HyLo Chiropractic Table, Does it make a difference?

Does equipment matter in chiropractic care? At McAndrew Chiropractic, we believe it does. We have invested in more sophisticated Chiropractic equipment to provide a better patient experience. One example I’d like to talk about is the chiropractic table. Other than our hands or adjusting instrument, the chiropractic table is the other main piece of equipment a chiropractor uses to deliver care. At McAndrew Chiropractic, we use a HyLo Thompson Drop table for manual adjusting and a HyLo Activator table for Instrument adjusting. I’d like to explain what the tables do and why these types of tables are beneficial to patient care.

First, lets explain what HyLo means. These are specialized tables that start in the upright position. The patient slightly leans forward on the table while standing and the Doctor is able to lower the table to a horizontal position. This table provides benefit to patients who may have trouble getting on and off the table, such as, those with high amounts of pain after an acute injury and for my aging patient population that may have arthritis and chronic disc issues. Plus, kids think it’s a ride which helps get them onto the table.

Another added HyLo benefit is when the table brings a patient from a standing to a lying down position, it helps hold the patient’s postural imbalances compared to a patient haphazardly climbing onto a stationary bench table. This helps the doctor better visualize the true state of the patient’s body and helps give the doctor more accurate chiropractic checks, ultimately leading to better adjustment outcomes.

A HyLo Thompson Drop table allows a chiropractor to use manual techniques with varying force levels. I use Diversified and Thompson Drop techniques with this table. Diversified Technique is the “popping” adjustment. While Thompson Drop Technique utilizes specialized moving pieces on the table that lift up underneath the patient, and gently fall away during the adjustment. The drop pieces allow me to use a lighter force technique while still manually adjusting a patient.

A HyLo Activator Table allows a chiropractor to use instrument adjusting techniques. I use Activator Methods technique. Since this is a very light force technique, this table has no drop pieces. It is wider, allowing the patient to perform Activator checks.  Since Activator Methods heavily relies upon checks, and HyLo tables provide more accurate checks, a HyLo table is the gold standard table for instrument adjusting.

By having these tables I am better able to accommodate my patients to the best technique for them, whether their current situation calls for full force (Diversified), moderate force (Thompson Drop), or light force(Activator).  The HyLo table with appropriate technique makes me confident that I can safely and effectively treat most anybody that walks through my door.

As always, thanks for reading. You are always welcome at our Chiropractic Office in Fort Collins.

• Dr. John McAndrew