One of the latest optional features that can be added to the Hill Air-Flex table is the component of decompression/traction. For years, most flexion tables had the feature of distracting and holding the patient in a static mode while the doctor manually flexed the table. While this is an extremely effective and accepted method of treating, the option of intermittent long-axis movement was not available in a flexion table. Since spinal intermittent traction/decompression has become such a popular form of treating disk compressions, many doctors requested this type of function to be incorporated into our Air-Flex table. Adding this feature is just one more way of making the Hill Air-Flex more versatile while giving the doctors an affordable way of accomplishing this type of therapy.

On the Auto Distraction Control Panel, the doctor sets the rest and pull cycle from 5 to 60 seconds.

Through the application of targeted decompression traction force, the effect of disk compression and gravity are removed, thus decreasing the internal pressure of the injured joint and disk. Most doctors understand as the decompressive force is applied, a negative pressure is created inside the disk. This negative pressure literally sucks the herniated nuclear material back into the disk as it directly improves the nutritional status of the disk through hydration. By naturally drawing the herniated material back into the disk, pinching or pressure on the nerves is reduced, and so is the crippling pain so many back pain patients endure.

How the Basic Air-Flex Works

The basic Air-Flex table is equipped with electric adjustable height and an air compressor inside the covered telescoping. Depending on the options, the selector switch on the front panel can be set to one of four positions. In the drop-mode position, up to four pneumatic drops are available. The other selector positions are for the air thoracic breakaway/release, flexion mode, and distraction mode. The patient is first secured with the ankle straps to the slide-out foot section. With the selector switch in distraction mode and as the foot pedal is pressed, the table slowly distracts, offering static traction. Placing the selector switch to flex mode delivers pressure to an air cylinder, allowing the doctor to counter-balance the patient's weight. Little force is then required to flex just about any patient using the assistant tiller bar. The Auto-Flex option offers the versatility of manual and automatic flexion. Doctors can program the amount of flexion cycles, speed, and the depth of the automatic flexion movement.

The headpiece will also move laterally, and circumduction can be achieved.

How Auto Distraction Works

The Auto Distraction Control Panel, located at the lower section of the table, is easy to operate, and features a digital readout. The doctor sets the rest and pull cycle from 5 to 60 seconds, the treatment time, the traction pull-force in pounds, and the traction rest-force in pounds. With the patient in a prone position, traction pull of up to 100 pounds can be applied. Generally one third of the body weight is an adequate traction force on the Air-Flex table. A padded seat belt strap (counter traction strap) is secured just above the tractioned segment.

There are two ways to set the traction force. The pressure foot pedal can be used to distract the patient in the static mode. The pounds of force that are being applied can be viewed on the control panel. On the initial visit, the doctor can position the patient on the table and palpate the lumbar spine; a slight movement should be felt.

Cervical flexion is one more tool that the DCs can use with the Air-Flex table.

The patient's feedback is also very important. Once the amount of traction has been determined, the start button is depressed, taking the patient out of the static mode and into the cycle mode of intermittent traction. The doctor should record the amount of traction on the patient's records. On subsequent treatments, the control panel features an automatic mode that will allow you to enter the amount of poundage you previously recorded. This makes the setup of traction fast and easy.

While intermittent traction is being applied, the Air-Flex can be locked in a flexed, lateral, or rotational position. During auto distraction, optional counter traction straps can be attached around the occipital area. This will allow you to create a mild cervical traction pull. The Auto Distraction can be billed under the CPT code 97012: mechanical intermittent traction. The Auto Distraction feature is $1,995 and includes five DVDs; one of which is an educational DVD for the patient, titled Patient Guide to Spinal Decompression.

The Manual Flexion Headpiece

Cervical flexion is one more tool that the doctors can use with the Air-Flex table.

For more on chiropractic tables, go to the Buyer's Guide section.

The flexion headpiece is equipped with a removable small-assist handle at the head-end and an occipital strap. A built-in gas shock-spring allows for a smooth flexion movement. With the headpiece unlocked, counter pressure with the hand is applied to the upper thoracic spine. Only a small amount of flexion is required to create an adequate traction pull. The headpiece will also move laterally and circumduction can be achieved. You can unlock and slide out the headpiece, allowing for Y-axis traction movement. The headpiece will also elevate up to 5 inches. The flexion head with all these features is $595. The Auto-Distraction feature and the Cervical Flexion headpiece are factory installed and only available on new table orders.

Howard Hill is president of Hill Laboratories Co. Contact him at , (877) 445-5020, or go to www.hilllabs.com.