Cervical traction, also known as traction of the spine, is a treatment process used to relieve areas of stiffness and pain along the spinal area. It affects all areas of the spine including the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper back), and lumbar spine (lower back). Cervical traction is delivered through either one of two ways, manually through human hands or mechanically through a device. In the case of mechanical traction, the patient’s head and neck is placed into a device which applies gentle pressure to add space between the cervical vertebrae, loosening previous areas of tension. This process is often shorter than the manual alternative. Manual cervical traction involves the therapist pulling the patient’s head away from the neck into varying positions using just their hands. Either treatment process is an efficient and cheaper alternative to surgical or medicinal remedies.
A doctor or physical therapist can perform the process, but so can the patient themselves in the comfort of their own home. Results will vary based on who delivers the treatment.
Brooklyn Body Works Physical Therapy is staffed with a professional and caring team of experts with clinical experience in utilizing Cervical Traction. Browse through our physical therapist profiles to learn how they can help you with restoring functionality.
Since cervical tractions affect the spine, the treatment is useful for neck pain, back problems, even nerve or muscle issues, so long as those areas pertain to the spine. Patients who receive cervical tractions report reduced pain, tension, and swelling in their both necks and backs. Other added benefits include improved mobility, better body alignment and posture, and increased flexibility in the neck and spinal column once the soreness has been eliminated.
Cervical traction acts as short-term treatment to those contending with issues such as pinched nerves and neck sprains. The process serves as long-term treatment for scoliosis or spinal stenosis, among other problems.
Cervical Traction can include techniques or exercises such as:
Brooklyn Body Works Physical Therapy began as an idea to bring the highest quality physical therapy to all people in our community. We wanted to offer the best that NYC has in health care while not marginalizing people based on socioeconomic boundaries (race, income, language, religion, etc). We offer a “concierge style service” and continue to accept many commercial insurances, medicare and even medicaid policies.
Since this is a physical therapy session which will require a physical examination and therapeutic exercise (varies by patient), we ask all our patients to come prepared. Please come dressed in loose fitted clothing that will allow for easy mobility, comfort, and access to the area of complaint. In addition we recommend sneakers with soles that grip to prevent slips or falls.
The need for a referral depends on what type of insurance you have. Most insurance plans do not require one, however some insurances do. For example, if you have HIP, you will need a referral from your primary care physician. We ask that you check to see what your health insurance plan requires prior to your initial visit. If you are unsure, please contact our front office and we’ll do our best to determine whether or not you require a referral.
To get in contact with us, click on the following link to view information pertaining to each office.
Each patients case and diagnosis is unique and requires the development of an individualized plan of care. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate of the number of sessions needed to reach a level of “feeling better”, during your initial evaluation.
Over time the number of visits may increase or decrease from the initial estimate, based on the progress made.
Brooklyn Body Works Physical Therapy accepts many of the available major insurance plans as well as alternate payment options, including cash/self-pay, to make our services accessible and affordable. Please visit the link below to view all information pertaining to Payment Options.
