By Brandi Schlossberg
The work of a chiropractor tends to vary depending on the client and his or her individual condition and needs. However, there are a few main threads that tend to weave together to form the main fabric of a chiropractic office. For example, the main service that a chiropractor typically is known for is making adjustments to the body in order to alleviate pain and promote proper posture and optimal functioning.
Chiropractic care may also involve the use of temperature therapy, such as hot or cold packs, along with massage therapy and even guided exercises and stretches for the client. The heart of chiropractic care, though, continues to be the manual skills of the chiropractor. This is why the chiropractic table can be considered a cornerstone in forming the foundation of a one’s practice.
The chiropractor’s table tends to be where he or she will perform most of those manual techniques and adjustments that bring clients through the door in the first place. The type of table the chiropractor has in his or her appointment room typically depends on the style of chiropractic care the practitioner intends to provide. For example, certain chiropractors may be quite happy with a basic table model, as long as it allows for movement up and down to accommodate different height levels and perhaps provides a few drop options.
Other chiropractors may feel they need a table that brings a whole host of its own unique benefits. There are so many chiropractic tables on the market today that come with all kinds of bells and whistles, so it may be up to the individual practitioner to decide which benefits he or she is looking to bring on board. For instance, having a table that is automatic, rather than manual, in all of its functions may feel quite important to one chiropractor, whereas a table that functions manually might be fine for another.
Beyond automatic versus manuals, chiropractic tables may also offer other varying benefits, which can range from providing roller massage and spinal mobilization to offering automated movements that can take each client through extension, flexion and passive range of motion. Other chiropractic tables may be designed to do perform tasks such as lumbar and cervical traction, as well as decompression, all at customized angles and speeds.
With so many tables on the market today, many of which have long lists of optional features, it is important that a chiropractor get clear on what his or her ideal table may entail. Then, the practitioner can take that checklist on his or her search for the best possible chiropractic table.
