Chiropractic tools and equipment, like other types of medical equipment, are necessary for both treatment inside the office as well as for patients when they go home. There are a plethora of products out there that can help in assisting a qualified chiropractor with the adjustments, alignments, and other care that they give to their patients every day.
For people suffering from back pain and other ailments, they may also recommend specific tools or equipment for their patients to use when they get home like a lumbar support cushion for individuals dealing with back issues that spend a lot of time sitting at an office chair.
Before the professionals purchase equipment or suggest what their clients should use after their appointment, all the critical factors in choosing the proper supplies need to be known. Discover more about what to look for in quality chiropractic tools and equipment for the most superior health services.
What Tools and Equipment Do Chiropractors Use In Their Office?
Across the country, chiropractors see over 35 million patients for a vast number of reasons each year. People will make an appointment with a professional in their area for regular care as well as for relief from acute problems such as muscle spasms, arthritis, and pinched nerves. A qualified chiropractic doctor will work with the individual on a personalized treatment plan to get their overall health and well-being back in check through manipulations of the spine along with consultation on diet, exercise, and daily activity level to achieve quality results.
To give their patients the best care, chiropractors must have the proper medical tools and equipment available to them in their office. Some of the most common pieces of equipment you will find in a chiropractic office include:
- TENS Machine – provides electrical nerve stimulation to the nerves and muscles
- Tables – a wide variety of tables are available to treat different kinds of conditions including specialized versions for pregnant women
- Ultrasound – for swelling, muscle spasms, and stiffness
- Cold lasers – promotes cell functioning
- Impulse adjuster – provides mechanical impulses
- Pro-adjuster – a more advanced form of an impulse adjuster that allows testing before adjustment
- Activator – spring loaded, hand-held device used to realign vertebrae using a human-applied physical force
Before investing in any of this high-tech equipment, it’s important to know what to look for so that the highest level of care can be provided.
Things to Consider Before Making A Chiropractic Tool or Equipment Purchase
It is estimated that the cost of starting up a chiropractic business the first year is around $100,000. That includes the building along with all the equipment necessary to get set up. That’s why it is essential to carefully plan out each product that is going to be purchased. Before making a final decision, each of these factors should be taken into consideration:
Cost
Even those that have a large budget for the purchase of their medical equipment need to consider the cost. That doesn’t necessarily mean that cheaper is better, but the price tag should be carefully evaluated and compared with other like-products to determine if it is the best value for the necessary tool.
Need
Just like when you walk into the grocery store, there are things that you want, and things that you need when it comes to medical equipment. Sure, there are fancy pieces out there with all the bells and whistles, but it might not be a necessity. Establish first what the benefit to the provider and the patient is before selecting a tool for purchase.
Credibility
When something new and advanced hits the market, it’s easy to get drawn to the excitement surrounding it. That doesn’t always mean it’s the best thing to buy, however. You want to be sure that there has been a significant amount of testing done to ensure it offers what it says it does without any problems. You should also research to see what others who have used it say about it before making a decision.
Usability
Think about how much the tool or piece of equipment is actually going to be used. For instance, if you don’t plan on treating pregnant women in the office, there is no need to buy a specialized table for that purpose. If there is a chance that you could save money by sending patients somewhere else for their care on those rare occasions, you should skip any equipment that isn’t going to get regular use.
Customer Support
Even the most durable pieces of medical equipment are going to need to be serviced after being used for an extended period. Take a look to find out what kind of warranties are available along with what kind of support and service you can get from the manufacturer when things go wrong.
To make the most out of all professional medical equipment purchases, it’s necessary to think about all these extras that go along with the investment. Before making a final selection, check off each one to ensure you are making a smart choice.
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and has treated thousands of patients. He founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.
