How can I customize the physical therapy tables to match the colors in our therapy room?

Most physical therapy tables are designed to be neutral in color and design to be highly compatible with any therapy room colors and décor. Common colors include gray or cream tops with black, gray or other neutral tones of legs and frames. Other options include physical therapy tables that have customized upholstery. These are usually the exercise tables that are used for patient stretching and mobility training in transfers and movement in bed. These types of physical therapy tables can be color coordinated with your therapy room colors by special or custom order from the manufacturer.

Other considerations, especially for the larger central physical therapy tables is to choose a natural wood frame or base and a Formica or natural wood surface. This ensures that all colors will coordinate with the table while still providing a solid working surface that will last for years and stand up to all the wear and tear that is common in physical therapy areas.

What features are important to consider in selecting physical therapy tables?

Durability and strength in all types of therapy tables as well as those used for occupational therapy sessions are two very important considerations. The more secure the table is, including those that are used for patient exercises and stretching, the more secure the patient will feel. The ability to easily position the table as well as the number of different features offered by the table is a practical consideration for most therapists. Having equipment in a therapy room that can only be used for one purpose is often not efficient or practical, so tables that are easily used for a variety of different treatments are both cost and space saving in the long run.

Tables should also be designed to be comfortable for both the patient and the therapists, which includes how accessible they are for everyone.

What types of physical therapy tables are most therapists friendly and what options really help the therapist that sees a number of patients throughout the day in different parts of the hospital?

Most therapists in a hospital or medical care facility will have to see patients both in therapy rooms and clinics and also within individual patient rooms. Having a smaller, personal size of therapy table that provide a solid base of support for all types of hand and arm movements is very important. Typical bed side tables in hospital rooms will not provide the stability that physical therapy tables provide. With easily adjustable heights these types of tables are easy to push or move through hallways and corridors while also very easy to adjust to patients that are in chairs, wheelchairs or in bed for the therapy session.

Spring powered table tops are simple to move up and down to easily adjust. They can also be used to move supplies easily from room to room as needed for therapy sessions outside of the therapy center.

I have seen therapy tables in a variety of shapes and styles. What are the pros and cons of each option?

Therapy tables come in a number of shapes and sizes. Square and rectangular tables in a various sizes provide a very stable work surface for individuals or small group activities. These therapy tables are also easy to configure in a therapy or patient area without difficulty.

Horseshoe shaped tables are great for allowing one therapist easy access to several patients at the same time. The therapist is positioned in the center of the horseshoe shape and can turn to work individually with all patients or address the group from a central location. Quarter round tables provide the same option, just for fewer patients at one time. Usually the horseshoe tables are suitable for use with up to 4 patients while quarter round tables are better suited to working with two patients.

How easy is it to position therapy tables for use with patients in wheelchairs or those that are using assisted mobility devices?

All therapy tables are designed to be practical for therapists and patients to use. This includes the option for adjusting the height of the table to meet the specific needs of the patient or the therapist. different table models and sizes offer different height adjustment options. The larger the table the more legs that it will have for security and stability, which will typically require a bit more to adjust the positioning. Generally these types of tables adjust with a hand control knob that is located on each leg. Adjustments are set at one inch intervals with preset holes for the inset of the knob to lock the table into position.

Even larger sized group actively work table that are often used as therapy tables may be adjusted using a crank. This allows easy adjustment with just a simple turn of the device, with the option to remove the crank after the table is correctly positioned. Some of the tables that are used for patient stretching and exercise can also be controlled with an electric motor and a foot or hand control for smooth, quick adjustment similar to a hi low table.

Are there therapy tables that can be used with patients that are standing as opposed to seated?

There are several different models of therapy tables that are designed to be used in positions from seated to standing. These tables may be on casters or with a solid base that still allows easy portability when needed. The tables adjust quickly with two simple levers found at the outside of the legs where they join to the underside of the table. Moving these spring powered levers up allows the table to be pushed down or slid up to the correct height. The table is also designed to provide stability if the patient or therapist applies weight to the top of the table.

What is the best type of diagnostic table for a general practice that sees a range of patients from children through to the elderly?

Depending on the type of tables you are considering from C-Arm tables through to ultrasound and imaging tables there are several excellent choices for general practices. Since you want a table that is easily accessible for both younger patients as well as elderly people with possibly mobility issues, consider a power table. While these are more expensive they also save stress on the patients and prevent the need for assisted transfers by staff members. Power tables can have a variety of additional features including being on casters to allow easy positioning and movement. Most C-Arm tables will be designed with casters however they may not have the hi low power option, so you do have to decide which is functionally more important in your particular practice.

Are there different types of diagnostic tables that are designed specifically for work with bariatric patients and what features do they have?

Yes, as with most medical equipment there are specifically designed diagnostic tables that can be used with all patients, including bariatric patients. These tables are similar in design to all other tables however they are built with the ability to safely support additional weight. Most bariatric diagnostic tables are approved for use with patients of up to 600 pounds, which includes the power tables. This is an important consideration when working with bariatric patients that may have limited mobility and difficulty in moving to and from a stationary height table.

Diagnostic tables for bariatric patients tend to have reinforced steel angles and reinforcement on the stress points of the table. They can also have additional braces and support in the central column or the leg area under the table. This reinforcement is very discreet and virtually undetectable, giving all the equipment in your exam rooms the same appearance. This is ideal in creating a coordinated office that still can safely and easily accommodate patients of all weights and sizes.

I want to create a less institutional look to my diagnostic area, what options do I have in diagnostic tables that would look less like standard medical equipment?
With more and more offices becoming environmentally friendly and using more green types of equipment and furnishings when possible the need for natural products in diagnostic tables has come to the surface. In addition the movement towards more patient friendly equipment has also created a demand for natural woods and less institutional looking furnishings and equipment. The result is that tables are now available with an eco-friendly wood construction protected with wood designed laminate. This combination of natural appearance with strength, durability and long lasting surface protection is very popular in all types of clinical settings. It is also possible to choose upholstery colors in natural shades such as greens, browns, burgundies and blues that are very soothing and "natural" in appearance.