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.

Traction tables come in a variety of styles, with a great deal of variation on the number of sections on the table. The basic styles of tables often have two sections, while others may have standard three or four sections. There are some traction tables that offer up to seven sections, and these are often used in hospital settings as well as rehabilitation clinics and offices.

In general the more sections that are on the table the greater the range of movement of the table, allowing for easy positioning of the patient. This also may provide a much easier way for staff to correctly position the patient without the need to add additional portable types of supports to the standard types of traction tables.

A multi-section traction table may also allow for greater range of actual height of the table, providing the staff with easier access to the patient than a standard height or a fixed height traction table can provide. Since many of the standard two and three section tables also have lifting and lowering capacity this may or may not be as critical of a concern. Most tables will adjust between 21 and 41 inches, allowing for perfect positioning for use with any style of traction system.

What are some features to consider when selecting a traction table?

When considering a traction table there are several features that may be more or less important in specific clinics, rehabilitation or patient care environments. One option is to consider tables that have the option of a rolling lumbar section to the table that allows the patient to easily move into position without adding additional friction to the back. Another option with many of these tables is the option to remove the center pad or part of the center pad to add heating pads or cooling pads that can be a great way to provide additional care to the patient.

Of course finding a traction table that is compatible with the traction unit is essential. Most standard tables will work with standard traction units, however some tables are also designed to allow for angular pulls. Often these types of tables offer a turret mount for the traction unit which provides the option for this type of traction.

Control of the traction table may also be a huge consideration with different types of practices. Manual and foot controls a can provide very specific positioning from either side of the table, perfect for most general types of practices.

What is the typical warrantee on a traction table?

Knowing the warranty offered with a specific type of traction table is an important consideration for those buying medical equipment. Many tables offer a standard warranty of the table, which is considered to be the frame, then a separate warranty time for the upholstery. Depending on the model and style of the table this can often be up to six years on the frame and one to three years on the upholstery. Each table and manufacture will have a different warranty so it is important to verify the terms.