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Since buying a new chiropractic table costs you thousands, make sure it has everything that allows you to take care of your patients the best way possible. And don’t waste money paying for options you will never use.
Since buying a new chiropractic table costs you thousands, make sure it has everything that allows you to take care of your patients the best way possible. And don’t waste money paying for options you will never use.Shopping for a chiropractic table is like shopping for a new car. When you go table shopping with no idea of what options are available, then you may walk away with a table that is okay at first, but leaves you wanting more.
On the other hand, if you know what features you desire beforehand, then it increases the likelihood you will find one that satisfies you the entire time you have it, creating a much happier professional life.
What features should you decide on before starting your shopping experience?
Manual vs. automatic drops
If you’re a chiropractor who uses drops, the question you need to answer before purchasing your next chiropractic table is whether you want manual drops or automatic drops.
Drop tables are preferred by some in the field since they can allow for less forceful adjustments. This can make them beneficial for certain types of patients, such as pregnant women needing pelvic adjustments.1
Choosing a table with manual drops will likely save you some cash, but that also means that you’ll have to do more each time you work on a patient, manually adjusting each drop. If you select a table with automatic drops, expect to pay more for it, but you’ll also be able to set and reset the drops quicker and easier—often with just one touch of a foot pedal or button.2
Differing heights (elevation tables)
Just as patients come in different shapes and sizes, so too do chiropractors. That’s why your table must have a height range that matches your body.
Depending on the specific elevation table and manufacturer, height ranges can be as small as 19 inches and as much as 39 inches.3 This makes it easier to shop around and find the one that is as tall or as short as you need to do your job effectively, yet comfortably.
Cushion firmness
Some tables come with one type of foam firmness for the cushions, but others let you choose whether you prefer a soft, medium, or firm cover. Which one you decide to go with is largely a personal preference.
What are some benefits of each? A firm table surface may help you position the patient for easier adjustments; however, a softer cushion may also improve patient comfort.4
Warranty options
Because you’re going to spend a decent sum of money on your chiropractic table, you’ll also want to consider what type of warranty is being offered by the manufacturer. Look at both how long it lasts as well as what it covers so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you and your practice.
Choose wisely
These are just some of the many different chiropractic table options to consider, and and they are four that could mean the difference between loving and hating your table for the years (if not decades) that you have it. Yes, it really is that important.
References
1 Borggren C. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2007;6(2):70-74.
2 “Hill Air-Drop HA90C Chiropractic Table.” Hill Laboratories Company. http://www.hilllabs.com/chiropractic/Hill-Air-Drop-HA90C-Table.php. Published February 2001. Accessed October 5, 2015.
3 “Hill Laboratories Company Chiropractic Tables and Equipment.” Hill Laboratories Company. http://www.hilllabs.com/chiropractic/. Accessed October 5, 2015.
4 “Case Study- Integral Skin Medical Tables.” NCFI. http://www.ncfi.com/content/uploads/2014/10/Case-Study-I-skin.pdf. Accessed October 5, 2015.
