Mechanical Agents and Massage

Question 1

What percentage of a patient’s body weight is needed to provide separation in the lumbar spine with traction? What about cervical spine?

Answer 1

50% body weight for lumbar
7% for cervical (20-30lbs)

• traction force should never exceed this amount

Question 2

What are the benefits of traction?

Answer 2

joint separation
muscle relaxation/soft tissue stretch
reduction of disc protrusion
general mobilization

Question 3

T/F: Mechanical traction is neither beneficial nor harmful in the treatment of non specific LBP.

Answer 3

true

Question 4

What are contraindications to traction?

Answer 4

acute sprain/strain
spondylolysthesis
numbness/tingling
increased peripheralization of pain
fractures
post-op

Question 5

What degree of flexion should the neck be placed during cervical traction?

Answer 5

20-30deg

Question 6

How many pounds of force should be used at the neck and lumbar spine to start?

Answer 6

30-40 lbs for lumbar (not to exceed 50% BW)
15-20 lbs for cervical (not to exceed 30)

more weight for joint distraction, less for disc protrusion

Question 7

For what conditions might you use a pneumatic device for mechanical compression?

Answer 7

stasis ulcer, venous insufficiency, chronic edema, post-masectomy lymphedema, ankle sprains with traumatic edema

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a contraindication for intermittent mechanical compression?

a) acute inflammation
b) DVT
c) obstructed venous return, arterial insufficiency
d) uncontrolled hypertension
e) diminished sensation
f) none of the above

Answer 8

D) uncontrolled hypertension is a precaution

Question 9

How do intermittent mechanical compression devices work to reduce edema?

Answer 9

external pressure on the extremity increases the pressure in the interstitial fluids, forcing fluid to move into the lymph/venous return system

Question 10

What should you do prior to putting on a vasopneumatic device?

Answer 10

check the pts BP

set ratio to 3:1

Question 11

T/F: CPM should not be used for the post op management of patients following uncomplicated TKE.

Answer 11

true (research says this)

Question 12

When rising up a patient on the tilt table that’s non verbal, what indicators might you look for that could indicate decreasing tolerance?

Answer 12

BP/HR/RR

cyanotic lips or nail beds

Question 13

T/F: Severe RA is a contraindication to massage.

Answer 13

true
- contraindications: edema secondary to kidney dysfunction, heart failure, venous insufficiency, severe atherosclerosis/varicose veins