Manual Traction
Manual traction gently decompresses the spine and other joints to relieve pressure, ease nerve irritation, and support alignment.
What Is it?
Manual traction is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps decompress the spine or other joints. By relieving pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues, it can reduce pain and improve mobility, particularly in patients with disc-related symptoms or nerve compression.
Our Approach
Manual traction is used to gently decompress the spine or other joints when pressure or nerve symptoms are present. Your therapist will assess whether this technique is appropriate, then apply gentle, sustained pulls to relieve discomfort and improve movement. It’s often combined with stabilization, breathwork, and movement retraining for lasting relief.
Conditions We Treat
Manual traction is applied to relieve joint compression and restore motion in a gentle, controlled way.
Conditions We Address with Traction:
• Lumbar or cervical disc herniation
• Spinal nerve root compression
• Foraminal narrowing or spinal stenosis
• Pain that improves with unloading
• Sciatica or radiating symptoms with compression
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Hip and knee pain and stiffness
What Can I Expect
We assess whether spinal decompression is appropriate based on your symptoms and mobility. If indicated, your therapist will apply gentle, hands-on traction to relieve pressure and improve alignment. The decompression may be held for a few seconds or longer based upon how long it takes for your feel relief. You’ll be supported throughout — and traction may be combined with movement retraining or stabilization work.
What Are the Benefits
• Decompressed spinal joints and reduced nerve pressure
• Relief from disc herniation or radiating pain
• Improved mobility and comfort
• Support for spinal alignment and healing
• A calm, gentle approach to nerve-sensitive conditions
Additional FAQs
What does traction feel like?
It’s a gentle pulling sensation that helps relieve pressure on your spine or joints. Most patients find it relaxing and relieving and enjoy the sensation of feeling taller.
Will I need traction at every session?
Not necessarily. We only use it when it’s helpful for your symptoms and always as part of a broader plan to improve function.
