---
title: "Physical therapy tables: choosing a hi-lo treatment table or plinth"
url: https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/physical-therapy-treatment-tables/
published: 2026-09-02
updated: 2026-10-19
author: Keling Medical export team
---

# Physical therapy tables: choosing a hi-lo treatment table or plinth

How to choose physical therapy tables and treatment tables: electric vs hydraulic hi-lo plinths, sections, height range, mat tables and portable PT tables.

## Key points

- A hi-lo treatment table raises and lowers through a wide range, often from below 50 cm (20 in) to about 90 cm (35 in), so patients can sit on at a low height and therapists can work at a correct height.
- Electric treatment tables are the standard in busy physical therapy clinics; hydraulic tables work without power; fixed tables suit taping and simple treatments.
- Choose the number of sections by technique: two sections for general therapy, three or more for manual therapy, drainage positions and face-down work.
- Mat tables, hand therapy tables and athletic training tables solve different problems from a standard plinth and should be specified separately.
- In a specification, state the height range, safe working load, section angles, control type, upholstery and electrical safety documents.


A **treatment table** for physical therapy, also called a plinth or hi-lo table, is a padded, height-adjustable couch on which patients are assessed, treated and positioned. Most clinics choose electric hi-lo physical therapy tables with two or three sections and a range from about 45–50 cm (18–20 in) to 85–95 cm (33–37 in), so patients can sit on safely and therapists can work at the right height.

This guide covers types of therapy table, how many sections you need, height and width, special tables such as mat and hand therapy tables, and what to write in a purchase specification.

## What is a physical therapy treatment table?

A physical therapy treatment table is a stable, padded platform designed for clinical treatment rather than comfort alone. Compared with a massage table it has a wider height range, a stronger frame, articulating backrest and leg sections, and upholstery that tolerates frequent disinfection.

Physiotherapy tables are used for:

- Assessment and range-of-motion testing
- Manual therapy and mobilization
- Therapeutic exercise in lying and sitting
- Electrotherapy and other modalities
- Transfers and bed-mobility training

If your main use is massage or spa work, our comparison of [electric, hydraulic and portable massage tables](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/massage-table-electric-vs-hydraulic/) is a better starting point.

## Types of therapy tables

The main types differ in how the height changes and in surface shape. Most clinics end up with a mix.

| Type | Typical surface | Height change | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric hi-lo treatment table | 1.9–2.0 m × 0.6–0.7 m (75–79 × 24–28 in), 2–5 sections | Electric actuator, foot or hand control | General outpatient physical therapy |
| Hydraulic treatment table | Similar to electric | Foot pump | Sites without reliable power at the table |
| Fixed-height treatment table | 1.8–1.9 m × 0.6 m (71–75 × 24 in) | None | Taping, simple treatments, low budgets |
| Mat treatment table | about 1.2 × 2.1 m (4 × 7 ft) or larger | Fixed low or electric | Neuro, pediatric and floor-level work |
| Portable treatment table | Folding, 0.6–0.7 m wide | Manual legs | Home visits, sports events |
| Hand therapy table | Desk-type work surface | Fixed or adjustable | Upper-limb and hand rehabilitation |

## Electric vs hydraulic treatment tables

For most new clinics, an **electric treatment table** is the default. Height changes are quick and effortless, the therapist can adjust the table while supporting a patient, and many designs offer a perimeter control bar or foot switch accessible from any side.

A **hydraulic treatment table** lifts with a foot pump and lowers with a release valve. It needs no power cable, which removes a trip hazard and suits rooms with unreliable supply. The trade-off is effort and speed: pumping the table up many times a day adds up.

When comparing electric therapy tables, check:

- **Lift speed and noise**, especially in shared treatment areas
- **Control positions**: foot switch, hand pendant, perimeter bar, and whether controls can be locked to stop patients or children operating them
- **Duty cycle** of the actuators
- **Voltage and plug** for your country
- **Electrical safety**: IEC 60601-1 is the general standard for medical electrical equipment; ask for test reports that apply to the model

Keling's [KL-BC127 Physiotherapy Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/kl-bc127-physiotherapy-table/) is an electric physiotherapy table with a 1940 × 700 mm (76.4 × 27.6 in) surface, electric height adjustment from 490 to 890 mm (19.3–35.0 in), a back plate adjusting 88°/40° and a leg plate adjusting 50°/45°, with optional castors.

## How many sections does a PT table need?

Two sections (backrest plus body section) are enough for general therapy, exercise and modalities. Three or more sections add flexibility for specialist techniques.

- **Two-section plinth.** Adjustable backrest; the most common and least expensive hi-lo table.
- **Three-section.** Adds an adjustable leg or foot section, useful for lower-limb work and positioning patients semi-seated with knees flexed.
- **Multi-section (four to seven).** Separate head piece, chest section, pelvic section and leg section. Used in manual therapy and for drainage positions where sections tilt independently.
- **Face hole or face cradle.** Essential for prone treatment; check that a plug or cover is supplied for supine use.

Ask for the angle range of each section, not just "adjustable backrest". A backrest that rises close to vertical lets a patient sit upright for upper-limb treatment without moving to a chair.

## Height range and safe patient access

The most important number on a hi-lo therapy table is the **lowest height**. A patient should be able to sit on the edge with feet flat on the floor, then the therapist raises the table to working height. A low starting height also makes transfers from a wheelchair easier.

General guidance for specifying height:

| Height point | Typical target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest | about 45–50 cm (18–20 in) | Safe sit-to-lie and wheelchair transfer |
| Typical working | 60–80 cm (24–31 in) | Manual therapy at hip or thigh height of the therapist |
| Highest | 85–95 cm (33–37 in) | Standing treatment of the upper body and neck |

For US clinics that also use the table for diagnosis, note that the federal accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment (36 CFR Part 1195) set a low transfer height of 17 in (430 mm) for examination surfaces used lying down. A therapy table used only for treatment is outside that scope, but the principle of a low entry height is the same.

Keling's [KL-JC-III & KL-JC-IV Electric Examination Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/operating-tables/kl-jc-iii-kl-jc-iv-electric-examination-table/) electric examination tables include the KL-JC-III with a 1900 × 700 mm (74.8 × 27.6 in) surface and height adjustment from 300 to 650 mm (11.8–25.6 in), a useful option where a very low table position is the priority.

## Width, length and safe working load

A standard treatment table is about 1.9–2.0 m (75–79 in) long and 60–70 cm (24–28 in) wide. Wider tops of 70 cm (28 in) or more feel more secure to patients when rolling and suit bariatric clients; narrower tops let the therapist get closer for manual techniques.

Safe working load (SWL) is the figure that matters. It must cover the patient plus any force the therapist applies during mobilization. Ask the manufacturer for SWL in both kg and lb and how it was tested, and check the table frame at maximum height, where it is least stable.

## Mat tables, hand therapy and athletic training tables

These are separate categories with their own requirements.

### Mat treatment table

A mat table is a wide, low platform, commonly around 1.2 × 2.1 m (4 × 7 ft), and sometimes larger. It is used in neurological and pediatric rehabilitation, for rolling and transfer training, and wherever a therapist needs to kneel or sit alongside the patient. Electric hi-lo mat tables combine floor-level access with a working height for the therapist.

### Hand therapy table

A hand therapy table is a desk-style work surface at which patient and therapist sit across from each other. Some hand therapy treatment tables have several stations so one therapist can supervise multiple patients. Check knee clearance for wheelchair users and a surface that can be wiped down with disinfectant.

### Treatment table for athletic training

Athletic training rooms traditionally use fixed-height, rigid taping tables at a comfortable standing height for the trainer, plus a few hi-lo tables for rehabilitation. Durability and easy cleaning matter more than articulating sections.

## Portable PT tables and tables for home use

A **portable treatment table** folds in half and weighs little enough to carry to home visits, schools or sports venues. Look for a working load that covers your heaviest patients, firm padding and a face hole.

For a **physical therapy table for home use**, the right choice depends on the patient. A folding table is often enough for a home exercise program. A patient who struggles to get onto a standard-height surface may be safer with a compact electric table that lowers to sitting height. In either case, the treating therapist should advise on positions and safety; for long-term home care, a [home-care hospital bed](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/home-care-hospital-beds/) may serve the patient better than a treatment table.

## Upholstery, cleaning and infection control

Therapy tables are cleaned between every patient, so upholstery has to withstand repeated disinfection. Ask for:

- Seamless or side-stitched covers so fluids do not reach the foam
- Upholstery tested against the disinfectants your facility uses
- A paper-roll holder for single-use covers
- Rounded edges and a frame that can be wiped down, without exposed open tubing

## What to put in a treatment table specification

Whether you are equipping a new clinic or listing PT tables for sale as a distributor, a short specification keeps quotes comparable:

1. Table type: electric, hydraulic, fixed, mat, portable or hand therapy
2. Surface dimensions in mm and inches; overall footprint
3. Height range, lowest and highest
4. Number of sections and angle range of each
5. Safe working load in kg and lb
6. Control type and lockout
7. Castors (retractable or lockable) or fixed feet
8. Upholstery material, color and cleaning compatibility
9. Electrical supply and safety documents for powered tables
10. Accessories: face hole plug, arm rests, paper roll holder, positioning bolsters

Ask the manufacturer for its ISO 13485 certificate (Keling Medical's is issued by SGS) and for the declarations and registrations that apply to the model and destination country. Keling also supplies related [rehabilitation equipment](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/rehabilitation/) such as walkers and patient lifts; our [mobility aids buyer's guide](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/mobility-aids-supplier-guide/) covers those.

## Next steps

Start from the techniques your therapists use and the mobility of your patients: that decides sections, height range and table type. Then compare suppliers on the same written specification. Browse the [examination and treatment tables](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/) range, or [request a quotation](https://www.kelingmed.com/contact/#rfq) with your quantities and requirements.


## FAQ

### What is a plinth in physical therapy?

A plinth is the physical therapy term for a padded treatment table. In most clinics it means a height-adjustable hi-lo table with one or more articulating sections, used for assessment, manual therapy, exercise and patient positioning. The word comes from older fixed couches but is now used for powered tables too.

### What height range should a physical therapy table have?

A useful hi-lo therapy table drops low enough for a patient to sit with feet on the floor, typically around 45–50 cm (18–20 in), and rises to around 85–95 cm (33–37 in) for therapists working standing. A wide range matters most in clinics with several therapists and patients with limited mobility.

### Is an electric or hydraulic treatment table better?

An electric treatment table is faster and needs less effort, and controls can be placed around the frame so the therapist adjusts it from any side. A hydraulic treatment table needs no power and is very stable, but foot pumping is slower. Most new clinics choose electric unless power at the treatment position is unreliable.

### What is the best physical therapy table for home use?

The best physical therapy table for home use is usually a portable or folding treatment table with a solid working load rating, or a compact electric table if the patient needs a low sitting height to get on safely. Ask the treating therapist which positions the home program needs before buying.

### What is a mat treatment table used for?

A mat table is a wide, low platform, often about 1.2 by 2.1 m (4 by 7 ft), used for floor-level exercise, neurological rehabilitation, pediatric therapy and transfers training. Its width lets a patient roll and a therapist kneel alongside, which a standard narrow plinth cannot accommodate.

### What is a hand therapy table?

A hand therapy table is a work table at which the patient and therapist sit facing each other for upper-limb assessment and exercise. Some have several patient stations around one surface. It is a separate purchase from a plinth and is usually height adjustable for seated wheelchair users.