Can one person easily move and set up portable treatment tables or does the process require more than one individual?
Portable treatment tables are designed to be easily taken down, carried and put up by just one person. Most of these tables are made from lightweight aluminum that is strong and durable yet also manageable when it comes to actual weight. Most of the popular models, especially for sports teams or mobile medical treatment centers will weight less than 40 pounds, some as light as 29 pounds.

The legs of the table fold up and the bracing that provides the support and security for the table also folds up under the table top, creating flat surface. Many tables also fold in half and are easily carried using a shoulder carry strap in their own specialized soft case. This does depend on the particular model and the type of padding that is used on the top of the table. These tables are all fully adjustable with regards to height when set-up. This is accomplished by the use of telescoping legs that also slide up and in when the table is in the storage position.

What options are there for customizing portable treatment tables?
Like most medical supplies manufacturers provide doctors, team managers or equipment supply managers to have a choice of colors in the upholstery or material that covers the portable treatment table. Typically colors range from blues through to black, greens and grays as well as reds. Some companies and some tables also offer the option of a team stripe color that goes across one corner of the table provided by some manufacturers. Other options that teams or medical staff can choose is the overall possible height of the table. This can range from 17 inches to up to 31 inches with options for various lengths also possible between models and brands. The frames of some portable treatment tables may also be different in design, providing options for customized painting to include team colors.

I have to use the portable treatment table in all types of weather. What are the best types of legs to consider or what can I use to prevent the table from shifting and sinking into soft soil or mud?
One of the most important features for outdoor use is stability of the portable treatment tables in all types of weather. This is doubly important as athletes or patients move on and off the table when weight is not evenly distributed across the entire surface.

Field feet are one option to stabilize the table on all types of surfaces. These are very wide saucer type of feet that distribute weight over a wide area of the ground, preventing any problems with sinking. Anther option are the bar type feet that spread the patient's weight over the entire width of the table. These tables are also good for a variety of surface condition. All tables will be less stable on very wet or muddy conditions where the entire ground surface is soft.

What information is helpful for patients to understand when recommending cervical traction devices for home use?
Patients who use home traction and cervical traction devices need to understand the many benefits of these systems. Not only are they great for stretching out the spine and providing decompression of the neck, they can also be used to reduce the need for both surgical procedures as well as pain medication. By routinely and correctly using cervical traction devices at home patients can also cut down on trips to and from therapy, helping to keep treatment costs down and increasing patient independence. With a decrease in pain medication requirements, patients will also lower prescription medication costs and avoid the complications often associated with chronic use of pain relieving drugs.

For patients that need a low cost option with more than three to five pounds of traction when options are available in cervical traction devices?
For a good, low cost option for a cervical traction device that can be heavier than the standard three to five pound kits an over-door model is a great idea. This works because the weight is actually simple tap water contained in a specially constructed vinyl bag. The bag has been clearly marked with levels of water that correspond to different weights. The bag holds up to twenty pounds of water, making it an extremely good option for patients requiring more traction than the basic kits offer. The water bag is designed to be very durable and it will last for years with a bit of care in handling. The attachment hook that connects the bag to the traction rope is secure and easy to use when removing the weight and releasing the traction pull. The patient simply places his or her chin into the sling style head harness to start the traction session. This device is very safe and easy to use and can be found online at less than twenty dollars for the entire kit.

For the cervical traction devices sold as kits, how available are replacement parts and what is their approximate cost?
Cervical traction devices that are sold in three or five pound kits come with three simple parts. These include the head harness, a roll pillow, also known as a foam neck roll, and a pre-measured weighted bag that is either three or five pounds. Typically most of these kits will be priced at between forty and sixty dollars, which includes all necessary parts to start traction. Occasionally the head harness, foam neck roll or the weighted bag itself may be lost, damaged or in need of replacement. Each of the parts can be purchased separately, preventing the need to replace the entire set. Replacement parts for either the three or five pound system can be found online at medical supply websites for less than twenty dollars per component. The foam neck roll and head harness are identical for both and are therefore interchangeable, it is only the weight bag that needs to be purchased to match the specific weight you were using.

What is the most practical type of waiting area chair for use in an emergency room or high traffic clinical type of setting?
One of the most practical and commonly used types of waiting area chair model is the side chair. These metal framed, upholstered chairs come in either a style with arms or without arms. They both feature a contoured seat and back and provide a very stable, attractive and stylish option for a busy waiting area. Chair models without arms can be easily stacked and stored and added to offices, examination rooms and consulting rooms as needed.

These chairs are also a good option for clinical settings or any medical rooms with high traffic and volume. They can be moved easily by patients to group in areas were needed, plus they are very easy to clean and disinfect on a regular basis.

How easy to clean are the most common waiting area chair models and do they have any special features that make them a good option for continuous use?

Waiting room chair styles and models are specially designed and constructed to withstand regular use and the wear and tear of hospital and clinical settings. They do have different features that make them easy to clean and disinfect on a regular cleaning schedule. The upholstery is sturdy, durable and resistant to scuffing, marring and tearing, as well as being safe for use with hospital cleaning products. Some of the waiting area chair options are upholstered in material that is specially designed to be antibacterial, mildew resistant and also flame retardant. The upholstery style can include seamless cushions on the seat and back, preventing the chance of any leakage of fluids into the chair padding. This provides the same protection for easy cleaning and lack of leakage of water or cleaning solutions into the padding.

The wood, metal or polyurethane types of framing materials are similar in that they are non-porous and designed to be easily wiped down and cleaned routinely. Scratches or marks can be touched up with paint, stain or a clear coat to restore the chair to a new appearance it is scratched or scuffed.

What is the difference between a low and high back waiting area chair and which is most comfortable for patients?

High back waiting area chair models range in size but the typical height to the top of the back seat cushion is approximately 43 inches in most models. The seat back tends to be one solid, substantial slightly formed back, more like a traditional living room chair. The low back waiting room chairs have a back height of just 32.5 inches for most models, plus the back support tends to be narrower, often just across the top of the back.

The choice between low or high back chairs is largely personal taste. Most of the high back chair models all have arms. The low back chairs may either have arms or may be without. For patients with mobility problems chairs with arms and a higher back may be more comfortable and easily to get into and out of.

What is the best option in a basic low cost yet professional quality spa massage table that is used infrequently?
Buying online through medical supply companies is a great way to be able to find a low cost, high quality basic or deluxe massage table. Since the overhead is low through online stores the savings are passed directly to the consumers, allowing you to trade up for a more deluxe model for the same amount of money. In most situations a scissor base spa massage table is less costly than a full cabinet model, which is a factor if cost alone is the major consideration. These are high quality, comfortable and very sturdy tables that are suited for any type of massage therapy room. Keep in mind that the scissor base models do not have any under table storage and do not have power outlets located on the table itself. This may need to be considered when factoring in costs of the table. Extra storage cabinets for towels, equipment and supplies can be eliminated if you select the slightly more expensive cabinet style model.

What accessories are available for spa massage tables?
Accessories for massage tables will vary from model to model and style to style. For many tables the first consideration for an accessory is a face crescent, which provides for patient comfort. Face crescents are not universal in their design or the way that they are attached to the table. It is important to choose a crescent that is compatible with the specific model and style of spa table that you have.

Another common accessory for spa massage tables is a practical one for the therapist. Casters provide easy movement of spa tables around the room or from one room to the other. Like the face crescents, not all casters will attach to all tables so checking the model and style is essential. Typically casters are most commonly used on the scissor base models and not on the larger, heavier cabinet base options.

Are there spa massage tables designed for both supine and prone positioning or are they typically for supine positioning only?
Most spa massage tables are fully adjustable for both supine and prone positioning of the patient. There are some models that are considered more practical for working with patients in the prone and supine position rather than just in a more upright or reclined type of position with the patient on his or her back.

Scissor base massage tables as well as standard flat spa massage tables are both good options to consider when working with patients in all ranges of positions. Face rest crescents can be part of the standard package of the table, or they can be accessories that are added onto the table to maximum patient comfort in the prone position. Portable massage tables are another example of tables that are designed to work with patients in all positions, although they are more lightweight they are still practical, sturdy and ever comfortable for patients and therapist