Instructional Use Statement
The following information is used for instructional purposes for students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Lane Community College. It is not intended for commercial use or distribution or commercial purposes. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or treatment.
Contact howardc@lanecc.edu for permissions
Introduction and Overview
Traction has a long history of use in physical therapy. Research is positive, neutral, and negative with regards to clinical validity in its ability to draw apart spinal structures. The expense of mechanical traction equipment and traction tables can limit access to this modality. Many manual therapists find their specific joint mobilization techniques and exercise-based approaches just as effective in reducing symptoms as mechanical traction. Similarly many manual therapists will recommend home cervical or lumbar traction units as a component of a home management program. Clinical instruction and clinical emphasis will vary depending on the experience of the therapists, the availability of equipment, and the patient case mix. PTs and PTAs continue to have mechanical traction principles and application as a component of the core, entry level curriculum. PTAs apply and instruct patients in the therapeutic uses of traction. PTAs must also be able to recognize signs and symptoms of an adverse reaction and communicate findings back to the physical therapist.
Wach and listen to VideoCast on Traction (Approximately 32 minutes)
Specific Areas of Focus
- Describe the claims of therapeutic benefit for clinical traction
- Calculate traction forces needed to overcome friction
- Describe the benefits of using a traction table during treatment
- Compare and contrast efficacy of cervical vs. lumbar traction
- Select minimum traction poundage for therapeutic effect in the cervical spine
- Calculate minimum traction poundage for therapeutic effect in the lumbar spine
- Select treatment position based upon target area and goals for intervertebral separation
- Analyze and modify application of traction based on the treatment response
- Apply cervical and lumbar traction safely and effectively
Definition
Drawing apart; pulling
Separation of bones and/or bony segments utilizing a distraction force
Classification of traction
Manual: distraction force is provided by the therapist
Mechanical: distraction force is provided by a machine
Gravitational traction: distraction force is provided by gravity
Opposing force is frictional: resistive force which opposes the traction force
Types of Traction
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Autotraction
- Cervical traction
- Continuous (bed) traction
- Elastic traction / Gravity-Assisted traction
- Head traction
The features, advantages and disadvantages are reinforced in the Miami Dade PTA Program lecture
