Difference between Traction and Distraction?

 What is The Difference between Traction and Distraction?

In the field of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and orthopedics, the terms traction and distraction are widely used when referring to the techniques that involve the application of external force to the musculoskeletal system.

Traction:

Traction refers to the application of a longitudinal pulling force along the axis of a bone, joint, or spinal column.

Goal of traction;

The goal of traction is to reduce pain, correct deformities, align the fractured bones, or relieve pressure on nerves and soft tissues.

Direction of force for Traction:

The force is applied longitudinally (in line with the long axis of the bone or spine).

Purpose of Traction;

  • Reduce muscle spasm
  • Align fractured bones
  • Relieve nerve compression
  • Correct or prevent deformity

Clinical Applications

Skeletal Traction: Using pins/wires inserted in bones to treat severe fractures and deformities.

Skin Traction: Using adhesive straps and weights

Cervical or lumbar spinal traction:   Used for spondylosis or disc prolapse.

Example;

Apply cervical traction to relieve pressure on a cervical nerve root in a patient with cervical spondylosis.

Distraction:

It is the process of separating two articular surfaces or bony segments by applying force in the opposite direction, perpendicular to or away from the joint surface.

Goal of distraction;

The goal of distraction is to reduce compression, to facilitate mobilization, and to increase the joint space.

Direction of force for Distraction:

Force is applied to separate joint surfaces, usually perpendicular to the articular plane.

Purpose of Distraction;

  • To reduce joint stiffness
  • Increased joint mobility
  • Decompress articular cartilage
  • Facilitate surgical or orthopedic procedure

Clinical applications

  1. Arthrokinematics in manual therapy to relieve compression.
  2. Ilizarov technique in orthopedics for bone lengthening.
  3. Manual joint distraction in physiotherapy for mobilization.

Example;

Performing hip joint distraction in physiotherapy to increase joint mobility after mobilization.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a dpt program?

 🩺 What is the DPT Program?  And if you’ve ever been intrigued by the way the human body can move and heal — and have a desire to work in a field that intersects science, caring, and impact — then a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program could be your calling. Whether you’re a high school student in the process of investigating health careers, a college graduate considering applying to DPT programs, or just curious about physical therapy education, learn more about what the DPT program is and what it covers as well as how it paves the way for a licensed practice. 🧠 What is a DPT Program? The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a professional doctorate that provides the level of education required for students to take the licensing examination to become PTs. It’s the entry-level degree for anyone who wants to be able to practice as a PT in most countries, this one included.  This degree focuses on: Movement science Patient rehabilitation Injury prevention Manua...
Read more

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Image
What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? | Causes, Types, Symptoms & Treatment Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) , also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily , often with little or no trauma. It affects the production of collagen , a key protein that provides strength and structure to bones and connective tissues.  What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a hereditary connective tissue disorder . It primarily affects the bones but may also involve the teeth, skin, ligaments, and eyes . The condition is caused by mutations in genes—mostly COL1A1 or COL1A2 —that control the production of type I collagen . As a result, bones become brittle, leading to frequent fractures and skeletal deformities.  Types of Osteogenesis Imperfecta  There are at least eight recognized types of OI, varying from mild to severe. Here's a simplified breakdown: Type Description Severity Type I Most...
Read more

what is brain encephalitis?

Image
Brain Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Encephalitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain . It is often caused by a viral infection   but may also occur due to autoimmune reactions , bacteria, or other pathogens. If not treated promptly, encephalitis can lead to severe neurological complications .  What is Brain Encephalitis? Encephalitis is the inflammation of brain tissue. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can interfere with normal brain function and lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms. It can be classified as: Primary encephalitis : Direct viral infection of the brain. Secondary encephalitis : An immune response following an infection elsewhere in the body. Causes of Encephalitis 1. Viral Infections (Most Common Cause) Herpes Simplex Virus (most common and severe) Enteroviruses Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) Measles, mump...
Read more