The benefits of traction therapy

When discussed in a medical context, traction therapy is defined as “the use of a pulling force to treat muscle and skeleton disorders.”

Depending on the area of the body, this may be to elongate the neck, spine, or other area which is causing pain or discomfort. And while devices used to accentuate this process are often debated regarding their effectiveness, they’ve actually been around for quite some time.

The musculoskeletal conditions that can be treated in-office with traction therapy include herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and, less frequently, spinal stenosis.

Signs you need a new chiropractic table

1. If your current table is showing major signs of wear

If the table wobbles due to metal or wood stress fatigue, or moving parts, such as drop pieces, become too sensitive or resistant.

2. If you’re interested in keeping up with technology

It may be time to invest in a new chiropractic table as new technology has been introduced to provide better spinal correction and less wear and tear on the doctor. The tools and methods used by today’s chiropractors have greatly evolved and allow chiropractors to offer more advanced treatment protocol.

3. If you want to practice a new, table dependent technique

Sometimes it’s necessary to get a new chiropractic table not because your old one has broken down, but because you want to expand your practice by using different chiropractic techniques.

4. If you’re concerned about patient perception

Another sign you need a new chiropractic table is if your old one is a turn-off to your patients, potentially hurting your practice.

The benefits of a pediatric chiropractic table

Choosing to use a pediatric chiropractic table in your practice comes with many advantages. For you as the DC, it enables you to tend to your younger patients’ spinal health with more ease because you’re using a table designed specifically for their smaller bodies. This is especially true if you prefer to use drop tables as the drop points are more in line with their shorter spines.

There are also benefits to the children themselves as smaller tables are often less intimidating. This makes their visit with your office less fear-filled or anxiety provoking. And if you elect to get one in a shape that they enjoy, they may even like coming in and getting adjusted, making the experience more pleasurable for them, their parents, and you.

Why you should consider a flexion table

The main advantage to using a flexion-distraction table is that you remain in control of the amount of force behind the thrust with the assistance of the segmented, drop-away table. In essence, you are letting gravity do most of the work in adjusting the spine.

This makes flexion distraction an excellent treatment option for those patients who require a gentler touch when it comes to their spinal adjustments. Examples include patients with osteoarthritis or herniated discs, or even those who are older and frail.

Because of this, you should consider what percentage of your patients might benefit from flexion distraction as opposed to other types of adjustments. If, for example, you see many geriatric patients in your practice, investing in a flexion-distraction table would be money well spent.

Conditions commonly treated with decompression tables

By slowly and painlessly stretching the spinal column, the decompression table reduces the pressure that is being placed on the discs impacting the nerves.

In essence, it creates a sort of vacuum effect that helps pull the spine back into place which, ultimately, reduces if not completely eliminates a patient’s pain via a non-surgical method—that means no time off work and no painful or costly recovery.

Bulging discs

If you are diagnosed with a bulging disc, it means that the outer layer of a disc in your spine is extending or protruding outward—it would be like stacking blocks perfectly on top of one another and then forcing a middle one slightly with your finger.

Herniated discs

Herniated discs, sometimes referred to as “ruptured” or “slipped,” are slightly different. By using the decompression table, the spinal column is elongated, thereby lightening the pressure or squeezing on the disc and drawing the fluid back in.

Degenerating discs

As you age, it is normal for your discs to begin to break down, or degenerate. Degeneration can be effectively treated with the decompression table as it reduces pressure on the discs and subsequently the nerves causing the pain.

Drop table treatments found to provide relief for sciatica

Because sciatica is a byproduct of a sciatic nerve that is impinged, the key to effective treatment involves realigning the spine so the nerve is no longer disrupted in any way. This allows the central nervous system to operate, while reducing pain at the same time. One way to achieve this goal is by a chiropractic drop table.

Drop tables offer health professionals a non-invasive, less forceful solution, as trained chiropractors are able to use gravity to help get the spine back into place. Additionally, for people who are larger in size or find it difficult to move around easily, drop tables provide a results-provoking treatment method that doesn’t require a lot of effort on the patient’s part.

Covering the cost of your chiropractic table

One option is to finance your purchase through the company you buy the chiropractic table from. Most offer several different purchase and leasing options, allowing you to stretch your payments out over the course of one or more years so you don’t have to carry the brunt of the full expense up front. Some even offer deals with no down payment, which means that you don’t have to part with any money initially to get the table that you want.

To help you select the right financing option for you, take a close look at your monthly income and expenses and see how much room you have for an equipment-related payment. Don’t forget to leave yourself some room to spare so you aren’t sweating it during the months you see fewer patients.