Traction Holland, MI

Traction is a form of decompression therapy that we are happy to offer at our Holland, MI physical therapy practice. It relieves pressure on the spine and alleviates pain from joints, sprains, and spasms. It can also treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions.

Traction is performed by skilled physical therapists and/or the use of mechanical units. If your back is bothering you, request an appointment at Full Potential Physical Therapy today to find out if traction could benefit you!

Lower back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported form of pain. It is a major cause of medical expenses, work absenteeism, and disability. With traction, you can find some much-needed relief and get back to comfortably living your daily life.

What are the types of traction?

Mechanical Traction

The specialized treatment technique of mechanical traction uses devices that work by stretching the spinal vertebrae and muscles.

Manual Traction

With manual traction, our physical therapists use their hands to stretch the spinal vertebrae and muscles.

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How does traction work?

Traction relieves pressure on the spine and alleviates pain. Cervical traction and lumbar traction are similar, but they have a couple of key differences: with cervical traction, a gentle force is used to stretch or pull the head away from the neck. With lumbar traction, a gentle force is used to gently gap the pelvis from the lower back. Both of these methods are useful in manipulating the spine and providing relief.

If your back has been bothering you, don’t hesitate to request an appointment Full Potential Physical Therapy today. One of our highly trained Holland, MI physical therapists will design a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. Don’t live with LBP – manual traction can help get you moving.

A Better Life is Only Four Steps Away

Physical therapy can be an unfamiliar experience for many. To orient new patients to the process, we have divided their rehab journey into four segments called “The Four Phases of Getting Better.” It is important to note that while there are four phases utilized over the course of your care, they are not totally separate. They move gradually toward greater strengthening and function, which is the end goal to return confidently to the life you desire to live.

1

Pain Relief

The first focus in getting better is pain relief. After your evaluation, your physical therapist will use hands-on techniques or manual therapy, light therapeutic exercise, and education on how to modify your activity and posture in order to give you more control over your pain. In this stage, modalities like ice, heat, myofascial release, electric stimulation and kinesiotape may be used.

2

Improve Mobility/Flexibility

The second step in this method is to improve mobility and flexibility. Your therapist will design a progressive program of range of motion and light stretching to restore mobility and reduce pain.

3

Improve Strength/Control

In the third step of this method, muscle weakness will be addressed to help you maintain the gains and momentum you achieve through phases one and two. A thorough strengthening process is the step that gives results that last, and this will prepare you for more functional training – the final step.

4

Functional Training

Now that your pain is resolved and you have the necessary mobility and strength, your program can be advanced into functional training. Whether you are returning to work, returning to life after post-op rehabilitation, getting back into recreation or sports, or simply returning to the activities of daily life, this step helps ensure your success after graduation and empowers you to be confident in your abilities again.

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