Types of Chiropractic Tables and How To Choose One

Highlights

• Different types of chiropractic tables are designed for different treatments and uses.
• Use case, user experience, maintenance, patient comfort, and price should all influence the chiropractic equipment you choose.

Chiropractors have lots of choices when it comes to selecting chiropractic tables for their practice. From drop tables to portable tables to chiropractic tables with rollers, each type of table does something different.

Let’s explore eight types of chiropractic tables, their main uses, and how to choose the best ones to help your patients.

Eight Types of Chiropractic Tables

Chiropractic tables offer different experiences to the patient and to the chiropractor. Here’s a rundown on different types of chiropractic tables to consider.

1. Drop Tables

A mainstay in a chiropractic setting, a drop table is a stationary table that has adjustable components. Chiropractors can raise or lower different sections of the table to perform patient adjustments. When a section is raised, the chiropractor will apply pressure to the raised area of the body until that segment “drops” back into place.

2. Chiropractic Tables with Rollers

Also called an intersegmental traction table, chiropractic tables with rollers work to stretch the spine. A series of rollers under the table adjust to different heights, depending on the patient’s needs and comfort level. They roll the entire length of the spine and help with spinal healing and recovery.

3. Decompression Tables

Sometimes called an inversion table, a decompression table offers another way to stretch the spine and ease disc pressure. The table locks the patient’s ankles, then tilts at up to a 60-degree angle. This allows spinal fluid to move back into place and ease pressure caused by bulging or herniated discs.

4. Portable Chiropractic Tables

Portable tables are similar to stationary tables. The difference is that they’re designed to fold up and be transported. They feature an adjustable headrest and different height options.

5. Hylo Tables

The Hylo table is a type of stationary drop table. In addition to its adjustable height, it can also be tilted vertically. This type of table can be helpful for patients with mobility issues who might struggle to lie down on a regular table. Patients can position themselves on the table while standing, then move into a lying position.

6. Flexion Distraction Tables

A flexion distraction table gets its name from the procedure it’s intended to support. This treatment helps to relieve spinal pressure caused by disc issues or low back pain. Similar to a drop table, this table has various movable parts the chiropractor can adjust to treat the patient.

7. Pediatric Tables

Pediatric tables are designed to suit smaller patients. They’re similar to traditional drop tables and usually feature bright colors or patterns that appeal to children. Drop tables, hylo tables, and portable tables can all come in pediatric sizes.

8. Elevation Tables

Elevation chiropractic tables offer adjustable heights using a motorized foot pedal. Chiropractors can raise or lower the table to make it easy to accommodate patients and  improve the adjustment experience for the chiropractor.

How to Choose Chiropractic Tables for Your Practice

Chiropractors select chiropractic tables based on a range of criteria. As you’re exploring your chiropractic equipment options, keep the following tips in mind.

Use

Functionality is arguably the most important factor in choosing chiropractic equipment. The types of chiropractic tables you choose ultimately affect how well you’re able to treat your patients and create optimal health outcomes.

This usually means getting more than one type of table. At a minimum, you will need a stationary table. (Most chiropractors use the drop table.) Intersegmental traction tables and decompression tables offer a great complementary therapy to a stationary adjustment table.

If you offer mobile services, then a portable table makes sense. If you serve many elderly patients or patients with mobility issues, a hylo table might be a good fit. Think carefully about your patient ecosystem and the issues you treat to see which chiropractic tables fit into your processes.

User Experience

Chiropractors should feel comfortable and confident in the equipment they use. Tables that don’t work the way chiropractors prefer might prevent them from delivering the best possible experience to their patients.

Many multi-practitioner clinics prefer adjustable height tables so they can each treat patients at their own comfort level. Single practitioner clinics have more leeway in the type of chiropractic equipment they choose.

Maintenance Requirements

Like other types of equipment in your practice, you’ll need to maintain your chiropractic tables. Some tables require more maintenance than others to provide safe operation for patients. Tables with electrical components, such as a decompression table or a chiropractic table with rollers, may require more servicing. Drop tables and portable tables tend to require the least amount of maintenance.

Patient Comfort

Patient comfort matters. It not only helps your patients feel at ease when they’re in pain, but also helps them feel confident in returning for future treatments.

It’s important to take the patient experience into consideration to ensure you’re meeting their needs. For example, if a patient has severe back pain that prevents them from lying down on a normal table, they may require the assistance of a hylo table.

Price

Price isn’t always the most important factor when choosing chiropractic equipment, but it is a factor. Tables with high-end technology (think sensors, automation, electrical components, etc.) will cost more than manually operated tables.Brand will also influence pricing. Tables from reputable manufacturers usually cost more, but the price is often justified with better warranties and longer-lasting quality.

As with any decision you make in your practice, you’ll want to do your research when choosing chiropractic tables. The right equipment helps you support better patient outcomes and maintain your reputation.

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