Traction Therapy

How does traction therapy help with herniated discs?

Traction therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help with herniated discs by creating space between the vertebrae, which can reduce pressure on the affected disc. This can help to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing of the disc. Traction therapy can also help to increase blood flow to the area, which can aid in the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products, further supporting the healing process.

How does traction therapy help with herniated discs?

Can traction therapy be used to treat sciatica pain?

Yes, traction therapy can be used to treat sciatica pain. By decompressing the spine and reducing pressure on the nerves, traction therapy can help to alleviate the pain, numbness, and tingling associated with sciatica. This can provide relief for individuals suffering from sciatica and help them to improve their quality of life.

Core Stabilization Exercises

Valley Children’s Head of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Dies at 67

Joseph Anthony Gerardi, D.O., 67, a California pediatric orthopedic surgeon, passed away on March 12, 2024.

Posted by on 2024-04-08

Greg Lutz, M.D., Pioneer, Founder and Professor, Dies at Age 61

Gregory Lutz, M.D., passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 61 years old.

Posted by on 2024-04-08

Stephen Haas, M.D., Professor/White House Consultant Dies, Age 84

Stephen S. Haas, M.D., 84, Air Force veteran, former orthopedic consultant to the White, died on February 23, 2024.

Posted by on 2024-04-02

Steps2Walk: Enriching Generations Via Surgery and Education

“Voted off the island” and “voted out of the tribe” are familiar sayings in the reality TV arena. But in the real world, whether someone is intentionally excluded or cannot participate in community activities, the resulting isolation, inability to earn a living or go to school—not to mention the accompanying psychological damage—take their toll.

Steps2Walk: Enriching Generations Via Surgery and Education

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Pennsylvania Orthopedic Surgeon and Inventor Dies at Age 90

Dr. Amsler (90), Naval Medical Officer, inventor, and renown orthopedic surgeon, died Tuesday March 5, 2024.

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What are the benefits of using traction therapy for spinal decompression?

The benefits of using traction therapy for spinal decompression include reducing pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, improving spinal alignment, increasing circulation to the area, and promoting healing. By creating space between the vertebrae, traction therapy can help to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support overall spinal health. It can be an effective treatment option for individuals with conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.

What are the benefits of using traction therapy for spinal decompression?

Is traction therapy effective for treating degenerative disc disease?

Traction therapy has been found to be effective for treating degenerative disc disease by helping to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing of the affected discs. By decompressing the spine and reducing pressure on the discs, traction therapy can help to slow down the degenerative process and improve the overall health of the spine. It can be a valuable treatment option for individuals with degenerative disc disease looking for non-surgical alternatives.

How does traction therapy work to alleviate neck pain?

Traction therapy works to alleviate neck pain by decompressing the cervical spine, reducing pressure on the discs and nerves, and improving spinal alignment. This can help to relieve pain, stiffness, and tension in the neck area, allowing for improved mobility and function. Traction therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals suffering from neck pain due to conditions such as cervical disc herniation, arthritis, or muscle strain.

Types of Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Common Therapies

How does traction therapy work to alleviate neck pain?
Are there any contraindications for using traction therapy for back pain?

While traction therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are some contraindications to consider. Individuals with certain conditions such as osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal instability, or recent spinal surgery may not be suitable candidates for traction therapy. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting traction therapy to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

What is the difference between manual traction therapy and mechanical traction therapy?

The main difference between manual traction therapy and mechanical traction therapy lies in the method of application. Manual traction therapy is performed by a healthcare provider who applies traction force to the spine using their hands, while mechanical traction therapy involves the use of a traction device or table to apply controlled traction force to the spine. Both methods can be effective for spinal decompression, but the choice between manual and mechanical traction therapy may depend on individual preferences and the specific needs of the patient.

What is the difference between manual traction therapy and mechanical traction therapy?

After a wrist fracture, it is important to focus on exercises that can help improve grip strength. Some specific exercises that can be beneficial include wrist curls, finger curls, grip squeezes, and forearm pronation and supination exercises. These exercises target the muscles in the wrist, hand, and forearm, helping to increase strength and flexibility. Additionally, using hand grippers, therapy putty, or resistance bands can also aid in improving grip strength. It is important to start with light resistance and gradually increase as strength improves to avoid further injury. Consistency and proper form are key in effectively strengthening the grip after a wrist fracture.

When designing a rehabilitation program for individuals with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), several key considerations must be taken into account. These include addressing the multifaceted nature of CRPS, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management specialists, tailoring the program to the specific needs and goals of the individual, focusing on pain management strategies such as graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, and desensitization techniques, promoting functional restoration through graded exercise programs and activity modification, providing education and support to help individuals better understand and cope with their condition, and monitoring progress closely to make necessary adjustments to the program. By addressing these considerations, a comprehensive and effective rehabilitation program can be developed to help individuals with CRPS improve their function and quality of life.

Individuals with adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, may benefit from a combination of rehabilitation strategies to improve range of motion and reduce pain. Physical therapy exercises focusing on stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles can help increase flexibility and mobility in the joint. Modalities such as heat therapy, cold therapy, and ultrasound may also be used to alleviate pain and inflammation. Manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage, can help break up adhesions and improve joint function. Additionally, patient education on proper posture and ergonomics, as well as home exercise programs, can support long-term recovery and prevent future flare-ups of frozen shoulder. Overall, a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition is essential for successful rehabilitation in individuals with adhesive capsulitis.

When designing a rehabilitation program for runners with shin splints, several key considerations must be taken into account. These include addressing the underlying causes of the shin splints, such as overpronation, muscle imbalances, or improper running technique. The program should focus on strengthening the muscles in the lower leg, particularly the tibialis anterior and posterior, as well as the calf muscles. Additionally, flexibility exercises for the calf, hamstring, and hip muscles can help improve overall biomechanics and reduce strain on the shins. Gradual progression in running volume and intensity is crucial to prevent re-injury, along with proper footwear and running surface selection. It is also important to incorporate rest and recovery days into the program to allow the body to heal and adapt to the training stimulus. Regular monitoring of symptoms and adjustments to the program as needed are essential for successful rehabilitation of shin splints in runners.

Rehabilitation protocols for shoulder impingement typically focus on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles, improving shoulder mobility, and correcting any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to the impingement. This may involve exercises targeting the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles, as well as stretches to improve flexibility in the shoulder joint. In contrast, rehabilitation for rotator cuff tears may involve a more conservative approach initially, focusing on pain management, range of motion exercises, and gradually progressing to strengthening exercises as the tear heals. Physical therapy for rotator cuff tears may also include modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to aid in the healing process. Additionally, surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe tears, which would require a different post-operative rehabilitation protocol.