A treatment table can be an invaluable piece of your education. With a portable table, you can practice manipulative techniques that you do not learn in class, or modify those that are taught in class to a way more compatible with your body type or preferences.

The quality of your table is very important. Cheaper treatment tables are available from many sources, but beware! Low quality tables are not as sturdy, do not transmit forces as well, can be difficult to perform HVLA thrusts on, and are not covered by warranties. Often they have crossbars or other table pieces that interfere with correct operator positioning, making cranial and other cervical and upper thoracic techniques especially difficult.

High quality tables are built to last, are made of strong durable materials, and can easily withstand all types of manipulative therapy. They are often designed specifically for osteopathic physicians. Higher quality tables are built to accommodate correct operator positioning as much as possible, facilitating cranial and other techniques.

As a member of UAAO, you may be eligible for significant discounts on tables during your local chapter's table sale (not all chapters currently hold table sales - see your chapter president to find out if your chapter participates).

The National UAAO Executive Council currently recommends four different table companies for their quality, durability, and student friendliness. Schools who participate in table sales are encouraged to work with one or more of these companies, though tables can be purchased from any vendor.

If you are interested or want more information, please visit these companies online. Two of the companies (Osteopathic Equipment and Stronglite) also have promotional videos that provide more detail about their products. If your school does not hold a table sale, feel free to contact your Regional Coordinator for information on how to hold one!

Recommended Table Suppliers

Osteopathic Equipment
www.osteopathicequipment.com

Osteopathic Equipment--owned and operated by two KCOM students--is dedicated to selling quality osteopathic medical supplies and custom designed manipulation tables.

Stronglite
www.stronglite.com

Stronglite is a leader in manipulation table construction. Though most of their tables are designed for massage therapy, Stronglite custom builds tables to manipulative medicine specifications.

Torrance Tables
torrancecompany.com

Torrance Tables has been building custom manipulation tables designed specifically for the osteopathic practitioner for several years.

Pediatric Health Care, Ltd.
www.osteopathictables.com

Owned by Stuart J. Friedman, DO who contracts through Oakworks to bring you osteopathic tables configured by a DO. Several models are available to choose from at discounted prices to UAAO members.