Find the right table for you with advice from nine table experts

Which table is right for you? Perhaps you are starting up a new practice or searching for replacement equipment. Wherever you stand in your career, Chiropractic Products asked table experts for advice. The more you know, the better your choice.

From Distraction Enterprises LLC, Julie Cox-Cid, director of sales, and Donald Wallace, president, joins our panel. Cox-Cid has worked with James M. Cox, DC, the inventor of the Cox® Distraction Manipulation technique, since 1991. Wallace created and oversaw a team of engineers to work with Cox in the design of the new Cox Table.

Gary Huddleston, DC is the owner, founder, and CEO of Eurotech MFG and Elite Physical Rehab. He has been a chiropractor for more than 23 years and a table manufacturer for nearly 20. His practice is made up of professional athletes, members of the film and entertainment industry, and top rock stars. He often is flown to venues nationwide with his equipment to treat the top talent in the world.

Howard Hill is owner and president of Hill Laboratories Co, Frazer, Pa. In 1967, at age 19, he became the third generation president of his family's business, which he expanded with new tables. Hill continues to stress the old-fashioned values and personal service that has characterized his family business for so many years.

Thomas J. Kenny is the owner and president of Williams Healthcare Systems LLC, Elgin, Ill. He has 27 years of experience in the areas of lean manufacturing, integrated product development, sales and operational planning, and strategic management.

Mark Reiter is the senior vice president of LSI International Inc, Overland Park, Kan. He is a regular guest lecturer at Cleveland Chiropractic College and has more than 10 years of experience in the chiropractic field.

Dave Schultz is president of Hessco, a family-owned health equipment company based in Saukville, Wis. Schultz’s father began selling to chiropractors in 1961, and he attended his first Wisconsin Chiropractic convention at the age of 5.

Steven Sellin is owner of American Health Industries, which designs and produces chiropractic tables. He has worked in the medical and high-technology industries for 20 years designing and manufacturing products for use worldwide.

Tim Weir, DC, graduated from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, in 1981. He has a large multidisciplinary practice in Raleigh, NC.

What are the most important features chiropractors should look for when purchasing a table?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: Nothing could be more disappointing than finding that the most important piece of equipment for a chiropractor could not perform the procedures that the doctor desires. Ask the manufacturer about the specific capabilities of the table being purchased. Safety, ease of function, comfort for the patient, height adjustment, and appearance are other important issues to consider as well.

Hill: Buy a table with features that fit your technique. Foam density should also be considered for the comfort of the patient as well as the technique. Most important is the long-term comfort and health of the doctor. Elevation tables help doctors avoid back strain while effectively treating patients.

Huddleston: Price will be one of the first and foremost issues, but it shouldn’t be the major concern. Doctors should look at both standard and optional features, overall quality, and the support of the table company. Whatever the table brand you buy, the table should fit into the practice without disruption to the practice itself or the patients coming in.

Kenny: Remember to buy a table that meets all of your needs today and 10 to 15 years later. This could include any or all of the following: hi-lo, verti-lift, flexion/distraction, terminal point drops, key dimension headpiece, and pneumatic or manual drops.

Reiter: First, look at durability. It might look good on the showroom floor, but how is it going to look and function 5 years from today? Also, consider warranty. Third, look at price versus quality. Compare features needed, the warranty and service options, along with the price.

Schultz: Make sure you spend time investigating all the brands and features available. Can you perform your chosen technique? Will the table hold its value? Do the manufacturer and dealer carry product liability insurance?

Sellin: Technology and quality are the most important. The table should have technology built into it that allows the DC to easily adjust the patients and the quality built into it lasts for years.

Weir: Make sure your technique matches your table. It makes a world of difference!

Are there certain techniques recommended for certain tables?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: Since the only table our company manufactures is a flexion distraction instrument, the technique’s requirements are strongly tied to the table’s design.

Hill: Yes, certain tables are made for specific techniques. For example, we customize our tables to meet such techniques as flexion/distraction, DNFT, Best-Tec, Activator, automatic and manual drops, Atlas Orthogonal, intermittent traction, and more.

Huddleston: It is often difficult for a doctor to afford a flexion table only, a drop table, and maybe an elevating table for certain techniques. Now, tables are being designed and built that will allow the practitioner to do double and triple duty. A table that lends itself to more techniques will save both time, and wear and tear on the doctor and patient alike.

Kenny: Yes, Thompson tables for the Thompson technique, Pierce tables for the Pierce technique, and motorized flexion/distraction tables for the Leander technique are a few examples.

Reiter: Although there are many tables manufactured to enable the doctor to perform his or her specific technique, most manufacturers make tables on which many techniques can be combined.

Schultz: Many techniques require a specific table. Some tables can handle many techniques but may not do each as well. Sometimes you may have to compromise to save money and space.

Sellin: Because each DC develops his own technique within the major techniques, there is a wide range of tables with different features that can be customized to the DC’s method.

What can DCs expect to spend? And what financing options do table companies offer?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: The cost is proportional to the capabilities of the technique it affords the chiropractors. A flat bench might cost a few hundred dollars, while a state-of-the-art, research-developed adjustment instrument will cost several thousands of dollars.

Hill: Prices will naturally vary from a simple bench to elevation tables, to hi-lo tables and those with hi-lo and drop features combined. Our elevation tables start at $1,950 to $3,000 with manual drops. Elevation tables with flexion/distraction begin at $4,195 and go to $7,195 with all pneumatic drops. Evaluate how a table is constructed as well as its features to determine the value.

Huddleston: A doctor can spend as little or as much as he or she wants or can afford. Often, very affordable tables can get a practice up and running, while more expensive tables may place a financial burden on the doctor until the practice grows or builds up. All of the major table builders offer financing through several reputable companies.

Kenny: Doctors can spend as little as $200 for a bench or as much as $12,000 for an adjusting table. We offer an 12 month, no-interest, no-payment lease for a term up to 5 years. Be careful because many leasing companies offer leases with a very high interest rate and carry with them severe penalties for early payoff. Make sure you understand what the interest rate is and whether the leasing company has any penalties included in your lease.

Reiter: Obviously, this can vary widely, but I’d say the average adjusting table goes for around $2,000 to $5,000. If you get an adjustable elevation or a hi-lo table, you’ll get half that back on the ADA credit.

Schultz: Table prices range from $250 to $20,000. Financing or leasing is available on all tables, and practice start-ups are not a problem.

Sellin: Cost really depends on the features and construction of the table. DCs need to look at how the tables will be used and also their appearance to their patients. I have worked with some DCs who have the $13,000 tables that have a million features, but the patients don’t like them because they look intimidating with all their springs and levers. Their patients prefer a simple, comfortable table with clean lines. Financing options for DCs include leasing and credit cards.

Weir: Plan to start at $1,000 and go up to $15,000. If you are going to be in practice for 20 years, you can buy a cheaper table, but you are going to be replacing it in 5 to 6 years.

Which tables are the most popular with chiropractors?

Hill: We have found the elevation tables with either manual drops or flexion/distraction with or without pneumatic drops to be the most popular.

Huddleston: The hi-lo still remains popular. However, we have seen a tremendous growth of both manual and electric flexion tables equipped with drops and elevation. These tables allow a wide and diverse arsenal of treatment techniques on one affordable table, and yet, these same tables can still be used for therapies or examinations. Again, this goes back to the premise of getting the “mostest” from the “leastest”!    

Kenny: Hi-lo tables are popular because they accommodate a great variety of patient needs. Motorized flexion/distraction tables are exceptional tools for doctors in providing affective patient treatment while safeguarding doctors against carpal tunnel. Look for a brand where the table’s life expectancy is not less than 15 years.

Reiter: The most popular choice is electric elevation—the entire height of the table can be raised and lowered to accommodate for doctors’ heights and patient sizes. Vertical height adjustment tables also qualify for a 50% ADA tax credit, adding to their popularity. Of course intersegmental traction tables offer the convenience of billable hands-free therapy.

Schultz: Chattanooga, Hill, Leander, Lloyd, and Zenith account for about 70% of all tables being used today.

Sellin: Our new adjusting table with the pressure-sensitive air drop is popular. There is an adjustable microswitch built into each drop that allows DCs to customize the release point of the drop. When the drop is released, the air cylinder drives the drop down to provide an extremely crisp motion.

What advice do you have for first-time buyers?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: Buy the table with the best research support for the technique(s) it is designed to deliver. Remember, reimbursement depends on good clinical outcomes and supported literature for the procedure used.

Hill: Buy from a company that has been in business for a long time, has a good dealer network, and offers proper delivery and after-market service.

Huddleston: After 7 years of college, tuition, build-out, and time invested, do yourself, your practice, and patients a favor by purchasing a nice adjusting table. It doesn’t have to be the best or most expensive—just able to do a good job. People in today’s society expect their doctors to use decent, comfortable equipment, not the cheapest or a hand-me-down. Believe me, a patient can tell the difference. Your practice will be able to tell the difference also!

Kenny: No one expects an airline pilot to buy a kite in order to practice his trade. Likewise, new chiropractors should carefully weigh price, performance, and quality to purchase adjusting instruments that enable them to practice effectively. Stay away from low price and used tables because your business, and patient treatment and safety is key to this decision.

Reiter: As well as fitting your technique, your table should also fit your budget. Don’t break the bank on a feature-laden, high-dollar table right out of school. You can always trade that first table in for an upgrade.

Schultz: Do your homework! Check with doctors already practicing. Compare different brands. Who will service your table after the sale? What will be the resale value if you want to change techniques or tables?

What should DCs expect in customer service and support from their table companies?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: Commonly, warranty and service for a specified time and availability of replacement parts are offered. Customer service should be responsive when contacted about an issue and offer a reasonable time frame and solution. Customer service knows how crucial a table is to a chiropractic office and will want to get things corrected as soon as possible.

Hill: You are buying a table that is supporting your livelihood. Purchase from a company that has technical support and dealers in your area who can make repairs in the future.

Huddleston: You should expect courteous and prompt service whether you have a table problem or just a table question. You should also realize that sometimes the table cannot be repaired that day or maybe even the next. However, the table company should stay on top of the problem and keep lines of communication open.

Reiter: Most distributors are responsible for servicing the tables they sell. The manufacturer will send parts to the distributor at no charge during the warranty period, which is usually 12 months. The distributor should be willing to provide labor at no charge during that warranty period. Look for a distributor who has been in business for a while with experienced service personnel and a solid service network.

Schultz: Service before, during, or after the sale is critical. Tables are just like cars. Even the most expensive can have problems. Make sure you are covered by trained service technicians.

Sellin: The most important aspect of customer service is to really listen to the DC. Each and every concern should be written down and addressed in a timely manner no matter if that is before or after the sale or the time of day.

Weir: Service is vital. You ought to have customer support that will overnight you parts. Make sure the company has a representative in your region that can get you the service and support you need.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing a new versus used table?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: New tables incorporate the latest technology and come with warranties. Used tables are used. They may have inherent flaws that caused doctors to part with them. New or used, the manufacturer should encourage the purchasing doctor to seek the proper training in the technique(s) to be performed using the table.

Hill: Check the references of those selling used equipment before buying from them. Also, question the warranty and service issues. Keep in mind that most used tables are shipped long distances, and you will have to uncrate and move the equipment into your office. Buying a new table gives you the advantage of obtaining features customized to your needs as well as a warranty. In addition, an ADA tax credit of almost 50% is available for those who buy elevation tables that qualify for the American Disabilities Act.

Huddleston: Almost always, the new table will come with a warranty, manual, and good customer support. The new table will be in impeccable physical condition, with the latest features and upholstery. Used equipment may still be in very usable condition but may not have the latest treatment parameters. New tables will, of course, be more expensive than used, but occasionally, a used table may cost more in the long run when you add in the expense of repairs, upholstery, and upgrades.

Kenny: With financing options and a tax credit for ADA (section 179 deduction and depreciation), an $8,000 table can cost practically nothing after taxes for about 2 years. Be careful of purchasing pre-owned tables because in many cases, factory parts are not used, factory service has not been performed, and the actual condition of the table may be poor at best. Talk to the manufacturer for advice on new tables and your choice of used tables. Also, new tables offer a factory warranty, whereas most used tables have no guarantee.

Reiter: The upside to buying used is that many tables can be rebuilt to a practically new condition if you select the right vendor. Look for a vendor that sells a lot of rebuilt tables; they likely stock parts and have a greater depth of knowledge. The upside to new is that there are many new options available now on new tables, such as air drops and air flexion. Plus, you don’t have to worry the table wasn’t cared for or mistreated by the previous owner.

Schultz: New tables offer the latest features. Used tables can save you money. Some companies offer reconditioned tables, but also make sure you are not getting someone else’s problem table.

Sellin: While DCs believe that the largest pro in purchasing a used table is lower cost, a search of the current marketplace will reveal new tables with a lower total cost. With a used table, you don’t get a warranty or the latest technology. I know one doctor who has two tables, and his technique requires him to move the patient to each table to properly adjust them. This extra movement reduces the number of patients he can see and, as such, lowers his revenue and increases his costs. If he had purchased a new table with the appropriate features and technology, he could be seeing more patients in the same amount of time.

Weir: First, if you are going to buy a used table, make sure that it is from one of the major chiropractic table companies. Second, buy it from a dealer who has reconditioned the table and will include a warranty. The great thing about buying a good table is that they hold their value.

Are there any technological advances in the near future for the table industry?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: Absolutely. Adjustment techniques will be driven by biomechanics and clinical outcome research studies. An important technological advancement being studied is the adjustment of the spine under distraction. This technique is for disc herniation and degeneration, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, facet syndrome, subluxation, spondylolisthesis, transitional segment, and tropism.

Hill: It seems that new techniques lead the way for new table technology. We are always investigating the needs of chiropractors and developing features they request.

Huddleston: We have seen a tremendous growth with tables that offer long-axis spinal decompression, which is definitely the buzz phrase in global health care. Since I personally treat many professional athletes, entertainers, and musicians in all venues, this is one form of treatment that I have seen really take off.

Kenny: We can look forward to the integration of a number of modalities into an intelligent adjusting platform that diagnoses, treats, and records results on a per patient basis.

Sellin: The big advances in table technology are in using electronics to control the drops on adjusting tables and the tracking of the spine on intersegmental traction tables. This allows doctors a larger degree of control than the old mechanical controls. For instance, on the old IST tables, the rollers used to just about push the patient off the table when it was in the thoracic region and hardly touch the cervical region. With the new controls, the doctor sets the amount of pressure that is applied to the spine and then the rollers raise and lower depending on the curvature of the spine.

Reiter: As air compression systems become smaller and quieter, I think you’ll see more manufacturers using pneumatics. There will probably also be a greater use of small electronics to control functions that now take human interaction or physical controls. An example might be controlling the functions of an intersegmental table with keypad presets for time, length of stroke, direction of the rollers, and more.

Any last words of advice?

Cox-Cid/Wallace: As technology and research dictate improvements of chiropractic adjusting procedures, table capabilities must advance as well. DCs must carefully define the research and clinical outcome assessments of the table they purchase. Ask for the research studies supporting the procedures utilized on the table.

Hill: As family-owned-and-operated manufacturer, we find consistency of service has been reassuring for our customers. As the owner, I try to take a personal involvement in making certain our customers are taken care of and the dealer network represents us properly.

Huddleston: This is a tricky economy and the fields of play have changed in health care. We now have physical therapists wanting to do chiropractic, as do medical doctors, but they want to call it something else. Just remember to be true to yourself, your beliefs, and your patients. If you follow this one simple premise, you will go far in your profession and life itself.

Kenny: A chiropractic adjusting table is the cornerstone to chiropractic treatment. Purchase an adjusting table that meets your treatment needs will keep your patient comfortable, content, and safe; and will demonstrate to your patients that you have a first-class practice.

Reiter: Don’t buy more than you can afford, but don’t buy less than you need. Either way, you’ll be mad at yourself later.

Schultz: Ask questions! The salesperson should be able to offer you a choice of brands and features. Allow yourself time to purchase a table that will fit your needs. Don’t forget about the great tax deductions available when you buy new or used equipment.

Sellin: Find a table company that will listen to your needs and will use the latest technology and quality construction techniques to meet your needs. Cost is important, but look at exactly how you are going to use the table and invest in your future.

Weir: You need the equipment to help you enjoy practicing chiropractic. You have made a tremendous investment in your education; don’t skimp on a professional table that is going to save you time and energy. Remember, you need to leave the office at night with enough energy to be able to spend time with your family. CP

Julie Z. Lee is a contributing writer for Chiropractic Products.