiropractic Economics tables product directory at www.chiroeco.com/products/product-category/tables.
Cleaning advice
Regular cleaning of your chiropractic table is necessary to not only make it last longer, but also to protect your patients from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens left behind by others who’ve been adjusted prior. However, using the wrong cleaners on your table could potentially shorten its life.
For example, using a cleaner that isn’t meant for that specific type of surface can cause the material to break down quicker than normal, make it discolor, or otherwise change its appearance. Any of these scenarios will shorten the life of that surface, forcing you to replace it or replace parts sooner than anticipated.
For this reason, it’s best to follow manufacturer recommendations regarding which cleaners will work best for that particular upholstery or table covering. Some companies sell their own cleaners, but a mixture of dishwashing soap and water or the use of an all-purpose spray cleaner will also often do the trick.
Don’t forget to pay attention to which cleaners the manufacturer recommends, if any, when cleaning other parts of your chiropractic table too, such as those that are metal, plastic, or electronic in nature. For instance, if your table has a touchscreen, this should not be cleaned with glass cleaner. Instead, distilled water or a white vinegar and distilled water mixture is recommended.
Additional cleaning-based recommendations offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for effective infection control include:
- Establishing a regular cleaning schedule
- Swiftly removing any visible soiling
- Considering replacement when the surfaces can no longer be cleaned or disinfected properly
Perform regular table maintenance
Another way to extend the life of your chiropractic table is to perform regular maintenance on it. For instance, if it has movable parts that need regular lubrication, calendar this into your schedule so time doesn’t inadvertently slip by, leaving your table poorly maintained.
Regular maintenance suggestions can typically be found in the product manual or brochure for the table you purchased. Reaching out to the manufacturer and asking what they recommend when it comes to regular table maintenance is an option as well.
Just like performing oil changes every 3,000 miles can help prolong the life of your car, performing regular maintenance on your chiropractic table can help it last longer too.
Fix any known issues immediately
One of the biggest things you can do to help your table last as long as possible is to fix any issues it develops as soon as you notice them. The longer you let these problems go on, the more likely it is they will get bigger, potentially taking your table to the point where it becomes beyond repair.
Some of these issues can be fixed quickly and easily yourself by doing a little troubleshooting. For example, if you notice that the pelvic cushion will cock, but won’t stay up, it’s possible that the drop pin is off-track. With nothing more than a flat head screw driver, you can often put the pin back in place so your table works as intended once again.
When the issue is larger or more technical and, therefore, requires actions you’re not able to take, you may need to contact the manufacturer to request service. If the table is still under warranty, the cost for this may be covered. Even if it isn’t, repairing your table will typically be less costly than replacing it, making it well worth the call.
