The basics of lumbar traction are:
1. Postioniong
2. Intensity
3. Duration
Positioning (relative degrees of flexion/extension, sidebending, rotation
of the lumbar spine) is based on the direction that gives the most
relief--there is a book on autotraction that goes over positioning as does
Duane Saunders (he has a textbook which goes over mechanical pelvic traction).
Intensity--it is usually recommended to start at 1/2 the patients body
weight and work up from there each session if it gives relief. This varies
quite a bit
Duration--usually between 15-30 minutes
As far as research substantiating any of these claims/suggestions--these
are only recommendations.
At 03:21 PM 12/13/98 EST, you wrote:
>Dear Colleagues,
>
>I would like to thank all of you who have responded to my question regarding
>the use of mechanical lumbar traction. My intention was to get feedback on
>other clinicians perspectives and the treatment protocols - especially
>begining force amplitude and progression.
>
>As most of you are familiar there is no strong research evidence on the
use of
>mechanical lumbar traction. Of course, I have done the medline search and
>acquired additional information from textbooks.
>
>Thus, I was really looking for some additional information rather than
>rationale for treatment, although I did appreciate insight given by Dr. Siff
>and others.
>
>
>Thank you
>Nick El Baridi, PT
>
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