What is Manual Traction?
Traction involves a pulling or drawing action that stretches or separates body parts using an applied force. This force can be continuous or intermittent, aimed at pulling joint surfaces apart.
Manual traction specifically refers to the physiotherapist using their hands and body weight to apply the traction force. The duration of manual traction is usually short.
Although manual traction might sound intimidating, it is a safe and effective treatment option for certain conditions. All our physiotherapists are fully qualified to perform manual traction safely.
What are the benefits of Manual Traction?
Manual traction is a technique that gently stretches the spine, separating the vertebrae, reducing pressure on discs and nerves, and relieving tension in the muscles and joints. It offers several therapeutic benefits, including:
Pain Relief
By reducing pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, manual traction can alleviate pain, particularly in conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
Improved Function
Manual traction can restore spinal alignment and improve joint mobility, leading to better overall physical function and ease of movement, particularly in the neck and lower back.
Enhanced Circulation
By increasing space between vertebrae, manual traction can promote better blood flow to spinal tissues, aiding in healing and reducing inflammation.
Prevention of Joint Degeneration
Regular traction therapy can help maintain spinal health by preventing further compression or degeneration of the vertebral joints and discs.
Faster Recovery
Manual traction can speed up recovery from spinal injuries by reducing pain, enhancing joint function, and allowing patients to engage in therapeutic exercises more comfortably.
Increased Range of Motion
By relieving tension and decompressing the spine, manual traction can improve range of motion, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
Reduced Muscle Tension
Manual traction can help relax the muscles surrounding the spine, reducing spasms, stiffness, and tension that often accompany spinal issues.
Nerve Function Improvement
By relieving pressure on the spinal nerves, manual traction can reduce symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness, often associated with nerve compression.
Better Posture
Manual traction can help realign the spine, contributing to improved posture and reducing strain on muscles and joints elsewhere in the body.
Individualised Treatment
Manual traction techniques can be adapted to suit each patient’s specific condition, body type, and level of discomfort, ensuring a personalised and effective treatment plan.
Will Manual Traction Hurt?
Manual traction should not be painful when performed correctly by your qualified LBPC physiotherapist. You may feel a stretching sensation or mild discomfort as the joints and muscles are manipulated, but it should not be painful.
What Conditions can Manual Traction treat?
Manual traction can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
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Low Back Pain: Often due to disc issues, muscle strain, or spinal joint dysfunction.
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Cervical Pain: Pain in the neck area, potentially radiating into the shoulders or arms.
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Sciatica: Pain radiating down the leg, often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
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Disc Protrusions or Herniations: Conditions where disc material bulges or herniates, putting pressure on nerves.
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Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes in spinal discs that can cause pain and reduced mobility.
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Facet Joint Dysfunction: Problems with the small joints between the vertebrae in the spine that can cause localised pain and stiffness.
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Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerves.
Manual traction is often used in combination with other treatments such as exercises, stretches, and strengthening exercises to provide comprehensive care and improve overall outcomes.
