You’ve probably heard the famous quote about using “the right tool for the job.”
This quote can be particularly important in chiropractic when it comes to deciding upon the best table for your practice, particularly if you use a specific technique, such as Gonstead or Activator, or if you cater to a specific patient type, such as pediatric or geriatric patients.
A table that makes it easier for you to perform your chosen chiropractic technique or work with patients will not only make it easier for you to provide chiropractic, but also won’t be actively fighting against you.
Hi lo table
This type of table can have distinct advantages if you use the Gonstead method, as the table can actually take the patient from a vertical, standing position into the prone position, readying them for you to begin treatment. The advantage to a hi lo table if you use the Gonstead method is that you can adjust the various segmented sections to each patient while they are still standing, rather than having to do so in the horizontal position, which may be easier on your back and more comfortable for the patient.
There are other types of furniture that are specific to the Gonstead method, such as the knee-chest table, cervical chair, and the side posture table.
You may find that this type of table will work well for your geriatric and pediatric patients, too, as they do not need to risk injuring themselves getting into a horizontal position. The table does the work for them.
Traction table
The traction table achieves decompression in a horizontal position by allowing segments of the table to be pulled apart using levers and pulleys. If you use traction on your patients, this type of table has the advantage of being able to provide traction and decompression to specific areas of the spine, such as just the cervical or lumbar region. Some have complex motors and computerized functions allowing for specialized treatment of disk problems. While this type of table can be expensive, it can also allow you to market to a niche population of patients who seek to avoid a surgical solution to their back pain.
Drop table
A drop table works similarly to a hi lo table, in that it is segmented, but it is only horizontal. The various segmented portions are designed to be lowered as the adjustment is delivered to the specific area of the body, in order to provide more thrust, but without adding extra force.
This type of table is optimal for patients who are uncomfortable with certain types of manual adjustments, as the “drop” effect doesn’t require twisting or bending the patient.
If you have a specific preferred method that you use for chiropractic care, or if you cater to a patient group with certain specific needs, having a table that is designed to complement that method or those patients seems to be a matter of common sense. The table can improve the effectiveness of your care, as well as make that care safer and easier for your patients.
