Experts discuss common concerns about purchasing chiropractic tables

An essential element for any practicing doctor of chiropractic, today’s tables cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. What are the features of an ideal table? Which things are cautioned against? The final decision is based primarily on the doctor, his or her plans for the table, and how long it will be expected to last.

Our experts weigh in with advice for this single purchase that has significant and long-term ramifications. When purchasing a table, prevailing advice seems to remember that the one chosen is an investment in the doctor’s career, the existing practice, and, ultimately, the patient.

Julie Cid-Cox grew up in a family of chiropractors and has helped with its sales for about 4 years. She works with TRACK Corporation in the sales of The Cox® Table (www.coxtable.com).

Gary Huddleston, DC, is CEO and owner of Eurotech Manufacturing (www.eurotechtables.com) and Elite Electromedical. Huddleston is a 1981 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic in Kansas City, Mo, and his practice includes professional athletes in the National Football League and Major League Baseball, Ultimate Fighters, top bodybuilders and wrestlers, as well as people in the film and entertainment industry.

What are the most important features that DCs should look for when purchasing a table?
Cid-Cox: The chiropractic table is the central piece of equipment in the chiropractic physician’s office. The type of table truly depends on the type of practice the physician intends to conduct. Physicians must choose the best instrument to apply their trade to meet the highest-quality clinical outcomes for the patients they treat.

In chiropractic, the doctor’s choice of technique(s) plays a central role in the decision of what type of table that will be installed. From there, DCs must look at quality, features, and adaptability of the table to the various techniques they plan to use, as well as the table’s reliability, warranty, and safety. Doctors must also take into account the manufacturer’s incorporation of the latest technology, the proven research as to its clinical application, and available customer service.

Huddleston: In general, the table should be affordable, quality-made, and designed for years of trouble-free use. Specifically, a DC should make sure the table’s features match the techniques the doctor uses or will be using in the future. More tables are becoming “multidimensional,” meaning a table will accommodate a wide variety of uses and treatment protocols. Because of this versatility, the doctor does not need to continue making financial investments for other pieces of equipment.

How much should DCs expect to pay for a table, and does insurance cover this?
Cid-Cox: Only DCs can decide how much they will invest in the most central piece of equipment—the chiropractic instrument—for applying their trade.

The best-quality clinical outcomes demand the best-quality instrument be installed. A more expensive, high-quality, well-designed instrument makes the chiropractic adjustment easier and more precise for the doctor, and more comfortable for the patient.

For example, does the DC want state-of-the-art decompression technology for reducing disc herniations and stenosis, or a flat bench for deep-tissue work? The cost of an instrument demanded for the treatment of these patients will be from $10,000 to $20,000. Anything less will be mechanically insufficient.

Huddleston: A doctor doesn’t need to spend a large amount of money, but he does need to spend wisely.
In today’s very competitive health care market, patients recognize good equipment over “get into practice” equipment. Many patients need more than what few features a bench or cheap table can offer, and they would much rather be treated on comfortable equipment than the cheapest, most rudimentary of benches.

What are some things that DCs should look out for when purchasing a table?
Cid-Cox: Be sure the instrument’s features meet the technique(s) chosen for the chiropractic practice, and that safety issues are addressed. Doctors must also explore various financing options, and should verify that there is proven research to support the clinical application of the technique, and the instrument’s design.

Perhaps most important, the DC needs to ensure that the chiropractic adjustment is given its rightful central role in the chiropractic practice, and that the instrument performs smoothly, quietly, and accurately.

Huddleston: DCs should always look for factory support and training, and they need to be aware of exactly what they are getting for their money. Important questions to ask are: Does the manufacturer have FDA approval and products liability? Is the table American or foreign made? Will the table fit into their practice with little or no disruption to their patient flow, helping to get more sick people well quickly and efficiently?

What are some of the latest technological advances in tables?
Cid-Cox: Decompression instruments are quite popular now. Long Y-axis lumbar decompression has been available for some time, but cervical axial distraction decompression for cervical spine pain patients is the most exciting new element in table design and technique application.

Keep in mind that chiropractic offers decompression (neurally and intradiscally) and is hands-on. A computer may assist—not perform—the chiropractic decompression adjustment, but the adjustment is still physician-controlled and hands-on.

Look for the most comfortable face cushions for the patient, the smoothest movements for the adjustment’s best-quality outcome, and the least-cluttered headpiece for application of the adjustment.

Huddleston: Technology is advancing rapidly in the electronics field, and these ideas are being utilized by the better table manufacturers. Digital design, light emitting diode readouts, and more controllability are now the norms, not the exceptions.

Tables are also being developed that offer more features, such as cervical and lumbar distraction. These tables will allow the doctor to do more treatment, for less money, in a shorter time span.

What advice do you have for first-time buyers?
Cid-Cox: Clinical outcomes are borne out in research studies in chiropractic and guide the instrument’s design, so make your path in chiropractic one that is supported by research. When purchasing a table, consider the effect of research on the chiropractic adjustment you are performing and on the instrument you choose to use.

Select the instrument for your practice that will enhance both your chiropractic-adjustment application and your clinical outcomes. When your patients feel better, they tell others. What better way to build a practice and pay off your instrument?

Huddleston: First-time buyers are more educated then ever before when it comes to purchasing adjusting tables, but they still must ask questions and get the answers they need.

Tables that were considered cutting edge a few years ago have been surpassed by more affordable tables with better technology and construction. Highest price no longer means highest quality. There are many excellent table manufacturers who build great equipment for an affordable price.

Any last words of advice?
Cid-Cox: Patients seek care from chiropractors and will “shop” from chiropractor to chiropractor until they find relief. They believe in chiropractic. What an amazing opportunity the chiropractic profession is offered by the public.

The public wants excellent outcomes, they want their quality of life back, and they want to understand the cause of the pain. Our patients count on us for care that follows a clear, research-based plan of action for them to achieve the best clinical outcome in their struggle with pain.

Be sure the instrument chosen for the practice is chosen for its best features and potential to enhance the clinical outcomes and the image of chiropractic in the public eye.

Huddleston: The best advice I can give is this: You spent 6 years or more getting your chiropractic education. You spent more than $100,000 to get where you are now. You plan on helping many people for many years through chiropractic. Why would you go into practice using the cheapest adjusting table you can find?
Our adjusting table is just as important to us, as surgeons’ tools are to them. Would you go to a doctor for a major surgery who bought his tools at a yard sale or that were made in his garage?

Next to your mind and your hands, your adjusting table is your most important piece of equipment you will buy. Purchase it wisely! CP

Dana Hinesly is a contributing writer for Chiropractic Products.