Introduction:
Traction therapy is a commonly used and helpful treatment for different problems with muscles and bones, such as disorders of the spine, slipped discs, and pain in joints. This technique does not involve any surgery and uses gentle force to stretch and release pressure on the spine or other painful areas. The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and improve well-being. To get the most out of traction therapy and maximize its benefits, doing certain exercises and activities before and after the treatment is important.
What Is Traction Therapy and Why Is It Done?
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Traction therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that involves the controlled application of pulling forces to stretch and decompress the spine or joints.
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Traction therapy is performed using either mechanical devices or manual techniques, which create a gentle, controlled stretching of the affected area.
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This process helps to reduce pressure on nerves, reduce muscle tension, and promote the realignment of spinal structures or joint surfaces.
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Traction therapy is commonly used to treat herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
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It is often employed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside other modalities and exercises.
What Are the Activities or Exercises That Are Done Before Traction Therapy?
Before starting traction therapy, a doctor or a physiotherapist should be consulted. They will examine the health status and medical background and decide if traction therapy is right for an individual. Based on what the doctor or physiotherapist finds during the assessment, they will suggest certain exercises and activities to get the individual’s body ready for the treatment. Some of the things that are usually suggested before traction therapy are listed below.
Core Strengthening Exercises
Core muscles support the spine and surrounding structures, helping stabilize the body during traction. The common core strengthening exercises before traction therapy are planks, bridges, and pelvic tilts. The benefits and how these exercises help in traction therapy are listed below.
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These exercises increase the spine's stability and create a strong foundation for the stretching forces applied during traction.
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A stronger core contributes to better posture and alignment, essential for optimal treatment outcomes.
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Preparing the core muscles beforehand makes the patients experience a more comfortable and productive traction therapy session.
Range of Motion Exercises
Gentle range of motion exercises involve controlled movements that help increase flexibility and adaptability of the targeted muscles and joints. Before traction therapy, a range of motion exercises commonly includes gentle twists, rotations, and controlled stretches.
The benefits of these exercises include:
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These exercises gradually ease the affected area into the stretching process.
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Reduces the risk of discomfort or injury during traction.
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Promotes synovial fluid circulation and helps in joint lubrication and mobility.
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These exercises facilitate a smoother and more effective traction therapy session.
Hydration and Nutrition
It is necessary to drink enough water to keep the muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral discs healthy and functioning properly. Drinking enough water ensures that these body parts can be easily stretched without causing any pain or discomfort.
A healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, helps keep the bones strong and helps the body heal. These vitamins and minerals help the body to respond well to traction therapy. Caffeine and other sugary beverages must be avoided before traction therapy since they tend to dehydrate a person’s body.
What Are the Activities or Exercises That Are Done After Traction Therapy?
After undergoing traction therapy, incorporating different exercises and activities can help maintain the benefits of the treatment and promote recovery. After the treatment, a person can start doing gentle exercises that feel comfortable. Start by doing the movements slowly and for a short time. It is important to have good posture to avoid getting hurt.
Stretching Exercises
After traction therapy, gentle stretching exercises can help maintain the improved range of motion and prevent muscles from becoming stiff. Focus on the targeted muscles during traction therapy and perform static stretches, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
Commonly done stretches include:
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Hamstring stretch.
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Cat-cow stretch.
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Neck stretches.
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Child’s pose.
Strengthening Exercises
The therapist recommends engaging in specific strengthening exercises to build muscle support around the treated area. Resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and low-impact activities like swimming can aid muscle development.
Postural Exercises
Postural exercises after traction therapy help maintain the improvements achieved during the treatment. They can help prevent muscle imbalances that occur after treatment and help reinforce the correct alignment of the spine and joints.
What Exercises and Activities Can Be Done to Maintain the Benefits of Traction Therapy for the Long Term?
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Regular Exercise Routine - Create a regular exercise plan that includes different workouts like cardio, strength training, stretching, and balancing exercises. This complete method will help traction therapy work and improve health in the long run.
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Ergonomic Practices - Using ergonomic principles in everyday activities can help prevent strain and discomfort in the spine and joints. Changing and adjusting the work area, sitting up straight with proper posture, and using ergonomic tools decrease the chances of having problems with the muscles and bones later on.
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Hydrotherapy - Hydrotherapy, like swimming or exercising in water, is a gentle way to help joints move and relax muscles. Adding hydrotherapy to a routine can help improve the benefits of traction therapy and support healthy joints.
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Mind-Body Activities - Activities such as yoga, tai chi, and pilates focus on the connection between the mind and body and the importance of breathing and controlled movement. Doing these activities can help one feel better after using traction therapy. They can also help people relax and reduce the chance of their muscles getting tense again.
Conclusion:
Traction is a safe treatment that helps people with spine-related pain by stretching their spines. It is important to gather a complete medical history, do a thorough physical exam, and take X-ray images before starting traction therapy. When done with traction therapy, the above-listed exercises and activities may result in a more positive outcome.
