FAQs

Contact our Experts

Frequently Asked Questions About Concession Machines

1. What equipment do I need to outfit a physical therapy clinic?

Most clinics start with a treatment surface, like the CanDo Upholstered Mat Platform or the electric Clinton Hi-Lo Mat Platform. From there, they add parallel bars for gait work, a traction table, and core modalities like ultrasound and electrotherapy. Hot and cold therapy equipment is another staple, such as a Relief Pak moist heat unit and cold pack chilling unit. For assessment, many clinics also use a digital inclinometer like the Lafayette ROMI. Our experts can help you build a package that fits your space and budget.
2. What is a CPM machine, and which joints do they work with?

A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine gently moves a joint through a set range of motion without the patient using their muscles. Clinicians commonly prescribe them after joint surgery. We carry CPMs for the knee, like the Kinetec Spectra Essential, and the ankle, like the Kinetec Breva and Chattanooga OptiFlex Ankle CPM. For the upper body, there’s the Kinetec 6080 Elbow CPM and the Kinetec Maestra Hand and Wrist CPM. CPM settings and duration should always follow a clinician’s guidance.
3. What’s the difference between a traction table and a traction unit?

A traction table is the treatment surface the patient lies on, often with split or moving sections and hi-lo height adjustment. Examples include the Chattanooga Triton 6E, Armedica AM-400, and Mettler ME4200T. A traction unit is the device that applies and controls the cervical or lumbar traction force. Examples include the Chattanooga Triton Traction Unit, Chattanooga TX, and Mettler MTD 4000. Many clinics pair the two, and complete systems like the Triton DTS Advanced Traction System bundle the unit with accessories.
4. What’s the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy devices?

Radial shockwave devices spread energy over a wider, shallower treatment area. They are widely used in sports medicine and outpatient clinics. Examples include the Zimmer enPuls 2.0, Zimmer enPuls Pro, and Mettler Auto Wave 695. Focused shockwave devices, like the Chattanooga Intelect Focus Shockwave Set, concentrate energy at a specific depth. Many practices choose based on their caseload, budget, and the conditions they see most often.
5. Should I choose a therapeutic ultrasound unit, an electrotherapy unit, or a combination device?

Therapeutic ultrasound units, like the Mettler Sonicator 740 and Zimmer Soleo Sono, use sound waves for deep tissue applications. Electrotherapy stimulators, like the Mettler Sys*Stim 240 and Zimmer SoleoStim, deliver electrical stimulation for neuromuscular applications. If you want both in one footprint, a combination device like the Zimmer Soleo SonoStim saves space and cost. Speech and swallowing therapists often use the VitalStim Plus, which pairs electrotherapy with sEMG biofeedback.
6. What’s the difference between cold compression therapy and traditional hot and cold packs?

Traditional hot and cold packs are simple, affordable, and ideal for high-volume clinics. Relief Pak equipment covers this, including moist heat heating units, chilling units, and reusable elastomer packs. Active cold compression systems circulate chilled water through a wrap while applying adjustable pressure. Examples include the Game Ready Pro 2.1, Game Ready Med4 Elite, and Dr. Aktive Cryo Pro Duo. Cold air cryotherapy devices, like the Zimmer Cryo 6 and Zimmer CryoMini, offer another option without ice or water.
7. What equipment do you carry for hand therapy and stroke rehabilitation?

TheraPutty is a go-to for hand strengthening. We stock the 6-piece TheraPutty set, TheraPutty Plus Antimicrobial, and 50 lb bulk containers for busy clinics. For more interactive therapy, the MusicGlove Clinic Portable Suite gamifies hand exercises. The Kinetec Maestra provides continuous passive motion for the hand and wrist.
8. What advanced therapy technologies do you offer?

Beyond standard modalities, we carry several advanced technologies. These include TECAR therapy units like the Winback BACK4, high energy inductive therapy like the Zimmer emField Pro, and shortwave diathermy like the Zimmer ThermoPro. There’s also the Richmar TheraTouch LX2 Class IIIb cold laser and blood flow restriction training with the LiveBand BFR Clinical Bundle. For soft tissue work, see the G5 GK-3 percussive therapy machine and the handheld Mettler G5 Pro-Power Percussor.
9. Can I use physical therapy equipment at home?

Some products are well suited for home programs. These include TheraPutty, Skillbuilders foam positioning kits, and handheld percussion massagers. Many of the devices in this collection are professional-grade equipment designed for clinical use. Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting any home rehabilitation program or using a therapeutic device.
10. How does physical therapy equipment fit into a complete recovery program?

Many clinics, athletic facilities, and wellness centers pair rehabilitation equipment with recovery amenities. Popular additions include cold plunge tubs, saunas, red light therapy, hyperbaric chambers, and massage chairs. Explore our full Wellness & Recovery collection. For strengthening and conditioning, we also carry Pilates equipment and cardio equipment.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Equipment for Clinics, Training Rooms, and Home Recovery

Physical therapy depends on having the right tools. That means a stable surface for treatment, a safe way to practice walking and balance, and dependable modalities that help clinicians deliver consistent care session after session. At Omaha Sports & Games, our physical therapy collection brings together professional rehabilitation equipment from respected brands like Zimmer, Mettler Electronics, Kinetec, CanDo, Armedica, Game Ready, and DPE Medical. We also carry Chattanooga’s Triton traction, Intelect shockwave, and OptiFlex CPM lines.

You might be opening a new outpatient clinic, upgrading an athletic training room, adding services to a chiropractic or multidisciplinary practice, or setting up a recovery space at home. Either way, this guide walks through each category of equipment we carry, what it’s used for, and how to choose the right options for your patients, athletes, and space.

Who Uses Physical Therapy Equipment?

Outpatient physical therapy clinics are the core users of this equipment. They typically need a mix of treatment surfaces, traction, electrotherapy, ultrasound, and hot and cold therapy to cover orthopedic, post-surgical, and sports injury caseloads.

Sports medicine and athletic training facilities for high schools, colleges, and professional teams focus on fast turnaround between athletes. They often prioritize cold compression, shockwave, percussive therapy, and blood flow restriction training.

Chiropractic and multidisciplinary practices frequently add traction tables, spinal decompression systems, and modalities to expand the services they offer.

Neurological and stroke rehabilitation programs rely on gait trainers, parallel bars, stair trainers, balance systems, and hand rehabilitation tools to help patients rebuild mobility and function.

Home health providers and individuals recovering at home often use smaller, simpler tools like exercise putty, foam positioning kits, and handheld massagers, under the direction of their therapist.

Treatment Tables, Mat Platforms, and Traction

Mat Platforms and Hi-Lo Treatment Surfaces

A sturdy treatment surface is the starting point for nearly every clinic. Mat platforms give therapists room for mat exercises, transfers, positioning, and manual therapy. The CanDo Upholstered Physical Therapy Mat Platform offers a 700 lb capacity in multiple sizes and upholstery colors, making it a durable, budget-friendly choice for busy gyms.

If your patients have limited mobility or you treat a wide range of body types, an electrically adjustable surface like the Clinton Hi-Lo Mat Platform lets you raise and lower the platform. That makes transfers safer for patients and helps reduce strain on clinicians’ backs.

Traction Tables and Traction Units

Cervical and lumbar traction remain a staple of many orthopedic and spine-focused practices. A complete traction setup usually includes two parts: a table and a traction unit that controls the force.

Our traction tables range from multi-section designs like the Armedica AM-400 and Armedica AM-SX4000 to single-pedestal models like the Armedica AM-SP400 and AM-SP450. The single-pedestal design gives clinicians open access around the table. For a hi-lo design built for traction, the Chattanooga Triton 6E and Triton 6M are popular choices. The Mettler ME4200T adds a moving caudal section.

For the traction unit itself, options include the Chattanooga Triton Traction Unit, the Chattanooga TX Traction Unit, and the Mettler MTD 4000, which offers up to 198 lb of maximum force. If you’d rather buy everything together, the Triton DTS Basic Accessory Package, Triton DTS Advanced Traction System, and Chattanooga TX Traction Kit bundle the unit with belts, harnesses, and accessories.

Gait, Balance, and Mobility Training

Helping patients walk safely again is one of the most important goals in rehabilitation. Gait and balance equipment gives patients the support they need while letting therapists gradually increase the challenge.

Parallel Bars

Parallel bars are essential in nearly every rehab gym. The CanDo line includes floor-mounted parallel bars in 7', 10', and 12' lengths and platform-mounted parallel bars that don’t require anchoring into the floor. There’s also folding parallel bars for clinics that need to reclaim floor space. All three adjust in both height and width.

For high-volume or neurological programs, electric height-adjustable models from Armedica let therapists change bar height at the push of a button. Options include the Armedica 7' Electric Parallel Bars, 10' Split Platform model, and 15' Platform Mount model.

Stair Trainers and Gait Systems

Stairs, curbs, and inclines are everyday obstacles that patients need to master before returning home. The DPE Medical Dynamic Stair Trainer line is built for exactly that. The Dynamic Stair Trainer 8000 offers adjustable step heights, and the 8000-Pro adds computerized training. All-in-one systems like the Dynamic Stair Trainer Triple, Triple Pro, and Triple Sense combine multiple training surfaces in a single footprint.

For balance work, consider the Dynamic Stair Trainer Sense of Balance and the CanDo Adjustable Balance Platform, which has handrails and adjusts from 26" to 39" high. The MASS Rehab Arch provides an overhead frame for supported gait and balance training. The Neurogym Pendulum Stepper focuses on rebuilding lower-body stepping patterns. The wearable Salute Just Walk comes in both adult and children’s versions.

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machines

After joint surgery, early, controlled movement is often part of the recovery plan. A CPM machine moves the joint through a preset range of motion without the patient needing to use their own muscles. Clinicians set the range, speed, and duration.

We carry CPM machines for the major joints. For the knee, there’s the Kinetec Spectra DC and Kinetec Spectra Essential. Ankle options include the Kinetec Breva and the Chattanooga OptiFlex Ankle CPM, which works for both the left and right side. For the elbow, choose the Kinetec 6080 or the Kinetec Centura CEM module, and for the hand and wrist, the Kinetec Maestra. CPM use should always follow the protocol set by the patient’s surgeon or therapist.

Therapeutic Modalities

Modalities are the devices clinicians use alongside exercise and manual therapy. Most clinics build their modality lineup over time, starting with electrotherapy and ultrasound, then adding specialized technologies as their caseload grows.

Electrotherapy and Electrical Stimulation

Electrotherapy units deliver electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin. Clinicians use them for neuromuscular applications. Portable options from Mettler include the single-channel Sys*Stim 206 and the two-channel Sys*Stim 208A, Sys*Stim 228, and Sys*Stim 240. The Zimmer SoleoStim offers multi-channel stimulation for clinics treating more than one area at once. Speech-language pathologists working with swallowing disorders often use the VitalStim Plus, which combines electrotherapy with sEMG biofeedback.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves for deep tissue applications. The Mettler Sonicator 740 is a portable dual-frequency unit. The Sonicator 740-X includes three applicators for treating different-sized areas. The Zimmer Soleo Sono is another strong option. To save space and budget, the Zimmer Soleo SonoStim combines ultrasound and electrotherapy in one device.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has become one of the most in-demand modalities in sports medicine and orthopedic clinics. Radial devices deliver energy over a broader, shallower area. Examples include the compressor-free Zimmer enPuls 2.0, the Zimmer enPuls Pro, and the Mettler Auto Wave 695. Focused devices like the Chattanooga Intelect Focus Shockwave Set concentrate energy at a targeted depth.

Diathermy, TECAR, and Inductive Therapy

For clinics looking to offer advanced deep-heating and energy-based treatments, we carry several options. Shortwave diathermy units include the Mettler Auto*Therm 391 and the Zimmer ThermoPro. TECAR therapy systems include the Winback BACK3TX and Winback BACK4. For high energy inductive therapy, there’s the Zimmer emField Pro.

Laser Therapy, Blood Flow Restriction, and Percussive Therapy

Rounding out the modality lineup is the Richmar TheraTouch LX2, a Class IIIb cold laser with a 9-diode cluster applicator. For blood flow restriction (BFR) training, the LiveBand BFR Clinical Bundle is a popular choice in sports rehab settings. For soft tissue work, the G5 GK-3 Gen 3.0 is a professional percussive therapy machine, and the Mettler G5 Pro-Power Percussor offers a handheld option.

Hot, Cold, and Compression Therapy

Heat and cold are among the oldest and most widely used tools in rehabilitation, and nearly every clinic needs both.

For traditional moist heat, Relief Pak heating units keep hot packs at temperature and ready to use. They range from the compact 6-Pack Stationary unit to mobile units like the 12-Pack and 24-Pack models. Some models, like the 12-Pack Mobile with 12 Standard Packs, come with packs included. On the cold side, the 4.3 cu. ft. Relief Pak Cold Pack Chilling Unit keeps cold packs ready. The Relief Pak Cold n’ Hot Elastomer Packs work for both hot and cold applications.

Active cold compression systems take cold therapy a step further. They circulate chilled water through a wrap while applying adjustable pressure. The Game Ready Pro 2.1 is widely used in athletic training rooms. The Game Ready Med4 Elite adds hot, cold, and contrast therapy. Dr. Aktive offers the Cryo Pro XL for cold compression and the Cryo Pro Duo for hot and cold compression. For ice-free cold air therapy, the Zimmer Cryo 6 and Zimmer CryoMini are clinic favorites.

Hand Therapy, Positioning, and Pediatric Tools

Hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation calls for its own set of tools. TheraPutty is a staple for grip and finger strengthening, and we carry several versions:

For neurological and stroke rehabilitation, the MusicGlove Clinic Portable Suite turns hand exercises into an engaging, game-based experience. For positioning and vestibular work, especially in pediatric settings, the Skillbuilders Therapy Kit includes foam wedges, rolls, and half rolls in three kit sizes.

Assessment and Measurement Tools

Objective measurement helps therapists track progress and document outcomes. The Lafayette Range of Motion Inclinometer (ROMI) is a wireless digital goniometer and inclinometer. It’s available as a single unit or a dual set, giving clinicians fast, repeatable range-of-motion readings.

How to Choose the Right Physical Therapy Equipment

With so many options available, a few key considerations can help narrow your choices.

Start with your caseload. A sports medicine clinic will get the most use out of shockwave, cold compression, and BFR. A neuro rehab program will lean on parallel bars, stair trainers, and gait systems. A spine-focused practice will prioritize traction.

Measure your space and check your power. Large items like stair trainers, traction tables, and electric parallel bars need dedicated floor space. Some also need specific electrical setups. Folding parallel bars and portable modalities are good choices for smaller or multi-use rooms.

Think about portability. Home health providers and clinicians who treat in multiple rooms benefit from portable electrotherapy and ultrasound units and mobile hot pack heaters.

Plan your budget in phases. Many clinics start with essentials and add specialized modalities as patient volume grows. Essentials include a mat platform, parallel bars, electrotherapy, ultrasound, and hot and cold packs. Specialized additions include shockwave, TECAR, and diathermy.

Stick with trusted brands. Equipment from established manufacturers like Zimmer, Mettler, Kinetec, and Chattanooga is widely used in clinical settings, which makes it easier to find accessories and train staff.

Building a Complete Rehab and Recovery Space

Many clinics, athletic facilities, and wellness centers pair rehabilitation equipment with recovery and conditioning amenities. Our Wellness & Recovery collection includes cold plunge tubs, saunas, red light therapy, hyperbaric chambers, hot tubs, and massage chairs.

For the strengthening and return-to-activity phase of rehab, browse our Pilates equipment, exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, dumbbells, medicine balls, and exercise benches. Athletic programs can also find sport-specific training equipment to help athletes transition from rehab back to performance.

Shop Physical Therapy Equipment at Omaha Sports & Games

Omaha Sports & Games makes it easy to outfit your clinic, training room, or home recovery space with professional-grade physical therapy equipment. Our team can help you compare models, plan your layout, and coordinate delivery for large items. Whether you need a single TheraPutty set or a complete rehab gym, we’re here to help.

Have questions or need help building a package? Contact our experts or call us at (888) 884-2234. You can also browse our buying guides for more product tips.

This content is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed physical therapist or physician before starting a rehabilitation program or using any therapeutic device.