Written by Mike Price, OT
Suppose you’ve ever suffered from sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, herniated discs, or any condition that compresses your spine. In that case, you know how debilitating it can be to live with pain and limited range of motion. Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure from the spine. Using traction tables the body can be restored to proper alignment and optimal health by mobilizing the spine, stretching ligaments and muscles, and identifying pressure points that need manipulation.
 | 1) Armedica Four-Section Top Traction Table with Machine Stand View Product |
There are two styles of traction tables to choose from, with different models in each style boasting unique features. One style is a treatment table that can be used for manual treatment or used along with an electronic traction device. The other traction table style is an intersegmental roller table, which has a dual roller built into the mechanism of the table that moves up and down the muscles on either side of the spine. Many people find the roller tables to be more relaxing and massage-like than the segmented table experience.
Traction tables can be as simple as a single-section flat treatment table, or as highly adjustable as a 7-section table with fold-down sections and positive and negative inclines. Intersegmental tables have the traction roller mechanism built into the table and come in one section. The simpler tables require less of an investment and since they can be used as non-traction treatment tables, they are often the best choice. For more specialized care, multi-segmented tables are the most appropriate option.
The simplest of traction table designs are fixed height. Hi-low tables are an option with segmented models, which makes it easier to ensure the clinician is working at a comfortable treatment height. Height adjustability also facilitates easier patient transfers on and off the table.
Available controls include manual height and tension controls, electric tension controls that allow for quick adjustments, pendant-controlled height adjusting, or hands-free footswitch height adjustment controls that leave a care provider’s hands available.
You can expect traction tables to have a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds. Many models can accommodate patients weighing 400-450 pounds, while heavy-duty and bariatric traction tables range up to 850 pounds.
Rehabmart’s traction tables range in price from $1,800 to $10,000 depending on your needs.
Traction therapy works by gently stretching the spinal column to alleviate abnormal pressure on the discs between the vertebrae. The discs retract, creating a reverse vacuum that draws disc material back into place and promotes increased blood and oxygen flow. It is used to provide immediate pain relief and promote a healing environment.
Spinal traction is used to treat back conditions such as sciatica, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.
At this time, RehabMart does not accept insurance, nor can we give you insurance advice. We can provide you an itemized receipt after you purchase an item and you can use the receipt to apply for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
~2.png&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "Quantum 400 Series Chiropractic Intersegmental Traction Table by Armedica") | Quantum 400 Series Chiropractic Intersegmental Traction Table by Armedica View Product |
The Quantum 400 Series Intersegmental Traction Table made number 5 on our list because this treatment table comes with built-in rollers for superior muscle relaxation and pain relief. It features motorized roller height elevation and adjustable pressure vibration and can be customized to precise needs with opposite-side control or a face cut-out. These functions are operated with a convenient hand control that includes a lock feature to prevent patient-initiated changes. The table provides exceptional quality roller elevation and vibration for effective muscle tension release, using ultra-smooth nylon massage rollers for intersegmental traction therapy and muscle relaxation, while the vibration feature improves blood circulation and relieves muscle tightness and ligament tension.
The treatment functions are easily operated with a hand control connected to the table with a long, telephone-style cord. The remote controls power, vibration mode, roller direction, treatment time, therapy start/stop, roller position, and height/pressure. It includes a lock set to maintain prescribed treatment and remembers the settings of the last treatment session for easy adjustments between uses.
Each Quantum Traction Table includes a knee bolster and protective cover for the foot area to ensure proper positioning, hygiene, and durability. If the model has a face opening, it is located under the foot cover, allowing the table to be used for prone and supine patients. Additionally, the table is equipped with four ball casters for effortless mobility.
 | Medsurface Electric Traction Table View Product |
The Medsurface Electric Traction Table comes in at number 4 because it's designed with four cushioned sections and can be adjusted from 18 inches to 40 inches. Equipped with four-pedal controls on all sides, this table allows practitioners to position patients as needed. It also offers electrical efficiency, as it can be plugged into either a 110V or 220V outlet, with the switch easily adjustable for convenience.
Additionally, this treatment table features a low-friction gliding lumbar section and a turret-mounted traction pedestal. The headrest of the table is equipped with gas-assisted struts to ensure patient comfort, and it boasts a quiet yet strong 7,000 Newtons of force linear actuator. The slip-resistant, antimicrobial, three-inch cushion not only provides comfort but also ensures a healthier space, complementing universal precaution procedures and quickening the cleaning process between patients. Moreover, the integrated retractable casters enable effortless mobility, while the table's 550-pound lifting capacity ensures stability for the vast majority of patients.
The Electric Traction Table offers a range of features including gas-assisted struts controlling the recessed headrest, four cushion sections, a low-friction gliding lumbar section, and a turret-mounted traction pedestal. It also includes foot-pedal controls on all four sides, an industry-leading linear actuator producing 7,000 Newtons of force, and the option to switch between 110V or 220V power supply. The antimicrobial surface provides a sanitary and easy-to-clean environment, while the three-inch non-slip cushion ensures comfort for both patients and practitioners. Additionally, integrated retractable casters are included for added convenience.
 | Armedica Two-Section Top Fixed Height Traction Table with Lower Shelf View Product |
The Two-Section Top Fixed Height Traction Table with Lower Shelf is number 3 on our list because this decompression table is designed to offer both strength and convenience. Its tabletop consists of a stationary section and a rolling, lockable mobile section, providing patient support and positional adjustment. The table is equipped with non-skid adjustable glides for stability during treatment and has a weight capacity of 400 lbs.
It also features a lower shelf to keep necessary items within easy reach, along with a rotating machine stand compatible with any traction machine, eliminating the need for a separate stand. The Armedica Two-Section Top Fixed Height Traction Table with Lower Shelf is a reliable treatment base with a two-section top, where the mobile section separates and locks into any position using steel ball roller bearings and a positive gear rack system. The top sections are supported with individual welded steel frames and hardened steel shoulder bolts within the pivoting joints, ensuring durability and a weight capacity of 400 lbs.
Each section of the table top is padded with 1.5 inches of firm-density foam and upholstered with 34 oz vinyl treated with Permablok 3 anti-bacterial coating. This coating reduces surface build-up of bacteria and mold, protecting the table from microbial degradation. The table also includes a lower shelf for easy access to necessary items below the patient, and a rotatable machine stand compatible with any traction machine, providing convenient access without the need for a separate stand.
 | TradeFlex Flexion Table View Product |
At number 2 on our list is the TradeFlex Flexion Table by Pivotal Health Solutions, which can function as a therapy, adjustment, or treatment table.
Available in manual or auto flexion options, this traction table has a padded top and built-in armrests. Electric tension controls manage adjustments at the push of a button. The manual flexion table has a locking mechanism that can be released for lateral movement in increments of 5 to 15 degrees of flexion. The auto flexion version provides the option of changing the flexion speed and has a timer for setting up to 30 minutes of automatic movement. For rear locking flexion, a rod is inserted into the mechanical lock allowing the table to bend left and right, free-floating laterally.
The head section can be elevated and tilted with an adjustable angle. An optional cervical distraction utilizes a lever to pull the cervical headpiece from the table, and with the long axis distraction, the section extends up to 5 inches through a convenient hand control. Body positioning is maintained by straps on the ankle extender, which comes as standard equipment. This table has a weight capacity of 350 pounds and comes in your choice of 10 colors.
This versatile table made our list because of its adjustability and multi-purpose functions that make it an ideal exam, adjustment, or therapy table.
 | Armedica Four-Section Top Traction Table with Machine Stand View Product |
Our top entry, the AM-400 Four-Section Top Traction Table with Machine Stand by Armedica Manufacturing, is extremely stable, with each of its four sections built with its own steel support frame.
With a 400-pound lifting capacity, this all-steel traction table’s adjustable top sections feature firm-density foam and heavy-duty vinyl for comfort and durability. The fully mobile four top sections deliver fully customized patient positioning for the most effective treatment. The lumbar section can separate up to five inches, and it rolls along a track to facilitate easy adjustments. This table’s height adjusts electrically from 18 to 37 inches with a convenient footswitch, easing patient transfers and reducing strain on practitioners.
It’s highly maneuverable, coming standard with power-assisted casters, or you can choose a four-caster base with locking swivel casters. It can be ordered in one of eight basic or three decorator colors, and special color orders can also be accommodated. The Permablock 3 coated upholstery fights germs, stains, and abrasions, creating a healthy and attractive treatment environment. This traction table comes with a 110-volt motor and an 18-month manufacturer’s warranty. Its machine stand accommodates a traction device that is purchased separately.
The customizable treatment this durable table delivers, along with its user-friendly adjustability, maneuverability, and convenient controls have earned the AM-400 Four Section Top Traction Table with Machine Stand the top spot on our list!
Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy to promote spinal health that can be delivered manually or electronically. The use of a single-segment, multi-segment, or intersegmental traction table allows a practitioner to provide relief to patients suffering from the effects of compression on the spine, which can cause debilitating pain that negatively impacts the quality of life.
The AM-400 Four-Section Top Traction Table with Machine Stand earned the top spot on our list because of its long list of features, durability, and user-friendly operation. Clinicians can count on this table’s incredible adjustability and separating lumbar section to facilitate breaking up their patient's tension and provide a relaxing and effective spinal decompression therapy experience.
View our complete catalog of Traction Tables, Inversion Tables, and Spinal Decompression Tables, and be sure to visit Caregiver University for more helpful articles!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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