The quality of a physical therapy workout often depends on the quality of the physical therapy equipment available. Basic tools and tables may be too restrictive for effective progression. They may also put your patients and staff at risk. Switching to state-of-the-art mechanical tables can make a big difference.
Why Are Mechanical Treatment Tables So Important?
Protecting Patients
The end goal of any physical therapy treatment plan is to heal injuries, strengthen the body, and get patients back to their best. There should be no risk of further damage or physical harm. However, working with outdated therapy tables and equipment can put patients at risk. If patients have to climb onto equipment or are physically manipulated into position, there is a chance of something going wrong. The last thing anyone wants is a patient slipping or being dropped because the team used equipment that wasn’t fit for purpose. Secure mechanical tables and other forms of equipment can limit this risk by gently moving users into position while keeping them secure at all times.
The efficiency of these solutions is ideal for complex, personalized plans involving various exercises. Rather than have patients switch between stations and rooms or even between therapists, they can work through different exercises and tests in one place. This can increase patient comfort and allow for some positive results. When centers put their money into buying the best possible mechanical therapy tables for their centers, these benefits can only increase. Comfort features and convenient details set the high-end models apart from more basic units and can make a big difference.
Patients who have confidence in their safety and on these tables may also be more inclined to carry out more difficult exercises and maybe push their limits. As a result, those with mobility issues could find themselves improving faster than expected because they could extend their range of motion in a secure environment. No patient should be rushed into completing a plan before they’re ready, but these high-end tables can help facilities cut recovery times.
Protecting Therapists
In addition to helping patients get the best out of their therapy sessions, these tables can also prove to be beneficial for therapists. Physical therapy is physical work for all concerned, especially when therapists are expected to help lift or move their patients into position.
Over time, these repeated motions and strains can lead to some significant health problems. Musculoskeletal disorders develop, placing workers at risk of chronic back and joint pain and mobility issues. Some who take on the heavy lifting of physical therapy end up needing time off work for aggravated injuries and sprains. They may also find they have to give up the profession they love far too early. This shouldn’t be the case. Skilled practitioners of physical and occupational therapy should feel secure in their work and be able to create treatment plans with confidence. When these therapists have that security and peace of mind in handling patients, they can create better plans with more effective exercises while offering support and encouragement from the sides.
There’s also the chance of a more advantageous one-on-one relationship through a comprehensive plan. Before, therapists may have been limited in what they could offer because of the lack of suitable equipment and the fear of harming the patient or themselves. The multi-functional mechanical tables can allow users the option to try different exercises under the supervision of one carer. This benefits the care team in two ways. For a start, dedicated one-on-one care allows for better relationships and understanding. Staff can follow a patient’s progress long-term and feel a greater sense of satisfaction while viewing the noticeable changes. This approach also means that there should be more staff members free to take on new patients rather than worrying about spreading themselves thin between a bigger list of clients.
Choose Top-Of-The Line Tables For Noticeable Results
Centers dealing with physical and occupational therapy should invest in the best possible equipment available within their budget. The initial expense may be a lot at first, but it pays off when patients start recovering faster and staff can work with greater peace of mind.
To begin with, centers will need something easy to operate with enough mechanical elements to help raise and lower patients into the correct position. Top models, such as the Barihab by Therapeutic Industries, include various supports for the table, backrests, chest plates, and knee blockers. The moving elements should be smooth and gradual to get the best out of the session, ideally with a seat lift of up to 70 degrees and a leg lift of up to 90. The controls should be user-friendly with no risk of confusion and a battery backup to play it safe. There should also be plenty of padding for long-term comfort. Anything with high-density foam is a good place to start.
Then, it’s all about the extra features and special touches that make the products as patient and therapist-friendly as possible. Look out for transfer bars with good grips and seat belts for added stability. Digital displays are also important for accurate information, and this, along with remote control, means therapists aren’t crowding patients as they work. From there, any extra details, like hooks for medical equipment, such as catheter bags, go a long way.
Only The Best For Physical Therapy
If your center requires some new physical therapy equipment and wants the very best tables to support clients, mechanical models are the way to go. These user-friendly systems are a must for creating a safe and comfortable space for patients to work through their plans. However, it’s the impact on staff health and safety that makes these products so special. The right physical therapy table can help protect your therapists from muscle strains and skeletal issues from repeated hands-on care. Your teams can work more comfortably and get more satisfaction from their work, which in turn lets patients thrive more easily. It’s a bold investment that will soon pay off in many ways.
