Choosing the right chiropractic adjusting table is a crucial decision for any chiropractor. The combination of your skills, technique, and the table you use is what ultimately drives patient results and the success of your practice. With numerous tables on the market, selecting the right one can be daunting. Tory Robson delves into the features that make the perfect chiropractic adjusting table, focusing to the Zenith TR1 table—a table designed and modified for optimal chiropractic performance.
Why Your Chiropractic Adjusting Table Matters
Your chiropractic table isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s the central tool of your practice. Every adjustment you perform is shaped by how well your table complements your technique. A well-chosen chiropractic adjusting table can improve the effectiveness of your adjustments, enhancing patient comfort and maximizing the efficiency of your practice.
When considering a chiropractic table, think of it as an extension of your own body during the adjustment process. Just as you fine-tune your technique, your table should be calibrated to your specific needs. Whether it’s the foam softness or the table height, these factors contribute to how effectively you apply your chiropractic skills.
Key Features of an Ideal Chiropractic Table
High-Low Tables: The Pros and Cons
High-low tables, sometimes known as “Tippy tables,” have a mechanical feature that allows them to move patients from a standing to a lying position. While this feature may seem convenient, many chiropractors do not recommend high-low tables for a variety of reasons.
One major concern is safety, particularly with children. There is a risk of children crawling under the table and accidentally triggering its mechanism. Additionally, the time it takes to raise and lower the table—typically 8 seconds each way—can add up. Multiply those seconds by the number of patients you see in a day, and you’re potentially wasting valuable time that could be better spent on adjustments. In financial terms, this lost time can be equated to lost revenue.
Although some chiropractors still use high-low tables for nostalgic reasons, the general consensus is that their drawbacks outweigh any potential benefits. Modifying a high-low table, such as removing its motorized mechanism, is one option for making these tables more practical.
Foam Thickness and Material Quality
One of the most significant factors that affect patient comfort and the quality of your adjustments is the foam padding on the table. The Zenith TR1 table, for example, features 3.75-inch thick foam. This is thicker than standard tables, which improves both comfort and the table’s ability to accommodate heavier or taller patients.
The foam is also covered in high-quality material that feels like leather, providing a more luxurious experience for the patient compared to cheaper vinyl materials. The durability of this material also means it can withstand years of use without wearing out.
Flexing Thoracic Piece
A standout feature of the Zenith TR1 table is the flexing thoracic piece. This adjustable section allows the chiropractor to apply more effective adjustments to the thoracic and lumbar regions. Unlike rigid tables that provide no give when pressure is applied, this feature allows the table to flex with the patient’s body, providing space for the vertebrae to move. This ensures that adjustments are not only more comfortable but also more precise and effective.
Tables without this feature can make it more difficult to perform successful adjustments, especially in the mid-back area. The flexibility of the thoracic piece separates the Zenith TR1 from other tables, making it a top choice for chiropractors who need optimal control during adjustments.
Super Soft Foam for Upper Thoracics
The upper thoracic region is notoriously difficult to adjust without the right table. The Zenith TR1 has a specially designed square piece with ultra-soft foam to accommodate adjustments in this area. The softer foam makes it easier to apply the appropriate pressure without discomfort, particularly for smaller or more sensitive patients.
Traditional tables without this feature can make adjusting the upper thoracics a challenge, as the foam often doesn’t provide enough give. The separate foam piece on the TR1 ensures that this part of the spine can be adjusted properly, enhancing the effectiveness of your treatment.
Pelvic Drop Mechanism
For patients who are difficult to adjust, especially in the lower back, a pelvic drop mechanism can be extremely useful. This feature allows the pelvis to drop slightly during adjustments, facilitating movement in the lumbar region. The Zenith TR1 includes this drop function, which is especially beneficial for patients with lower back issues that require more targeted adjustments.
Interestingly, some chiropractors find that they don’t need a drop mechanism in other parts of the spine, as the flexing thoracic piece on the Zenith TR1 allows for equally effective adjustments without the need for additional clunking mechanisms.
Specialization in Prone Adjusting
One of the unique aspects of the chiropractor featured in the original discussion is that all adjustments in his practice are done with the patient lying prone. While some chiropractors may perform adjustments with the patient in various positions—supine, seated, or in side posture—this particular chiropractor believes that prone adjusting is the most effective for his technique.
For side posture adjustments, he prefers to use a separate Gonstead bench, which is widely regarded as one of the best tools for side posture adjustments. For seated cervical adjustments, a chair is used. This specialized approach allows the chiropractor to perform highly efficient adjustments, often taking less than 90 seconds per patient.
The Importance of Customization
If you’re serious about chiropractic care, your table should reflect that commitment. While off-the-shelf tables might work for some, investing in a table that has been modified to suit your needs will make a noticeable difference in your practice.
In the case of the Zenith TR1, modifications were made specifically to enhance the table’s performance for prone adjusting. For example, the mechanisms were shifted toward the head of the table to accommodate taller patients, and tension settings were adjusted to allow for a wide range of adjustment techniques.
Customizing your table allows you to work more efficiently, improve patient outcomes, and maintain the longevity of your equipment.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect chiropractic adjusting table is a decision that can impact the quality of care you provide, as well as the success of your practice. Whether you choose a table like the Zenith TR1 or another model, consider the features that will best support your technique. Key factors such as foam thickness, material quality, flexing pieces, and drop mechanisms can all make a significant difference in how effectively you can perform adjustments.
Taking your adjusting table seriously means investing in a tool that complements your skills and enables you to deliver the best possible results for your patients. So, before you make your next table purchase, carefully evaluate your needs and choose a table that will help you achieve optimal outcomes in your chiropractic practice.
Also read: What are the 4 Enemies of a Chiropractor?
About:
Dr. Tory Robson of Winners Edge Chiropractic Consulting, specializes in teaching new doctors to start with style and success.
Our new doctor Start-Up program has helped countless DCs become the most successful in their area in an incredibly short period of time. We teach existing doctors our current, relevant, and brutally effective practice, marketing, business and MONEY FLOW systems so they can grow and prosper more than they ever thought possible. $100,000 or more per month for a solo DC is common here.
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