Pelvic traction

Traction therapy is a common form of treatment for bone-related symptoms, such as lumbar disc herniation, which many people choose. This method can also be used when changes occur in the pelvis. Pelvic traction method uses external force to apply force to this part, mainly to properly stretch or pull the soft tissue, and the effect is quite obvious. However, you should pay attention to the timing when choosing it and avoid excessive use.

Traction therapy is a method of applying external force to a certain part of the body or joint to cause a certain separation and proper stretching of the surrounding soft tissue, thereby achieving the purpose of treatment. Spinal traction therapy is divided into spinal traction and limb joint traction according to the different parts of the body where external force is used.

method

The appropriate traction method should be selected according to the patient's condition, physical constitution, treatment conditions and other specific circumstances.

Cervical traction method

Sitting traction is usually used, but lying traction can be used when the condition is more serious or sitting traction is not possible.

The traction effect is mainly determined by factors such as traction angle, time and weight.

(1) Traction position: If the main effect is on the lower cervical segment, the traction angle should be slightly forward, which can be between 15-30°. If the main effect is on the upper cervical segment or atlantoaxial joint, the forward angle should be smaller or vertical traction should be applied. At the same time, pay attention to adjusting the angle based on the patient's comfort.

(2) Traction weight: The weight of intermittent traction can be determined at 10%-20% of the patient's body weight, while the weight of continuous traction should be appropriately reduced. It is better to start with a lighter weight and then gradually increase it.

(3) Traction time: Continuous traction should be 20 minutes, while intermittent traction should be 20-30 minutes. Traction should be performed once a day, and a course of treatment is 10-15 days.

(4) Traction method: Most of the time, continuous traction is used, but intermittent traction or a combination of the two can also be used.

Generally, the supine position with hip and knee flexion is adopted to minimize the stress on the spine. The traction force usually starts with half of the patient's body weight and is gradually increased according to the situation, up to a maximum of the patient's body weight. Intermittent traction is the main method, with each traction lasting 20-30 minutes, 1-2 times a day, and a course of treatment of 15-20 days.

Lumbar traction method

When traction is applied to the lumbar spine, a supine pelvic weight can be used for traction.

(1) Traction position: The patient lies on his back with his calves elevated and his hips and knees flexed to approximately 90°. The pelvic traction belt is fixed to the waist, and the two ends of the traction belt are connected to traction ropes to hang the weight through pulley devices installed at the foot end of the bed.

(2) Traction weight: Determined based on individual differences, the first traction starts with 7 kg on each side (7% of body weight), and then increases by 1 to 2 kg every 1 to 3 days based on the treatment response, until the appropriate weight is reached.

(3) Traction time: 1 hour of traction followed by 20 minutes of rest, for a total of two weeks. After the patient adapts, the traction duration is gradually extended. Stop traction at night to facilitate sleep.

This traction method is suitable for milder lumbar diseases. Different traction weight and time combinations should be selected according to different conditions and individual differences. Long-term traction for patients who are absolutely bedridden is necessary to prevent the formation of pressure sores. During traction, cotton pads were placed on the bilateral anterior superior iliac spines and greater trochanter of the femur to protect the skin. It is contraindicated for pregnant women, patients with hypertension and heart disease.

Limb joint traction method

Limb traction uses different specialized joint traction devices depending on the location of the lesion.

(1) Traction position: Depending on the location of the affected joint, different positions such as supine, prone or sitting can be used for joint traction.

(2) Traction weight: The traction force should be enough to cause a certain tension or mild pain, but not cause reflex muscle spasm. The patient should be able to tolerate and complete the treatment. The traction force should be steady and gentle, transitioning from light weight, intermittent traction to continuous traction.

(3) Traction time: 10 to 20 minutes each time, so that the spasmodic muscles and restricted joints can be slowly stretched, at least 1 to 2 times a day, and the number of times can be increased if conditions permit.

The specific course of traction treatment depends on the effect of each traction. As long as muscle tightness or limited joint movement recurs after traction, traction can be considered again.