The older form of traction is a simple steady force that is put on the patient’s body with the intent of unloading the body’s joints, muscles, and other structures. For example, hanging upside-down on an “inversion table” is a common method to put the spine into traction. Inverse tables use one’s body weight to put traction force on the spine, thus, the body weight is working to unload the spine while the person is upside down. Inversion tables may be contraindicated for patients with vascular disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.

Spinal traction has been around for over 1000 years and it has been seen in a variety of forms. Old forms of spinal traction can be uncomfortable and do not always produce pain relief. Clinical studies have shown ordinary traction with a steady pull can be an ineffective treatment for back and neck pain relief. The lack of success with older forms of traction may be due to our bodies’ reaction to the steady pull of the traction machine. Under a steady traction pull our spinal muscles may involuntarily contract which makes unloading the injured spinal disc unsuccessful. So, rather than achieving the desired effect of unloading the spinal disc, the contracting spinal muscles may actually increase the intradiscal pressure. This old form of traction does not allow the spinal discs to heal or the spinal nerves to become decompressed.

Spinal decompression therapy using the Triton DTS is a modern, computerized, updated form of traction. The Triton Decompression Traction System uses computer technology to control variations in the unloading (traction pull) of the spine, effectively avoiding the body’s muscle contraction response. Your physical therapist can control how many progressive tension steps you experience before reaching the maximum tension. Also, the physical therapist has complete control over how long the tensions are held steady and how often they are repeated through

After lying on the comfortable Triton Decompression Traction System table, you will be fitted in a support system. The support system helps to stabilize your body. The advanced computer-controlled system automatically adjusts to the proper angle of pull (distraction), allowing us to target the specific spinal discs that are causing your pain and symptoms. The distractive forces utilize a computer controlled logarithmic curve to avoid reflex responses which would create muscle spasm. The split table design decreases friction and allows decompression of the spinal disc.

While lying down on the table, the Triton DTS’s computer simulates an anti-gravity effect on your spine that helps herniated spinal disc material to move toward its normal position, thus, reducing spinal disc pressure and pain. Patients typically describe the treatment as a gentle, painless, intermittent pulling sensation.

Patients typically undergo 15 to 20 decompression/traction treatment sessions and the treatment session will include additional physical therapy. A complete physical therapy session can last between 45 and 60 minutes. However, treatment time will vary upon a patient’s condition and is determined by a thorough pre-treatment physical therapy evaluation. It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few physical therapy treatments.

Though each patient is different and no physical therapist can guarantee success, the clinical results of this type of therapy have been shown to be effective in 86% of patients treated. The common problems of many back conditions are damaged spinal discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The specially-designed Triton Decompression Traction System creates a controlled unloading of the spine which appears to decrease spinal disc pressure while increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This blood and nutrient exchange is critical to aid in the spinal disc healing process. Muscle strength, control, and endurance can all be improved with our spinal physical therapy program which will includes specific controlled spinal exercises.

Treatments using the Triton DTS are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize FDA-cleared equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretching on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions. The Triton Decompression Traction System is produced by one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hospital-based therapy and rehabilitation equipment, Chattanooga.

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression therapy using the Triton DTS is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness of the treatment. Continual improvements in the traction / decompression system and regular updates in protocol keep this system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with this type of therapy and that number is growing.

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression therapy using the Triton DTS is new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness of the treatment. Continual improvements in the traction / decompression system and regular updates in protocol keep this system in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with this type of therapy and that number is growing.

This depends on the complexity and extent of physical therapy needed, however, we typically treat patients 3-4 times a week for approximately 1 month, and then the patient is transitioned from passive to active treatments. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and the patient’s response to treatment is continually evaluated. Physical therapy treatment may be increased or reduced in frequency depending on the response to treatment.

The physical therapy phase may include additional spinal decompression treatments using the Triton DTS coupled with therapeutic exercise, stretching, and spinal manipulation to enhance the response to treatment. Most patients discontinue spinal decompression / traction treatments after 4 to 6 weeks.

Spinal decompression therapy using the Triton DTS, as practiced in our clinic, is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques. This therapy can integrate other therapies which may include: targeted spinal musclestabilization exercises, biofeedback, dry needling, and osteopathic. Our approach to treating spinal disc injury with a combination of treatments is what sets our clinic apart.

Additionally, spinal discs have been shown to be a predominant site of pain, so directing treatment the spinal disc can be an effective treatment approach. The blending of focused traction at the injury site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening / conditioning of musculature makes the treatment unique.

In addition to the injury to the spinal disc, it is important to condition the supporting spinal muscles. A complete physical therapy program targeting the function of the spinal stabilization muscles is vital. Moist heat, electric stimulation, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, soft tissue and joint mobilization can offer additional benefits for reduction of inflammation and muscle spasm.

A gradual weakening of the spinal muscles and secondary supporting muscles of the spine and the consequential decrease in spinal stability can put undue stresses on the spinal discs and leads to premature spinal disc degeneration, pain, and loss of function. Our program of spinal exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

Although it is difficult to predict the future, experience has shown that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire recommended program of treatments. Regular home exercise will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program, your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities are essential to long-term relief.

Most physical therapy services are covered by your health insurance and patients are typically responsible for co-payment, co-insurance, and / or insurance deductibles. Since insurance coverage varies between insurance plans, our staff will review all costs, payment options, and insurance coverage before treatment begins.