Traction

Mechanical Traction is when a patient is placed in the machine secured by straps and a gentle longitudinal pull separates the spine for the relief of nerve irritation or muscle spasm. Traction is helpful for those who suffer from lower back and neck pain.

What is Traction Therapy and How Can I Benefit From It?

There are two types of traction in physical therapy, manual and mechanical.

Manual traction is when a physical therapist uses manual force on the joints and muscles to distract or widen the spaces between the vertebrae.

Mechanical spinal traction is used to treat bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, pinched nerves causing radiating pain, numbness or tingling, and many other spinal conditions.

In combination with other physical therapy treatments, many patients experience tremendous success with spinal traction from the reduction of pain and radiating symptoms to improved spinal alignment, decompressed joints, relaxation of spastic muscles and increased mobility.

Some patients need traction for only a short period of time, while others need it throughout their lives as a form of pain management.

Therapy Brings Back Pain Relief to Rudy

When Rudy woke up one morning with pain in his right lower back, he had no idea that within days pain would be radiating down his right leg and would have tingling in his first toe. With limited movement bending forward, sitting, driving and lifting/carrying objects, his physician referred him to Moon Physical Therapy.

Our thorough evaluation showed a herniated disc, and we started him on a land-based therapy program with exercises and techniques he could perform at home and work. We also used lumbar traction to reduce back pain and his right leg symptoms.

After 4 treatment sessions, Rudy reduced his pain medication, could sit for 30 minutes (previously 10-15 mins) and found it much easier to bend forward to put on his socks. At the end of his therapy visits, he was able to get back to work and, most important, get back to his favorite hobby: dirt bike riding.

As Rudy says: “Story is simple…I was broken, I came in, and you fixed me. You and your staff are awesome and made the healing and learning enjoyable”.

Ready To Get Started?

If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help. Traction Therapy may be the right option for you. Schedule an appointment at Moon Physical Therapy today in Mililani & Kailua, HI and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!