Traction as used in chiropractic environments, is usually spinal traction. Chiropractors must treat many patients with low back problems. Applying traction to the spine is for the purpose of stretching the soft tissues between the cervical discs to assist in recovery. Traction can be applied by using a bending or pulling force to stretch the soft tissues.

The most common form of spinal traction used is a pulling force. Typically, the patient is laid on their back and their hips are held and a force is exerted on the shoulders and head. A spinal decompression machine is typically used to exert a pulling force on the patient spine by stretching the patient when they are supine.

In the case of a spinal decompression machine, a pulling force is used as the means for mechanical traction. Both ends of the patient is secured. The machine is then activated which pulls across the full length of the spine. In theory, the full length of the spine is stretched and then the soft tissues between the spinal discs are that also stretched.

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.

The weight of the body is used in inversion therapy to effect traction. With an inversion bed, the angle of suspension can be controlled. The weight of the individual and the force of gravity both pull along the length of the spine.

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.

Massage chairs can apply this type of mechanical traction to the spine. They are using gravity as the pulling force over the top of the roller. The roller causes the cervical disc to deflect when the roller passes. The soft tissues are then stretched which is the definition of mechanical traction.

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.

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