14 TRACTION

Question 1

TRACTION

Answer 1

Mechanical force applied to the body in a way that separates the joint surfaces and elongates the surrounding soft tissues.
Uses a pulling or distracting force.

Question 2

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Answer 2

Joint distraction: the separation of two articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of the articulation.
Reduction of disc protrusion.
Soft tissue stretching.
Muscle relaxation.
Joint mobilization.

Question 3

CLINICAL USES

Answer 3

Disc herniation.
Nerve root impingement.
Joint hypomobility. (gapping mobilization)
Subacute joint inflammation.
Paraspinal muscle spasm.

Question 4

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO TRACTION

Answer 4

Where motion is contraindicated. (fracture)
Acute injury to joint.
Instability. (c-spine)
Uncontrolled hypertension.
Peripheralization of symptoms with traction.

Question 5

PRECAUTIONS TO TRACTION

Answer 5

Pain/discomfort increases.
Adverse psychological reactions.
Inability to tolerate positioning.
Where belt pressure is problematic.
Structural disease of the spine.
TMJ problems.

Question 6

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 6

Radicular Discomfort
Arthritis Pain Aggravation
Bruises/Irritation from Belt
Hypermobility of unstable joint.

Question 7

MECHANICAL APPLICATION

Answer 7

Make sure client is positioned appropriately
‘Machine specific’
Make sure ‘belts’ are correctly applied
Set parameters- set by therapist
What should the patient feel? What shouldn’t they feel?
Check with patient during treatment.

Question 8

MANUAL APPLICATION

Answer 8

Patient positioning.
Clinician body mechanics.
Bed height, use of straps/pillows/bolsters.
What the patient should be feeling.

Question 9

MECHANICAL TRACTION PROS AND CONS

Answer 9

Pros:
Force & time are controlled, graded, and repeatable.
Clinician does not need to be with patient through whole session.
Some devices can be used at home.

Cons:
Most are expensive.
Most are time-consuming to set up.
Less specificity of treatment location.
Lack of patient control/participate, input.