Traction Flashcards
Lumbar spine
angle of hip flexion targets upper vs. lower lumbar areas
45 to 60 * = L5/S1
75 to 90* = upper lumbar
higher degrees = higher up the spine
lower degrees = lower down the spine
contraindications for traction
Acute strains, sprains, and inflammation
Spondylolisthesis
Fractures
Increased peripheralization with traction
Increased nerve root symptoms with traction
Joint hypermobility or instability
Pregnancy (lumbar traction)
Patients who have received surgical stabilization or decompression, spine implants, or prosthetic disks
precautions traction-4
Claustrophobia
Hiatal hernia
Impaired cognition
Any disease or condition that can compromise the structure of the spine (RA, prolonged steroid use, tumor, osteoporosis, etc.)
4 physiological and mechanical effects of traction
- Joint distraction
- Reduction of disc protrusion
- Soft-tissue stretching
- Muscle relaxation
muscle relaxation and soft tissue stretching load for cervical and lumbar
lumbar: 25% of patient’s body weight
Cervical: 12-15 lbs
distraction and reduction of disc protrusion
load for cervical and lumbar
lumbar: minimum of 50% of patient’s body weight required to cause separation
distraction cervical: 20 -30 lbs
disc protrusion: 12-15 lbs
Post traction PT consideration
Watch for “rebound effect”- pt. passes out
Have patient relax for 5 minutes after treatment
outcomes look for in test retest
↓ symptoms
Centralization of symptoms
↑ ROM/strength
Improved ability to perform ADLs
Improved reflexes/sensation
duty cycle static purpose
used for muscle spasm ( decreases neuron firing and helps muscle relax)
duty cycle intermittent purpose
disc protrusion/ herniation , radiculopathy
stimulates mechanoreceptors
research lumbar traction effectiveness
Lumbar traction seems to produce positive results in nerve root compression symptoms.
