Hi lo adjusting tables have become a standard piece of equipment in chiropractic offices across the world.
This may make you wonder how these particular instruments came into existence and what makes them so popular amongst some of the most well-known and highest-regarded chiropractors today.
The history of the hi lo chiropractic table
The history of the hi lo chiropractic table dates way back to the year 1895 when D. D. Palmer performed a spinal adjustment on a man by the name of Harvey Lillard on a table that looked very similar to a workbench. There were no moving parts and pieces like on the hi lo tables commonly used now; it was just a piece of wood that was fastened on top of four legs.
This extremely primitive table was very uncomfortable for the patients. In fact, it earned the name of “Nosebreaker” because a lot of individuals who received an adjustment on it got bloody or broken noses. Also, chiropractors who used these early hi lo tables had to apply more force to get the adjustment that they desired, which was extra taxing on their bodies, especially after a full day of work.
Fortunately, the hi lo chiropractic table has greatly evolved and is now padded for comfort of the patient. It also comes equipped with many different drops so the chiropractors using it can implement spinal manipulations on their patients with minimal effort.
Good for chiropractors and patients alike
Hi lo tables assist chiropractors with obtaining successful decompression therapy results. By manipulating the vertebrae and disc into their proper place during this type of treatment, an individual who is engaged in decompression therapy can hope for an even better outcome, as their specific issue is being attacked from two different angles: manipulation and decompression.
Hi lo tables are good for patients, too, because they are designed in a way as to offer more comfort with their headpiece and moving parts so that the manipulations aren’t so forceful. They’re also beneficial to pregnant women and people who are larger in size because they allow the chiropractor easier access to correcting spine-related issues without compromising the patient.