Physical therapy is an integral part of medical science that treats illnesses or injuries by physical methods rather than drugs or surgery. Mat platform tables or mat tables are equipment used in various physical therapy treatments like sports medicine and chiropractic practices.

Primarily made of hardwood or steel and covered with a thick foam layering, mat tables have become prominent for different uses.

Unlike regular tables, they are lower in height and specifically crafted to carry out manual treatment techniques such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, joint manipulation, range-of-motion exercises, rehabilitation exercises, and stretching exercises. Mat platform tables provide easy access to clients and enough space to perform manual techniques with the therapist on the table.

Simply put, therapy mat tables help treat clients with floor exercises at an elevated level.

From a basic model costing a few hundred dollars to a feature-rich electric hi-lo model, physical therapy mat platform have evolved to various options to fit patients’ and practitioners’ requirements.

The first thing to know about mat tables is their features. Height and top size make the two most significant characteristics of mat tables for physical therapy. Keep reading for more information.  

A typical height of a mat table is 18” to 20”, which allows practitioners to smoothly transfer a client from a wheelchair. This easy access benefits both clients and practitioners as the first step of treatment. The height is also a standard sitting height that helps clients engage in various exercises while sitting at the edge of the mat platform.  

When it comes to top dimensions, mat tables are much larger than standard treatment tables. They are designed with enough space to allow therapists to manipulate clients’ bodies and are large enough to accompany clients while applying pressure and leverage when needed.

The standard mat table sizes include 4’ * 7’, 5’ * 7’, and 6’ * 8’.

Mat tables for physical therapy are available in various options. Some of the popular mat tables for physical therapy are explained below:

Wall mount therapy mat tables- Great solutions for smaller spaces; typically 4’*7’ and 5’*7’ height, has access to 3 sides and weighs much lower than a stationary floor model. The main feature of the wall mount mat table is that it can be folded down from a wall when not used.  

Portable mat platform- Space savers and has access to all 4 sides. Portable and give flexibility to therapists to provide treatment at clients’ places. Available in the following dimensions: 35” x 78”, 33” x 78”, and 40” x 78” in a variety of colors. You can adjust the height manually from 17" to 26".

Hi-Lo mat tables- Electric & Manual- Height adjustable, usually from 20” up to 30” for comfortable patient access. They have electric and manual lifting mechanisms for height adjustment.

Reduce wear and tear on the practitioner, making it easier on the back. Come in handy, are adjustable, and comfortable for every patient regardless of their heights.

Raised rim mat tables- A unique version of mat platform tables with a removable mat. The raised rim feature prevents patients from sliding off during treatments. The most economical choice with dual use: on the table or the floor.

Hardwood & metal frame mat tables- Durable and can withstand punishing environments. While hi-lo mat platforms usually are metal-made, fixed height mat tables come in both materials. Hardwoods offer a touch of warmth and are available in natural finish or stained shades. Fixed metal mat platforms are powder-coated steel with fewer color choices.

Mat tables with adjustable backs- Most mat tables come with a 1-section top. However, there are mat tables that have 2-section tops or adjustable backs to support patients to sit upright. Offer comfort and provide additional support to patients during treatments.

In addition to the above options, there are mat tables explicitly designed for the home. Read on to learn more about them.

Mat tables in the home are best for patients who prefer to be treated at home by either a professional or a family member. Comfortable for clients and they provide a platform for stretching, rehabilitation exercises, and body manipulation treatments.

After getting to know the options of physical therapy mat tables, below are a couple of other things you need to know about mat platforms.

Weight capacity varies with different mat table types. With around 400 lbs, the wall mount tables have the lowest capacity. However, some manufacturers produce bariatric wall mount mat tables with specially designed brackets that can support up to 1,000 lbs.         

While the metal frames can support up to 1,000 lbs plus, most fixed-height wood mat tables have a weight capacity range of 500 to 1,000 lb.

The weight capacity of the Hi-Lo mat table ranges between 500 & 1,000 lbs.  

Also, some fixed-height stationary mat tables are designed with 5 or 6 legs to accommodate higher bariatric weights.  

Therapy mat tables range from 125 lbs for a basic wood model to over 400 lbs for an electric hi-lo mat table. Since they are large and bulky, mat tables need to be shipped through a freight carrier. Lift gate services can be utilized if your facility doesn’t have a deck.

But wait, there is an exception to this! Oakworks Portable Mat Table weighing about 55 lbs can be shipped through UPS and FedEx.

About assembling mat tables, most of them take only a few minutes to build, requiring only the legs to be fastened using nuts and bolts. However, Hi-lo mat tables are usually shipped fully assembled.

In conclusion, physical therapy mat tables have evolved over the years to accommodate patients of different heights and weights. Advances in ergonomics have also reduced wear and tear on the therapists and enhanced patient comfort and access.  Mat tables are available for almost every physical therapy at variable prices.