Spinal traction can be accomplished in a number of different ways. Let us walk through different methods of spinal traction including massage chairs. Traction or stretching requires a force. This can be a bending force or a pulling force. The purpose of traction is to stretch out the soft tissues between joint surfaces. When looking at spinal traction, the key is to exert a force which stretches the soft tissues.
Spinal traction machines have capabilities of exerting a pulling force across the entire length of the spine. These machines must secure both ends of the patient’s spine and then a pulling force is used to stretch the length of the spine. The pulling force is used in this case to stretch the soft tissues between the cervical disc.
A spinal decompression machine works on a theory of extending the disc in unison from top to bottom. The machine is exerting a force on both ends of the spine which pulls apart the cervical discs and stretches the soft tissues. This is also the more common thought of mechanical traction.
Another method used to affect traction is inversion therapy. Inversion therapy usually utilizes boots that the wearer puts on. Either the patient is laid on flat table which then allows them to be raised with their feet up. Or the user must lock the boots onto a bar and then suspend themselves from there hanging upside down.
Now with inversion therapy the force to elongate the soft tissues is a pulling force. By suspending the individual by their feet, the force of gravity and the weight of the patient are used to apply traction. Inversion boots only apply the full force using the combination of gravity and body weight.
Roller tables are commonly used to apply traction across the length of the spine. In this case, a patient is laid down on the table. The table is activated, and a roller passes up and down the length of the patient’s spine.
When using a roller table, a mechanical force is applied with the use of a roller. The roller causes a bending of the soft tissues. This occurs when the roller passes and causes the cervical disc to deflect. This deflection stretches and elongates the soft tissues.
Massage chairs work on the same theory as roller tables. A roller is passed across the spine. The weight of the patient and the angle of the recline determine the force exerted on the disc. Unlike a roller table, however, massage chairs are able to adjust their angle.
Applying mechanical traction to the spine with a massage chair is using a roller. The roller causes each cervical disc to deflect. As each cervical disc deflects, a bending force is applied to the soft tissues between the cervical discs. The soft tissues are elongated.
Massage chairs are very versatile in a health care environment. They provide a variety of treatments for patients. They contain many different massage techniques. These chairs can be targeted for specific areas. Additional treatments include lower body stretching systems, heating elements throughout the chair and an MP3 player for music relaxation.
Massage chairs are versatile by providing a number of different treatment options. Many of the massage programs can be precisely controlled and directed to specific areas. This helps to see the direct effect that massage therapy has on the patient. Massage chairs also provide a relaxing environment with an MP3 player and headphones.
