Types of Chiropractic Tables
Nov 9th 2023
More than 70,000 chiropractors in the United States treat millions of patients each year, using proven techniques to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. These treatments make a tremendous difference to patients, who may brag that their chiropractor has “the magic touch!” And while skilled practitioners can often work wonders when it comes to alleviating pain, they rely on more than just their hands.
Chiropractic tables are essential tools and, depending on the specific technique employed, may vary in terms of their design. They are not, despite some common misconceptions, always interchangeable with standard massage tables. Instead, chiropractic tables are often designed with a number of ways they can be adjusted to create opportunities for flexion and decompression.
Chiropractic tables are also an important component of patient safety. During a chiropractic adjustment, you want to rest assured that the table is sturdy and steady, leaving no room for error or injury.
The best chiropractic offices invest in high-quality equipment, and Spa Source is proud to supply tables for chiropractic therapy in addition to the products we offer to spas and wellness centers.
Our Featured Chiropractic Table
Guide to Chiropractic Tables
Today’s chiropractic tables represent advances in technology and include a wide variety of features based on the type of treatment being practiced. They can be stationary or portable, and they can be simple and streamlined or include lots of bells and whistles. Above all, chiropractic tables should always be designed with safety in mind.
Stationary Tables (With Drop Options)
The standard chiropractic table many of us imagine is a basic patient table that remains in place and allows a chiropractor to work on various areas of the back while the patient lies flat. A drop option is popular for additional techniques that focus on a specific area of the body by raising it and then applying pressure until that segment of the table drops back into place.
Decompression Tables
A decompression table features ankle locks that secure the patient and then tilt the body to a 60-degree angle. The purpose of this position is to promote the movement of the spinal fluid. Chiropractors use this technique in order to alleviate the pressure associated with herniated or bulging disks, one of the most common problems that causes lower back pain.
Hylo Tables
A hylo table is a sort of hybrid of the tables described above. It includes drop segments and can also be tiled at angles, which enable patients to “step” into position and then be lowered at an angle if they have mobility or pain issues that make it more difficult to get on a flat table.
Flexion Distraction Tables
Flexion distraction is an important technique for pain relief in that it does not involve weight-bearing pressure; instead, in flexion distraction, the table has components that flex in and out to stretch specific segments of the spine. This allows for space to be increased between the vertebrae, which relieves pressure and pain.
Roller Tables
A chiropractic table with rollers—also referred to as an intersegmental traction table—is one on which a patient will lie facing upward while rollers underneath are used to gently move along the length of the spine. This motion will improve fluid circulation around joints and increase a patient’s range of motion.
Elevation Tables
You might think of a hair salon chair when you picture the way an elevation table works for chiropractic patients. The chiropractor uses a foot pedal to raise and lower the patient in order to perform various chiropractic techniques. The various elevations can make it easier for the provider to perform effectively and address specific problem areas around the spine.
Pediatric Tables
When working with younger patients, chiropractors may use specifically designed tables that are not only better suited to the body size but may come in bright and friendly colors to appeal to kids as well.
Younger patients may be especially nervous about treatment, and chiropractors use kid-friendly tools to help them feel less anxious. Drop tables and hylo tables can be manufactured in pediatric size ranges as well as adult sizes.
Contact Spa Source today to see how we can assist with your chiropractic table needs.