The success of a modern chiropractic practice largely depends on the ability to combine the patients' happiness with your clinic's competitive edge. Introducing the right kind of equipment to your clinic could create the advantage you were looking for.
Following years of research and practice, I have found that portable traction devices can be a determining factor in transforming a clinic to a successful future operation.
My clinic's approach to back and neck treatments integrates cervical or lumbar spine traction with programs that simultaneously accelerate recovery while discouraging drugs and surgery. This concept combined with non-invasive portable traction units introduces a huge advantage to patients; finally patients treated in the clinic can continue their treatment independently at home and on the go.
So What Is Portable Traction?
Three dimensional portable traction units are the next generation of traction devices. They are innovative, small and compact devices that do not need to be wall mounted or attached to the floor. When assembled they give the patient complete freedom of movement. For instance, patients with chronic back problems can carry a unit with them while they are away from the clinic or home. In fact patients can continue their series of treatment without worrying about missing a session.
Traction is a non-invasive, patient-friendly treatment which is physiologically designed to restore the normal position of the spine. Traction works by widening the intervertebral space, and in doing so, reduces pressure on the spinal cord and nerve root. Traction has four main purposes: I. Regain normal length and alignment of spine vertebrae. II. Reduce or eliminate muscle spasms. III. Relieve pressure on spinal nerves IV. Prevent or reduce skeletal deformities or muscle contractures.
'Spinal Traction' is one of the oldest and most common methods of treatment for patients with Low Back Pain. It is particularly helpful for patients with Disc Herniation and Sciatica. Patients suffering from these incapacitating conditions truly appreciate the freedom of movement and accelerated recovery time provided by a mobile spinal traction unit.
But wait…Before you run out and buy one, let's take a look at three key elements to consider when purchasing a portable unit.
What to Look For First
First, simplicity – Ease-of-use is the name of the game here. A unit that is simple-to-assemble, with minimum maintenance and transport, saves you more than just space. It reduces downtime and most importantly, it provides peace of mind. What's more, being self-explanatory it requires minimal training. Patients who face long-term care can easily be taught self-treatment administration from the comfort of their own home.
Remember the budget issue? Compact, portable and simple-to-use treatment units also provide an opportunity to treat a number of patients simultaneously. When we introduced the units to our clinics we discovered a significant financial benefit; you can expand your business and continue to provide your patients with the highest level of care, without investing in additional space.
Simplicity is also realized through the elimination of repair and maintenance services, unlike traditional equipment such as decompression tables.
Mobility – Today in physical therapy, chiropractors are recognizing the psychological benefit of combining health with a positive customer experience. Happy patients are patients with a sense of control. They are patients who can continue their everyday routine with little disruption. They can enjoy complete freedom of movement, even during treatments.
This is where "Traction on the Move" comes in. "Traction on the Move" is an innovative treatment concept that I developed. It integrates a portable cervical or lumbar spine traction device with a dynamic rehabilitation physical therapy program based on physical activity throughout the treatment.
Traction treatment combined with the lightweight, wearable devices, increases blood circulation, muscle strength and joint flexibility. These physical benefits are an integral part of the treatment protocol. They work together to accelerate the healing process and encourage rapid recovery.
Whenever I explain to my patients they can use the device and simultaneously perform light exercises while going about their daily routine, their initial reaction is disbelief. Convincing people to believe in themselves and their ability to be active or perform exercises as part of their own healing process is a source of great satisfaction. It is one of the main reasons I enjoy my work so much.
Here is how one of patients reacted: "When I first arrived to Dr. Grober's clinic two weeks after hospitalization, I was unable to walk straight and needed help to support my bodyweight. The pain was almost unbearable. At the beginning of the treatment I was only able to make several steps. After several weeks I managed to walk with no support, move around and fully take care of myself. After 6 months only, my back is in much better condition; I am working, walking for long distances and can perform any everyday task."
Effectiveness – Various studies have found that the combination of mobile ambulatory traction with light exercise, such as walking, exercising in motion or treadmill, has several positive effects: It can increase the muscle strength of the lumber spine, increase flexibility and increase the oxygen flow to the damaged nerve. These changes accelerate the healing time while supporting modern principles of rehabilitation. Together they strongly impact the well-being of the patient.
Range of Motion
One of the remarkable physical benefits of the 'Traction on the Move' treatment is the improvement in Range of Motion (ROM). Better Range of Motion is achieved through the reduction of pressure and increase in the exchange of fluid resulting from the treatment. Research has shown that transfer of fluid, made possible when the spine is in motion, is essential for the normal biomechanics of the disc.
The unique combination of the right traction device during treatment together with active patient engagement in the rehabilitation process is key to ensuring patients are healed rapidly and effectively.
Finally, every purchase decision involves a budget decision. It's important to keep in mind that the portable traction device fee is only an issue in the absence of value. Your Return on Investment (ROI) is reached through a multi-dimensional traction force, state-of-the-art engineered mechanisms and high-end durable materials. At the same time, it introduces a new stream of revenues and an opportunity to increase patient turnover.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
