Balance, gait, fall prevention and arthritis.
Including myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
Pre and post operative rehab.
Functional capacity evaluation and work conditioning.
Mechanical Traction uses computer-driven forces to stretch and decompress the spine in a safe manner. There are specific methods used to target all portions of the spine to include cervical (neck), thoracic (upper/mid back), and lumbar (lower back) portions. Physical therapists are educated and trained on how to utilize these devices for the primary focus of pain relief. The machine is set for a certain period of time while a specific amount of pulling force is applied which is based on a patient’s body weight.
The traction force can remain on for the specified time (referred to as static) or cycle on/off (referred to as intermittent) during each treatment session which is typically performed 2-3 times a week.
Mechanical traction reduces the pressure on discs and nerve roots through a gentle traction force which expands the space between the vertebrae. By gently stretching muscles and connective tissue, this modality promotes improvement of fluid circulation and ligament extensibility, exchange of fluids within the disc, and prolonged disc hydration.