Question 18 "Are there benefits in choosing a stationary electrically operated height adjustable table, and are there any drawbacks?"

Answer. As explained in the answer to question 6, in practice, many portable height adjustable tables rarely get adjusted after the initial set-up because of the inconvenience of having to manually adjust at least four legs. The opposite situation applies to stationary electrically operated height adjustable tables. Because of the simplicity and convenience of the height adjustment mechanism, there is a tendency to adjust the table height according to the comfort of working with each individual patient (based on torso thickness). Many practitioners also adjust the height of the table during each treatment, depending on the part of the body they are working on.

About the only drawbacks in working with a stationary electrically operated table are that they tend to be not quite as rigid as an equivalent fixed table, (but much more stable than a portable table), and also that their safe working load capacity is determined primarily by the specification of the actual height adjustment motor, rather than the inherent frame strength. In practice this means their safe working load is often no higher than a portable table. The higher the capacity of the adjustment motor, generally, the higher the overall weight of the table. This can sometimes mean the table is difficult to move around unless it is fitted with locking castors. The only other notable drawback is for those practitioners whose modality requires separation from any metal as described in the previous answer.

Also worth considering are convenience items that are rarely added to portable tables because of their weight penalty. These include extra adjustment mechanisms, foot slide extensions and the like. Apart from these options, all of which add extra weight, virtually any of the options, or accessories, or table types described in the portable table answers, can be applied to, or used with, stationary tables.

Obviously electrically operated tables are more expensive than either portable or stationary fixed height tables. However if you can afford one and have the space for it you will find that an electrically operated table is a pleasure to use and is very much appreciated by your patients.

Good luck in choosing your table. We hope this information has been of assistance to you.