Traction Table: Hi-Lo Tables vs. Traction Kits Explained
Discover which traction solution truly relieves your back pain, and which one is worth your money.
A traction table is a powered, height-adjustable treatment surface with a split design that lets a clinician apply controlled spinal distraction forces to reduce intradiscal pressure and relieve nerve root compression. Hi-Lo tables like the Chattanooga Triton and Galaxy series suit clinical use, while traction kits pair with existing surfaces for lower-volume settings.
- Height Range Is Clinical: The hi-lo lift exists so a patient with acute disc herniation can roll onto a low surface and be raised to treatment height, not as a convenience add-on.
- Sections Control Position: More table sections mean finer independent control over each spinal region, which matters most when targeting a specific lumbar level or accommodating an unusual patient posture.
- 6E Versus 6M Trade-off: The 6E uses one actuator per section for fully motorized adjustments from a hand remote, while the 6M relies on gas springs with manual repositioning, which adds time in a busy clinic.
- Table Needs a Traction Unit: The table handles positioning only; the distraction force comes from a separate traction unit, and the harness fit matters because a poorly tensioned pelvic belt can aggravate rather than relieve a herniation.
- Patient demographics, room dimensions, and budget all intersect: a compact 25-inch-wide table suits a mixed-modality room, while a 37-inch surface fits a high-volume lumbar disc practice.
Where to start
Chattanooga Triton 6E DTS, Hi-Lo Traction Table, 90.5" x 37" x 31"
Chattanooga Triton 6M DTS, Hi-Lo Traction Table, 90.5" x 37" x 31"
What a Traction Table Actually Does
A traction table is a powered treatment surface that allows a clinician to apply controlled, sustained or intermittent distraction forces along the spinal axis. The mechanical goal is straightforward: separate vertebral segments enough to reduce intradiscal pressure, widen the intervertebral foramen, and relieve compressive load on nerve roots. The clinical applications include lumbar disc herniation, facet syndrome, degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy extending into the lower extremities.
What separates a traction table from a standard treatment table is the adjustable height mechanism and, more importantly, the split-surface design that allows the lower half to move independently. When paired with a traction unit, the pelvic section can glide, creating distraction between the lumbar segments without the patient needing to resist friction or hold a position. This frictionless separation is what makes mechanical lumbar traction meaningfully different from hanging, inversion, or manual distraction techniques.
Research on spinal traction generally finds that the combination of appropriate positioning, adequate distraction force, and proper session duration produces the most consistent outcomes for radicular pain. The table's job is to support all three of those variables simultaneously, which is why the quality of the table matters as much as the quality of the traction unit itself.
The Hi-Lo Mechanism: Why Table Height Is a Clinical Decision
Every traction table PPW carries uses a hi-lo (high-low) lift system, and this is not a convenience feature. Getting a patient correctly positioned for traction requires the table to meet the patient, not the other way around. A patient with acute disc herniation and antalgic posture cannot safely swing up onto a fixed-height table. Lowering the surface to near floor level, having the patient step or roll on, then raising to treatment height is the standard workflow in traction clinics for exactly this reason.
The height range varies meaningfully between models. The Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400 lift from 22 to 40 inches using Chattanooga's proprietary Hallotronic actuators, while the Triton 6M and 6E tables offer a lower floor of 19 inches, which makes patient transfer easier for individuals with limited mobility. Both Triton models handle a maximum load of 440 lbs across that range. The Galaxy TTET400 raises that capacity to 500 lbs, which reflects the four-section scissor frame's different structural geometry.
From a clinician ergonomics standpoint, the hi-lo range also allows the practitioner to work at a comfortable height without stooping, which reduces cumulative strain over a full treatment day. That argument is often secondary in purchasing conversations, but it matters in practice.
Six-Section, Four-Section, Three-Section: What Each Configuration Offers
The number of table sections determines how finely the patient's position can be controlled during treatment. More sections mean more independently adjustable zones, which translates directly into better accommodation of spinal pathology and patient morphology.
Six-Section Tables (Triton 6E and 6M)
The Triton line uses six sections covering the head, chest, pelvic, and leg regions. Each section adjusts independently, allowing the clinician to flex or extend specific spinal regions while applying distraction. The head section on the 6E travels from -30 to +40 degrees, and the 6E's pelvic section inclines from 0 to 20 degrees. These ranges matter for targeting specific lumbar levels: greater hip flexion shifts distraction forces toward L4-S1, while a more neutral pelvis loads L2-L4 more evenly. The six-section design also accommodates prone positioning with face-hole access and tuck-away grab bars for hanging traction without a thoracic restraint.
The Triton 6M shares the same six-section layout but achieves positioning through a combination of gas springs and electric actuation rather than the fully electric system of the 6E. Both models sit at 90.5 by 37 inches, which is notably wider than the Galaxy series. That extra width is appreciated for larger patients and for any technique that requires the clinician to stand alongside the table during manual therapy integrated with traction.
Four-Section and Three-Section Tables (Galaxy Series)
The Galaxy TTET400 and TTET300 take a more compact approach. Both use an 83 by 25 inch surface and a scissor frame with four multidirectional, retractable wheels. The scissor frame behaves differently from the Triton's straight-lift design: it keeps the table footprint small when lowered and rises steeply when elevated, which suits clinics where floor space is constrained. The head and back section on both Galaxy models elevates from 0 to 85 degrees, allowing the table to double as a treatment couch for postural work, mobilization, or patient assessment between traction sessions.
The primary structural difference between the TTET400 and TTET300 is the section count: four versus three. The four-section model provides a dedicated leg section that adjusts independently, which is useful for knee positioning and for patients who need hip and knee flexion maintained during lumbar traction. The three-section model is more affordable at $6,169.95 compared to $7,257.23 for the TTET400, and for practices where the additional leg positioning is rarely needed, the three-section table performs the same core traction function at lower cost.
Fully Electric vs. Gas Spring-Assist: The 6E and 6M Compared
Among the Triton models, the distinction between the 6E and the 6M is worth understanding before committing to either. The 6E uses six individual actuators, one per section, giving the clinician fully motorized, friction-free control over every adjustment from a hand remote. The 6M relies on gas springs assisted by electric power for height adjustment, with manual repositioning of the individual sections. In a busy clinical environment where the setup needs to be fast and repeatable, the 6E's fully electric workflow reduces adjustment time and physical effort per patient.
The 6E's head section range also extends lower than the 6M's. The 6E goes from -30 to +40 degrees while the 6M starts at -15 degrees. For cervical traction performed in supine, that extended negative range creates a more comfortable and anatomically accurate position for many patients. The 6M's head section only goes to -15, which is still functional but limits the depth of cervical extension positioning. The 6E is priced at $14,043.14, nearly five thousand dollars more than the 6M at $9,408.91, so the clinical justification needs to match the volume and complexity of the caseload.
Traction Table vs. Traction Kit: Understanding the Full System
The tables described here handle positioning and patient support. The distraction force itself comes from a separate traction unit. Chattanooga pairs the Triton 6M and 6E with the DTS traction system, available in basic and advanced accessory packages. The Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400 are matched with the TX Traction Kit, which includes the TX Clinical Traction Unit, a QuickWrap DTS Belt Set, a Saunders Cervical unit, and a knee bolster set. The QuickWrap belt offers a universal fit for pelvic and lumbar traction applications up to 300 lbs, which covers the overwhelming majority of clinical presentations.
Understanding how pelvic harness tension translates into vertebral distraction helps in choosing the right accessory package. The TX Clinical Traction Unit's tension range runs from 0 to 200 lbs, which is appropriate for most lumbar protocols. The advanced DTS accessory package for the Triton line extends the clinical toolkit further, with accessories designed for both lumbar and cervical applications in a single setup.
A complete traction system, table plus unit plus accessories, represents a significant capital investment, but evaluating the table alone misses the picture. The treatment outcome depends on the distraction parameters the traction unit can deliver and the precision with which the table holds the patient in position during those parameters. Neither element compensates for a weakness in the other.
Clinicians adding a traction table to an existing treatment room that already uses a manual or hanging traction setup will often find the full range of traction equipment worth reviewing before deciding which system to build around.
Comparing the Galaxy Models Side by Side
The five Galaxy TTET300 color variants and the TTET400 share enough mechanical DNA to compare directly. The table below summarizes the key specifications.
| Model | Sections | Height Range | Max Capacity | Head/Back Section | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Black |
3 | 22–40 in | 440 lbs | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Gray |
3 | 22–40 in | 440 lbs | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Graphite Gray |
3 | 22–40 in | 440 lbs | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Imperial Blue |
3 | 22–40 in | 440 lbs | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Navy Blue |
3 | 22–40 in | 440 lbs | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET400, 4 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Black |
4 | 22–40 in | 500 lbs | 0–85° | $7,257.23 |
All five TTET300 color options (black, gray, graphite gray, imperial blue, navy blue) are mechanically identical. The upholstery choice is genuinely personal, though some practices match their equipment to a clinical color scheme. The TTET400's jump in weight capacity from 440 to 500 lbs reflects the reinforced four-section frame and is the clearest structural argument for choosing it over the TTET300 in a high-volume or bariatric-capable setting.
Patient Positioning for Lumbar Traction: Getting It Right
The effectiveness of any lumbar traction protocol depends more on patient position than most practitioners initially expect. The lumbar spine's resting lordosis reduces the foraminal area relative to a slightly flexed position, so neutral supine positioning does not maximize decompression at the lower lumbar levels. Research on intradiscal pressure during traction generally supports a position of moderate hip and knee flexion for L4-S1 involvement, achieved on six-section tables by raising the leg section and incrementally adjusting the pelvic tilt.
On the Galaxy series, the knee bolster included in the TX traction kit handles this by supporting hip flexion without requiring powered leg positioning. For practitioners managing a high proportion of L4-S1 or L5-S1 pathology, the TTET400's independent leg section is a meaningful clinical tool. The ability to hold a precisely replicated position across sessions also improves outcome tracking: if a patient responds well to a specific combination of hip flexion angle and distraction force, the TTET400 can reproduce that position consistently at the start of each visit.
Prone positioning is supported across all four models, with face-hole cutouts and removable covers in place on each. The tuck-away grab bars on the Triton 6M and 6E allow hanging traction in prone without a thoracic restraint harness, which some patients tolerate better and which produces a different force vector through the lumbar spine. That option is not available on the Galaxy tables, which are designed around supine lumbar and elevated-head positions.
Cervical Traction on a Hi-Lo Table: Setup and Considerations
Most clinical traction tables are purchased primarily for lumbar work, but cervical traction is a routine add-on. The Triton 6E and 6M both support cervical traction through the DTS accessory package, and the Saunders Cervical unit included in the Galaxy TX kit extends that function to the TTET300 and TTET400. The mechanical difference is that cervical traction on a hi-lo table requires careful patient positioning in semi-reclined supine, with the head section adjusted to achieve the appropriate angle of cervical flexion for the target level.
Research on cervical traction force and angle suggests that C5-C6 and C6-C7 involvement responds well to 20-25 degrees of neck flexion, while upper cervical segments require closer to neutral. The Triton 6E's head section range of -30 to +40 degrees covers both ends of that spectrum. Cervical traction device selection involves the same positioning logic, and practitioners who perform both cervical and lumbar traction regularly will find a six-section table more accommodating than a three or four-section unit for cervical work specifically.
Patients who need ongoing cervical traction between clinic visits sometimes continue with a home unit alongside clinical treatment. The Saunders Cervical HomeTrac is designed for exactly this, providing a cost-effective continuation of in-clinic cervical protocols without requiring the patient to travel for every session.
Matching a Traction Table to Your Clinical Setting
The right traction table is a function of three intersecting factors: patient demographics, room dimensions, and budget. A practice treating a high proportion of acute lumbar disc pathology in working-age adults will use the full range of section adjustments and will benefit from the wider 37-inch surface of the Triton line. A practice with a mixed caseload, where traction is one modality among several, may find the Galaxy's compact 25-inch width and scissor frame more practical because the table can be repositioned easily between uses.
Room dimensions matter more than practitioners often account for in purchasing. A 90.5-inch table with a hi-lo lift mechanism needs clearance on three sides: access at the head end for cervical traction, access along both sides for pelvic harness fitting and patient monitoring. In a room under 12 feet wide, the Galaxy's 83-inch length and retractable wheel system may be the only practical option. The Triton's 90.5-inch length and four retractable casters (6E and 6M) still allow repositioning, but require more maneuvering room.
For practices setting up a dedicated traction room from scratch, pairing one of the six-section Triton tables with the DTS traction system and the advanced accessory package covers virtually every clinical scenario. For practices adding traction capability to an existing treatment room, the Galaxy TTET300 with the TX Traction Kit is a sensible starting point. The variables involved in choosing a spinal traction system extend beyond table specs, and understanding the full picture before purchasing saves adjustment costs later.
Home Use vs. Clinical Traction: Where Hi-Lo Tables Fit
The four Chattanooga tables covered here are clinical-grade equipment, priced and built accordingly. They are not appropriate for unsupervised home use, and this is not simply a liability consideration: the positioning precision and force control they enable requires a trained practitioner to use safely and effectively. The DTS belt harness alone, incorrectly fitted, can redirect distraction forces in ways that aggravate rather than relieve a disc herniation.
Patients who ask about continuing traction at home between appointments are better served by devices designed for that setting. Whether a home traction device makes sense depends on diagnosis, symptom stability, and how closely the patient can replicate the position established clinically. For lumbar indications, devices like those in the lumbar traction category are calibrated for self-administered use and carry appropriate force limits for unsupervised application.
The distinction also matters for purchasing decisions. Clinicians sometimes field questions from patients who have researched traction tables and want to acquire something similar for home use. The honest answer is that a $6,000 to $14,000 clinical table in a home setting, without the traction unit, without the positioning expertise, and without ongoing assessment, will not produce the same outcomes it would in a clinic. Home devices fill a genuine role; they just fill a different one.
Durability, Upholstery, and Long-Term Reliability
A traction table in active clinical use is loaded and cycled many more times per day than a standard treatment table. The hi-lo mechanism, the actuators, and the section hinges all absorb more cumulative stress. Chattanooga's use of Hallotronic actuators in the Galaxy series and individual electric actuators per section in the Triton 6E reflects an engineering decision to distribute that stress across smaller, specialized components rather than a single drive mechanism. Whether that translates to longer service life in a specific practice depends heavily on maintenance frequency and patient throughput.
Upholstery is a more frequent maintenance consideration than the mechanical components. All four tables offer multiple color options, and the upholstery materials used across the Chattanooga lineup are designed for clinical environments. Surface integrity matters for infection control, particularly in practices that do not use disposable table paper, so inspecting seams and edges as part of regular equipment checks is straightforward preventive maintenance. Replacement upholstery for clinical tables is a routine service item and does not require replacing the table frame.
More traction equipment worth a look
Chattanooga Galaxy TTET400, 4 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, Black
Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 86.6 x 33.5 x 31.5", Black
Frequently asked questions
Is a traction table suitable for home use, or is it strictly a clinical tool?▾
These tables are designed for professional clinical settings. The entry-level Galaxy TTET300 starts at $6,169.95, and all models require pairing with a separately purchased traction unit to perform mechanical spinal traction. Without trained oversight, applying distraction force to an injured spine carries real risk, so these are best suited to physiotherapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and rehabilitation facilities where a qualified practitioner is directing treatment.
What safety features do these traction tables include?▾
Both Triton models include a lockable safety mechanism on the controller, and the hand remote on the 6E keeps the clinician in close proximity to the patient at all times. All four models feature retractable wheels that lock the table in place during treatment, and the hi-lo lift systems include load limits: 440 lbs on the Triton 6M, Triton 6E, and Galaxy TTET300, and 500 lbs on the Galaxy TTET400. Note that the traction unit itself is sold separately and carries its own safety parameters.
How much does a traction table cost, and what should I budget beyond the table price?▾
The Galaxy TTET300 is priced at $6,169.95, the TTET400 at $7,257.23, the Triton 6M at $9,408.91, and the Triton 6E at $14,043.14. Every model is sold as a table only: the traction unit and cervical traction unit are optional accessories sold separately. Clinics should factor those additions into their total equipment budget before purchasing.
What is the difference between a six-section and a four-section traction table?▾
A six-section table like the Triton 6E or 6M gives the clinician independent control over the head, chest, pelvic, and leg zones, which allows precise targeting of specific lumbar levels during distraction. A four-section table like the Galaxy TTET400 still includes a dedicated leg section but with fewer adjustment zones overall. The three-section Galaxy TTET300 omits the independent leg section entirely, which works fine for standard lumbar traction but limits hip and knee positioning options for patients who need them.
How do I set up a traction table in a clinic, and how much space does it need?▾
The Galaxy series tables measure 83 in x 25 in and use a scissor frame with retractable wheels, making them easier to maneuver in tighter spaces. The Triton models are larger at 90.5 in x 37 in and require more floor clearance around all sides for the clinician to work comfortably. All models can be rolled into position and locked in place before use. Because the traction unit is purchased separately, you will need to confirm compatibility and connection requirements with your supplier before finalizing your room layout.
What does ongoing maintenance look like for a motorized traction table?▾
Chattanooga publishes maintenance guidelines for their equipment, but the general requirements for motorized treatment tables include periodic inspection of actuators, upholstery, frame joints, and caster mechanisms. The Triton 6E uses six individual actuators, one per section, so there are more powered components to monitor compared to the 6M, which combines gas springs with electric height adjustment. Upholstery on all models is available in multiple color options, and replacement or repair of that surface is the most common maintenance task in busy clinical environments.
How do I choose the right table height range for my patient population?▾
The Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400 lift from 22 to 40 in, which suits most adult patients but requires a bit more effort for individuals with very limited mobility. The Triton 6M and 6E drop to a lower floor of 19 in, making patient transfer significantly easier for those with acute disc injuries, antalgic posture, or mobility restrictions. If your clinic regularly treats post-surgical or elderly patients, that 3-inch difference at the bottom of the range is worth factoring into your decision.
What is the most common mistake clinicians make when selecting a traction table?▾
The most common mistake is purchasing the table without budgeting for the traction unit, which is sold separately across all four Chattanooga models. A second frequent error is choosing a table based on price alone without considering section count: a three-section table is a practical choice for many practices, but if your caseload includes patients who need independent leg positioning during lumbar traction, the four-section or six-section models will serve those patients better. Matching section count and height range to your actual patient mix is a more reliable guide than defaulting to the lowest or highest price point.
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