The decision to invest in a flexion table should be undertaken with as much consideration as any capital investment—it is a large piece of equipment and a valuable treatment tool. Making sure that you have chosen the best fit for your patients, yourself, and your practice is important. One of the leading manufacturers of chiropractic tables, Hill Laboratories, offers two flexion tables that are worth a closer look: the Air Flex and the AFT.
The two tables have a lot in common. On the surface, both are available in the same base and top colors and each has a foot pedal for electric height control. Adjustable headpieces, a thoracic cushion release and a slide-out ankle support with ankle straps are also standard features. In fact, the two look similar enough that it might be hard for patients or others unfamiliar with chiropractic tables to tell the difference.
Additionally, the Air Flex and the AFT allow DCs to provide flexion treatments, including lateral flexion, and each table can be equipped with cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic drops. Both tables can also be stopped in a flex position, making it easier for patients to get on and off the table. Patient comfort is important in all details of both tables.
As many similarities as there are between the two tables, there are also significant differences. The base Air-Flex model is designed for air-powered manual flexion; the DC controls the depth and speed of flexion using a tiller bar. The movements are smooth, but the DC needs to be present in order for them to happen. The AFT—automatic flexion table— is strictly motorized flexion. This frees up both hands for contact with the patient, or it can be set to run continuously if the DC attends to another task.
There is also an automatic-flexion option available for the Air Flex table, making it one of the most diverse pieces of chiropractic equipment on the market. With the “Auto-Flex” option, the DC can use a touch screen control panel to provide both automatic-flexion and/or auto-distraction treatments.
There are many flexion tables on the market, and this is a brief look at just two of them. Any investment in your business deserves careful consideration of the benefits to your patients, yourself, and your profit margin. It’s always a good idea to talk to colleagues, to see demonstrations, and to do some research before making a final decision.
