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 option in a tilt table for use with patients that are recovering from long term bed rest?

Tilt tables are often used with patients that are recovering from long term illnesses when they have been immobile for long periods of time. The table can be used to allow them to become acclimated to an upright position without concerns with rapid changes in blood pressure that may cause dizziness and possible risks of falls. Since these tables can also be used to correctly position a patient for different types of examinations and tests, especially with patients that have limited or no ability to stand in an upright position they can be invaluable in all types of health care facilities.

When selecting a table for this purpose it is important to have a solidly constructed table that is padded, has adequate, wide straps for security, safety and comfort and that also has a foot board that is wide enough to comfortably support the patient. The option of locking casters on the table is also an important feature since the table can be secured in place to prevent any movement that may be anxiety provoking to the patient. The table can also be moved from patient room to room as needed to allow therapy in the room rather than requiring the patient to come to a treatment or therapy area, at least initially.

What options are available in tilt tables and can all patients use the same type and style of tilt table?

Since many patients using a tilt table will be non-ambulatory or regaining movement after long periods of bed rest a hi low option can be invaluable. This allows patients that are in wheelchairs to easily access the table in the horizontal position from the chair with the table top lowered to easy transfer level. Once the patient is secured on the table in the horizontal position the table can be raised and then tilted, keeping the patient calm, secure and safe through the entire process.

Most tables are designed for standard sized adult patients and can safely tilt and support patients of up to 325 pounds. Bariatric patients cannot use these tables and instead require a bariatric table. A bariatric table can safely support patients up to 500 pounds. These types of tables are typically motorized for smooth, continuous positioning.

Are all tilt tables manual crank or what other options are available? What are the pros and cons of each?

Tilt tables can be either manual crank or positioned by electric motors. Both options are equally good and really it is a personal preference choice. Manual crank tables tend to be less expensive than electrical options and, because they don't have an electrical requirement for operation, they may be more versatile in a wider number of settings. Electric tables will require the use of a hospital grade plug in, which may not be available in all environments.