Though used for decades, mechanical traction has remained a rather primitive modality done with the aid of a simple motorized pull unit. Although other medical equipment became digitized, computerized, modernized and user-friendly, mechanical traction's unsophisticated operating system and cumbersome belting configurations remained largely unchanged. Until now.
Research points to the beneficial effects of traction because it can effectively distract joint surfaces, reduce protrusions of nuclear discal material, stretch soft-tissue muscles and mobilize joints. These effects provide many patients with pain relief from spinal dysfunction. The stimulation of sensory mechanoreceptors that occurs with the application of traction may also gate pain transmission.
Clinical benefits
Mechanical/Physiological effects
Mobilization of the spine
mobilizes joint capsule, facet joints
increases joint ranges of motion
stimulates ligaments and muscle tendons
Decompression of the spine
decrease pain
unload the spine
decrease bulging and protruding discs
Intended uses
Spinal decompression can be used to relieve peripheral radiation/sciatica and pain associated with: