Question
Is a Thompson Drop Table a decompression therapy device? If not, please explain the difference. Thanks.  

Answer
Dear John,

Thank you for your question.

No, in short, a Thompson table is not a decompression therapy device.  It is a particular design for a chiropractic table developed by J. Clay Thompson, DC, for use with his system of chiropractic technique, essentially a system whereby bones of the spine are geometrically analyzed and forces are introduced by way of the "terminal point drop" mechanism of the table in an effort to influence that geometry toward a pre-determined norm.  

A decompression therapy device is for a different, limited purpose; i.e., to introduce decompressive forces to the spine.  The design, then, will reflect this goal instead of the goal of accomplishing the Thompson technique.  

I hope this information helps.

Sincerely,
James W. Healey, DC