Written by Hulet Smith, OT
As a medical practitioner, you will be using treatment tables a lot. Hence, it is essential that you choose the best table for your practice. Even though there may not be a strict requirement for treatment tables, choosing the best will make your job easier, your patients safer, and everyone more comfortable. So, what are the available treatment tables in the market, where can you get the best among them, and what features do you consider when choosing treatment tables for your clinic? This article will answer all these and more, but first, let's discuss what treatment tables are and their types.
A treatment table is used in medical facilities to examine, treat, and tend to patients. They usually have sections that enable patients to lie in different positions according to the procedure.
There are two main types of treatment tables. These are stationary or static treatment tables and adjustable treatment tables.
 | Oakworks PowerLine Treatment Table View Product |
Static treament tables are also called stationary tables. As the name implies, it is a kind of treatment table with fixed height. It cannot be adjusted or folded. This table is best where there is no need for significant body movement and for patients that are physically stable. Browse all of our Static Treatment Tables!
 | Alpha Series Treatment Table with Shelf by Clinton View Product |
Adjustable treatment tables can be folded, and their height can be adjusted. A manually adjustable table is a treatment table that you can adjust its height and backrest position manually. You can also fold this table when it is not in use to create space. It is suitable for patients on wheelchairs and those that may not be strong enough to climb up a table.
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A power-adjustable treatment table is a treatment table that can be adjusted electronically. They are similar to manually adjustable tables except that they are powered by electrical devices. See more Power Adjustable Treatment Tables.
Treatment tables are designed for different practices. As a result, each table has unique features that perfectly fit the procedure it was intended for. Let's look at some treatment tables that were designed for specific medical practices.
 | Armedica Four-Section Top Hi-Lo Traction Table with Contoured Face Opening View Product |
Chiropractic treats the spine. Hence, the user needs a table that will support this part of the body. Chiropractic traction tables usually have sections for different spines. There are pelvic, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical sections on the table. The sections will drop as the health provider applies a force on the spine. The table has thick padding to ensure comfort and proper spinal health. Check out all of Rehabmart's Traction Table, Inversion Tables, and Spinal Decompression Tables.
These tables are used for physiotherapy treatments. They are usually adjustable and come with backrests to support the patient while the therapist performs their duty. They are also called Hi-Lo Physical Therapy Table or physiotherapy treatment table.
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Sports medicine tables are similar to physical therapy tables. They are used to examine the body of sportspeople and perform physiotherapy. Unlike Chiropractic and massage tables, sports medicine tables are not thickly padded as the emphasis is not on comfort but the possibility to clearly examine and treat all joints. This table is also called a taping table. Browse all of Rehabmart's Taping Tables.
 | Bailey Manual and Electric Upholstered Tilt Tables View Product |
Tilt tables are used for Table Tilt Tests (TTT). They are operated electronically and have good padding to keep patients comfortable during the test. It is used to investigate the cause of unexplained fainting.
 | Armedica Bariatric Electric Hi-Lo Mat Treatment Table View Product |
Medical practitioners use mat tables to treat patients that require physical therapy. They are usually made of wood or metal, and the top consists of foam with a vinyl cover. They can be around two inches thick. The table has a wide surface which allows a variety of physical therapy. They may be static or adjustable and may come with a backrest. Mat tables are usually used to treat patients suffering from pains, arthritis, movement impairment, joint and skeletal injuries, and those recovering from surgery. View more Mat Tables.
Spa tables are used by estheticians and spa practitioners for spa treatments. They usually have thick and well-padded surfaces and backrests to provide comfort for the client during the spa. The table is ideal for various bodywork, spa treatments, massage, body waxing, and similar treatments. Check out all of our Spa Tables.
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Urology tables are used by urologists and gynecologists. They have sections that make it possible for flexible body positioning for different urological procedures and examinations. Their heights are adjustable with foot-operated controllers. These tables are also called C-arm tables and are ideal for procedures that rely heavily on images. See more Urology Tables.
 | DRE Medical Milano E20 Power Procedure Chair View Product |
Procedure chairs are used by physicians to perform various procedures meant to be done while the patient is in an upright position. The design depends on the procedure it was made for. However, they all offer comfort and easy access and positioning. Procedure chairs are also called powered procedure chairs because they are powered. They usually have backrests, slim bases, and support surfaces. See Rehabmart's collection of Procedure Chairs!
 | Oakworks CFPM400 C-Arm Imaging Table View Product |
Ultrasound tables are used by sonographers to keep their patients comfortable for ultrasounds. The table has cutouts to protect pregnant women. Some come with stirrup, but you may need to purchase the stirrup separately in others.
 | Clinton Open Base Power Imaging Table View Product |
Imagine tables are used when radiographic images and ultrasounds are to be taken. They are also used for positioning patients for surgery. They are used by urologists, obstetricians, surgeons, and radiographers. They are adjustable and usually come with a C-arm for comfort. Shop all Imaging Tables.
 | Flat Top Trendelenburg Imaging Table View Product |
The Trendelenburg table is an imaging table used when patients need to position their head below their feet. This positioning is called Trendelenburg positioning. The table is commonly used by surgeons when performing surgery on the lower abdominal part. Shop all Treatment Tables with Trendelenburg Position.
 | Dinosaur Pediatric Exam Table View Product |
Pediatric tables are designed for the medical examination of infants. They are usually designed in the shape of animals and other shapes that will appeal to babies. Pedia Pals They have well-padded surfaces and are typically small in size because they are meant for children. They are used by pediatricians. View our wide selection of Pediatric Treatment Tables!
 | Armedica AM-641 Bariatric Electric Hi-Lo Mat Table with Backrest View Product |
Many procedures are performed today to help people who are obese. Therefore, bariatric doctors need tables that are strong, wide, and durable. Hence, bariatric treatment tables are made with reinforced materials that can withstand the weight of the patients. They also have broad bases and are well padded. Shop all Bariatric Treatment & Exam Tables.
It is essential to ensure the treatment table you want to purchase is a good fit for your profession. Before buying a treatment table, it would also be best to consider space, cost, and durability, among many other important features. Here are some vital features you should consider before choosing the best treatment table for your medical practice.
Having many sections helps in positioning. This will make the table versatile and also support the patient during treatment or examination. Before buying a treatment table, it would be best to check the table's number of sections.
The maximum weight a treatment table can support is crucial. This is more important if you will be dealing with bariatric patients. To ensure you can accommodate patients of all body weight, consider a treatment table that can support between 800 to 1000 pounds.
The age group of the patients you are working with is also another factor that should decide the kind of treatment table to choose. If you are dealing with children, then consider choosing a table with a small surface area. Also, choose one with a colorful and funny design. If most of your patients are adults, then tables with larger body surfaces should be your best option.
The available storage capacity is another essential factor that should determine your choice of the treatment table. Foldable tables take lesser space for storage. Hence, they are ideal options where there are not enough spaces for storage.
You may need to transfer a patient directly from a wheelchair or an ambulance to a treatment table on some occasions. The ease of doing this may be a decisive factor in choosing the best treatment table. Ensure you choose a table that can be easily accessible by all patients, irrespective of their conditions.
The material used for making the table is a vital factor to consider before choosing it. You don't want a table you will need to replace after a short time. Therefore, ensure you buy a treatment table made with durable material with a robust frame.
If there is little space in your facility, then you should consider a wall-mounted table. This kind of table can flip and stick to the wall when you are not using it. That will create more room for other activities in the treatment room. It would help if you also considered buying a treatment table with drawers and cabinets to serve as a storage space for other materials.
When deciding between a static table and an adjustable table, you should consider how much space your patients need. An adjustable table gives patients more positioning options and is the best option when your patients need to be in various positions, but a static table is more versatile. The fact that an adjustable table can flip to close also helps it to save space
A: Treatment tables are used in medical facilities for examining, treating, and tending to patients.
A: A physical therapy table is also called Hi-Lo Physical Therapy Table or physiotherapy treatment table.
A: The heights of treatment tables vary. However, they are typically around 24 x 72 inches. The height usually ranges between 18 inches and 22 inches.
A: Before choosing a treatment table, consider the material used, the type of table it is, its sides, load carrying capacity, and whether it is static or adjustable. This guide is packed full of information and recommended products to help you choose!
A: A mat table is a treatment table used by medical practitioners to treat patients that require physical therapy.
A: Therapy tables are also called Hi-Lo Physical Therapy Table or physiotherapy treatment tables.
A: The weight varies, but a physical therapy table that can withstand up to 1000 pounds will be okay for all patients irrespective of their body sizes.
A: Bariatric treatment tables are treatment tables that are designed specifically for people with large body sizes.
Treatment Tables are an essential part of medical examination and treatment. Because they vary in quality and features, a medical professional needs to choose the right type for their practice. Common types of treatment tables include the chiropractic traction table, the physical examination table, the urology table, and the imaging table. Other examples are the pediatric exam table, the bariatric table, the spa table, and the procedure chair.
Before choosing the best treatment table for your procedure, you must consider the type of the table, the kind of procedure you need the table for, and the age group of your patients. It is also vital to consider the space available in your facility, the storage capacity, and accessibility to the table. The weight capacity of your treatment table, its durability, and the number of sections it has are other crucial factors to consider.
We are happy you read this article. If you wish to know more about treatment tables, you can browse our selection of Medical Exam & Treatment Tables. You can also visit Caregiver University for more articles.
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
