Spinal Decompression Methods
There are a variety of ways to apply spinal traction. A description is given of how a massage chair performs spinal traction. Traction is a force used to stretch or elongate joint surfaces. Specifically, mechanical traction is defined as the application of a mechanical force to the body with a method that separates the joint surfaces and elongate the surrounding soft tissues. In the case of spinal traction, mechanical traction is used to flex joint surfaces and stretch soft tissues.
Spinal traction machines have capabilities of exerting a pulling force across the entire length of the spine. These machines must secure both ends of the patient’s spine and then a pulling force is used to stretch the length of the spine. The pulling force is used in this case to stretch the soft tissues between the cervical disc.
A spinal decompression machine works on a theory of extending the disc in unison from top to bottom. The machine is exerting a force on both ends of the spine which pulls apart the cervical discs and stretches the soft tissues. This is also the more common thought of mechanical traction.
Another way to decompress the spine is inversion therapy. Inversion therapy uses the weight of your body to exert a force along the length of the spine. This is accomplished by suspending the individual upside down. Suspension can happen either with an inversion bed or with inversion boots. The boots require a little more acrobatics to get to the inverted position.
Now with inversion therapy the force to elongate the soft tissues is a pulling force. By suspending the individual by their feet, the force of gravity and the weight of the patient are used to apply traction. Inversion boots only apply the full force using the combination of gravity and body weight.
Another method for mechanical traction is with a roller table. Roller tables work by passing a roller underneath the patient’s spine. A patient is laid flat on a roller bad. Next, the roller is activated to apply traction across the length of the spine.
The way a roller table applies traction is with a bending force. The roller passes across each cervical disc. As the roller passes, it causes the cervical disc to deflect. This deflection of the cervical disc 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.
Applying mechanical traction to the spine with a massage chair is using a roller. The roller causes each cervical disc to deflect. As each cervical disc deflects, a bending force is applied to the soft tissues between the cervical discs. The soft tissues are elongated.
Massage chairs are also able to provide a number of other treatments in addition to spinal traction. Massage chairs have a full array of massage treatments and programs. Additionally heating elements are placed throughout the chair soothing warmth can be applied as needed. Massage chairs also have stretching of the lower body. Massage chairs also come with MP3 players which can provide a relaxing environment for the patient.
A variety of different treatments are provided with a massage chair. Massage chairs have many different massage techniques. These massage techniques can be to target specific muscle groups. They can also be adjusted in intensity. Massage chairs provide consistent massage therapy to patients. Massage also provides patients with other treatments including lower body stretching, heating and music therapy.
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