Treatment Table Height Guide: Finding the Perfect Match

Picking a treatment table with the correct height is as much about making life comfortable for your patients as it is for your own comfort (and safety).

There’s a pretty wide range of heights in treatment tables, so we’ve written a quick article to give you some direction in making the right choice.

Here’s what you need to know about picking a table with the right height:

• For Practitioners: Proper table height reduces strain, prevents injuries, and supports good posture.
• For Patients: Adjustable heights make it easier and safer to get on and off.
• Height Adjustment Systems: Choose from electric (quick and precise), or manual (portable and simple) systems.
• Daily Tips: Check height settings, maintain adjustment mechanisms, and use ergonomic accessories like stools and armrests.
• Note portable tables cannot be adjusted after the patient is on the table.

Quick Table Comparison

System	Benefit	Considerations
Electric	Easy, precise, hands-free	Requires power, heavier, higher cost
Portable (manual)	Portable, cost-effective	Slower to adjust, less configurable and adaptable

 

• To ensure optimal performance, regularly inspect and maintain your table. Alevo offers Australian-made fully adjustable tables with a 15-year structural warranty, meeting healthcare standards and providing reliable support for various treatment needs.

 

Proper Table Height for Massage Therapy

Importance of Getting Table Height Right

Getting the height of a treatment table right is a big part of looking after yourself – you’re your patient during the daily challenges of manual treatment. You can put this under the umbrella of “staying safe” at work, but more simply it’s about being comfortable and not accidentally introducing repetitive strain.

Here’s a closer look at how proper table height adjustment can help prevent injuries, improve patient access and patient comfort, and streamline workflows.

Preventing Practitioner Injury

Using the correct table height helps you as the practitioner maintain good posture and avoid unnecessary strain. Practitioner back pain is an unfortunate side effect of not properly adjusting your table for your own and your patient’s comfort.

Patient safety and comfort are just as important as practitioner well-being.

Patient Safety and Access

Electric adjustable table height makes it easier and safer for patients to get on and off the table. This not only enhances stability but also improves their overall comfort.

If you’ve ever given a massage to a larger patient on a table with less stability, you’ll understand the anxious feeling of a table that’s moving in a way it shouldn’t.

Beyond safety, the right table height can also make treatments more effective. This is a bit anecdotal, but  having the patient in a perfect position on your treatment table makes everything easier.

Work Speed and Ease

A well-adjusted table height allows practitioners to work more efficiently. It ensures they can easily access the patient and perform treatments with precision.

Alevo’s tables, feature foot controllers and other adjustable components designed to accommodate various treatment techniques. Our tables are also known for having stronger motors with faster height adjustment.

Choosing the Right Table Height

Finding the right table height depends on your physical dimensions, the techniques you use, and the needs of your patients. These factors ensure both comfort and efficiency during treatments.

Your Height and Reach

Set the table height so you can maintain a neutral spine with minimal bending. Your arms should naturally reach the treatment area of the patient without strain, allowing smooth and comfortable movements throughout the session.

Treatment Techniques

Different methods work best at certain table heights. For example, deeper treatments may benefit from a lower table to provide better leverage, while higher tables are ideal for more precise techniques. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

Patient Needs

Adjusting the table height can make a big difference for different patient groups:

• Elderly patients: A lower table makes it easier and safer for them to get on and off.
• Larger patients: A lower height boosts comfort and stability, while still positioning the patient at a comfortable working height.
• Children: A slightly elevated table reduces your need to bend while keeping them in clear view (and it is easier for them to get on and off a height adjustable table that is lowered for this purpose).

Make sure to adjust the table height between patients (where necessary) and keep the adjustment mechanisms in good condition to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.

Height Adjustment Systems

Modern treatment tables come with various mechanisms to suit different clinical needs.

Electric Tables

Electric tables allow you to adjust the height instantly with just the press of a button. Equipped with powerful motors, they provide smooth and precise control, helping practitioners maintain comfortable working positions during treatments.

Benefits include:

• Quick height changes between patients
• Minimal physical effort
• Precise, incremental adjustments for different treatment areas of the patient
• Hands-free operation using foot controls (optional hand controls)

Portable Tables

Portable tables use hand-operated mechanisms like pins, levers, for height adjustments. While they require more physical effort, they’re a practical choice for mobile practitioners or clinics without power access.

Key point to keep in mind:

• Inspect lock mechanisms and cables regularly for signs of wear

• Remember portable tables cannot be adjusted once the patient is on the table!
• Portable adjustable treatment tables are significantly less expensive than electrically adjustable tables so they are often chosen by newly graduated practitioners on a budget

When deciding on the right system, think about factors like patient volume, treatment types, available space, and budget. Each system  offers unique benefits that contribute to a comfortable and efficient treatment environment.

Alevo also provides support services and spare parts to help you maintain your table’s performance. The right adjustment system not only improves practitioner comfort but also ensures consistent and reliable care throughout the day.

Height Settings by Treatment Type

Each type of treatment requires its own table height adjustments to ensure both practitioner comfort and patient ease. Here’s a breakdown of how to set table heights for different scenarios:

Treatment Height Guide

Consider these tips:

• Standing treatments: Adjust the table so your hands naturally align with the treatment area, keeping your elbows comfortably bent.
• Seated treatments: Set the height so your forearms remain parallel to the floor for better posture.
• Treatments involving movement: Position the table to allow smooth access and mobility during the procedure.

These recommendations are a starting point – fine-tune the settings to fit your practice and adjust as needed throughout the day to stay comfortable and efficient.

Daily Height Management Tips

For practitioner and patient comfort always adjust your table to the right height  for the treatment mode and patient needs

Regular Height Checks

Check your table’s daily to avoid any issues. Start your day by ensuring the adjustment mechanism works as it should. For electric tables, test the controls before your first patient.

Here’s a simple routine to follow:

• End-of-day inspection: Do a final check to ensure all mechanical components are in good condition.

Support Equipment

Accessories play a key role in managing table height effectively:

Equipment Type	Purpose	Height Adjustment Tips
Ergonomic Saddle Stool	Helps maintain good posture	Use one with adjustable settings to match your table height.
Body Supports	Aids in patient positioning	Adjust the table to account for added support.
Face Cushions	Increases patient comfort	Factor in cushion thickness when setting the height.
Prone Armrests	Supports the upper body	Make minor height adjustments for optimal positioning.

Always consider the size and dimensions of your support equipment when setting the table height.

Alevo Treatment Tables

Alevo makes it simple to find the perfect treatment table height with its range of adjustable tables. Designed with ergonomic and safety considerations, these tables help you work efficiently and with precision.

Table Options

Alevo offers a selection of Australian-designed models from Athlegen and Forme Medical, as well as the imported Centurion range.

Brand	Height Adjustment Features	Best Suited For
Athlegen	Electric motorised control	High-volume clinics, day spas, physios, chiros, allied health practitioners
Forme Medical	Precise, customisable settings	Specialised medical treatments
Centurion	Value-focused electric systems	General practice, massage therapy

All models come with available adjustable head cradles and motorised backrests, ensuring precise and comfortable treatments. They also adhere to strict safety and quality benchmarks.

Australian Standards

Alevo treatment tables meet rigorous Australian healthcare standards, including:

• Compliance with Australian healthcare regulations
• NDIS-approved for disability service providers
• TGA-registered medical devices
• A 15-year structural warranty on select models
• Regular compliance testing and certification

These standards reflect Alevo’s focus on delivering reliable, high-quality products, backed by a robust service network.

Service and Support

Alevo ensures long-term table reliability with comprehensive support services: Alevo has been designing and manufacturing height adjustable treatment tables in Australia for more than 30 years. We manufacture in a brand new purpose built factory in Ballarat.

• Annual maintenance checks, including electrical safety inspections
• Fast technical support available from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Mon-Fri
• Many issues can be resolved over the phone
• Australian-based spare parts inventory
• Local manufacturing for custom components
• Resolution of 95% of service issues in a single visit

For maintenance and support, practitioners can reach Alevo’s service team at 1800 141 141.

To maintain smooth height adjustment and overall performance, Alevo advises scheduling regular maintenance through their service packages. These include detailed written reports and electrical safety inspections to help meet regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right treatment table height is essential for both practitioner comfort and patient care.

Key considerations include:

• Practitioner ergonomics to minimise physical strain
• Patient ergonomics to allow for different body compositions and treatment needs
• Specific treatment needs for effective care delivery
• Safe, easy patient access for a better experience
• Regular maintenance to ensure smooth height adjustments

Alevo’s Australian-made treatment tables are designed with precision height control and come with a 15-year structural warranty on select models. Trusted by healthcare professionals in over 40 countries, these tables are built to meet or exceed all relevant standards.

To keep your table performing at its best, schedule yearly maintenance with Alevo’s service team. With a 95% first-visit resolution rate, they ensure your table stays compliant with Australian healthcare standards, supporting safe, effective treatments.