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.

What types of treatment tables are best suited for a clinic or doctor's office examination room with a high patient appointment rate?

When there are high volumes of patients per treatment room, having tables that are low maintenance and easy to clean is very important. You should also look for one that is easy to prepare, and has everything self contained in the table. The standard, or traditional type of treatment table that is constructed of steel with durable vinyl upholstery is often the best option. These tables have a variety of features that make them both practical, as well as cost efficient. They include drawers that can open from either the right or left side, depending on your preference, as well as a slide out shelf that can be used for writing or additional working space for doctors, nurses and technicians. These tables also have a built in steel footstep that allows patients to have easy access to getting on and off of the table without the need for an additional step stool in the office.

Are there any options for "green" treatment tables that will allow my clinic to be recognized as being as environmentally conscious as possible?

Wooden treatment tables made with hardwood frames are considered to be very ecologically friendly plus they give a warmer, less institutional look to your patient treatment rooms. These tables come a variety of different finishes and styles with open storage, shelving and drawers, all based upon your preference. Designed to be very solid and sturdy, tables with a wood frame are always popular as an alternative to traditional metal or steel frame styles.

I need a treatment table, but don't want it to always be taking up space in my consultation room. Are there any options out there or do I need to continue using a standard table?

There are several options for saving space, and still having a full sized treatment table in your consulting room or patient examination room. One option is to consider a foldable treatment table. This is a unique design of table that mounts to your examination room wall with a floor supported wall mounting plate. This plate connects the top of the table to the wall. When not in use, the table top folds up against the wall and the legs fold in, creating an open space in the room. These types of tables are standard sized, 72 inches long by 24 inches wide and 32 inches high, but they are not adjustable. They hold up to 350 pounds and are a great option for a field house, doctor's office or consultation room.

Another option is a folding table that has the leg rest fold down or slide into the cabinet, shortening the table length by 16 inches when not in use. This type of examination table may also have a manually adjustable headrest as well as cabinet space under the table to serve as additional storage area. The leg rest can be retracted or folded down when not in use, greatly decreasing the amount of space required for the equipment.