PTAP 1240- Traction Exam 2025 Questions
and Answers
Traction - ANS machine or manually; tensional mechanical force applied to separate joint
surfaces, elongates surrounding tissue
traction goal - ANS reduce s&sx of c/s or l/s compression
joint distraction - ANS -separation of 2 articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of
articulation
-reduces joint compression and widens intervertebral foramina
-requires enough force; 50% body weight for l/s and 7% of body weight for c/s
disc realignment - ANS -clicking back of disc fragment of small nuclear protrusions
-suction caused by decreased intradiscal pressure pulling displaced parts of disc back to center
-tensing of post. longitudinal ligament at post. aspect of disk; pushing disc material
lumbar traction force - ANS 60-120 lbs.
cervical traction force - ANS 15-30 lbs.
soft tissue efects - ANS -increase in length of soft tissue increases distance between vertebral
bodies and facet joints
Pg. 1 Copyright © 2025 Jasonmcconell. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
, -moderate, prolonged force has been shown to increase length of tendons, and increase joint
mobility
muscle relaxation - ANS -faciliate relaxation of paraspinal muscles by reduced pressure on
pain sensitive structures or gating by intermittent traction
intermittent traction - ANS decreased muscle spasms by blocking pain-spasm-pain cycle,
stimulate golgi tendon organs
static traction - ANS decreased muscle spasms by depression of monosynaptic response
joint mobilization - ANS -increased by high force traction stretching of surrounding soft
tissue structures
-receptive oscillatory motion of intermittent traction may move joints sufficiently to stimulate
mechanoreceptors, the decreasing joint-related pain
-mechanical traction mobilizes many joints at once whereas manual techniques are more
localized
disc bulge/herniation indications - ANS -l/s traction may decrease size of herniated disc
-lack of significant clinical benefit may be related to severity of disc protrusion
-more positive outcomes noted in c/s
nerve impingement indications - ANS -associated with: disc bulge, ligament encroachment,
foraminal stenosis, osteophyte encraochment, nerve root swelling, spondylolisthesis
-best applied shortly after onset of symptoms
joint hypomobility indications - ANS -traction can glide/distract spinal facet joints to increase
mobility
-effect is nonspecific, affecting multiple joints
Pg. 2 Copyright © 2025 Jasonmcconell. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
and Answers
Traction - ANS machine or manually; tensional mechanical force applied to separate joint
surfaces, elongates surrounding tissue
traction goal - ANS reduce s&sx of c/s or l/s compression
joint distraction - ANS -separation of 2 articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of
articulation
-reduces joint compression and widens intervertebral foramina
-requires enough force; 50% body weight for l/s and 7% of body weight for c/s
disc realignment - ANS -clicking back of disc fragment of small nuclear protrusions
-suction caused by decreased intradiscal pressure pulling displaced parts of disc back to center
-tensing of post. longitudinal ligament at post. aspect of disk; pushing disc material
lumbar traction force - ANS 60-120 lbs.
cervical traction force - ANS 15-30 lbs.
soft tissue efects - ANS -increase in length of soft tissue increases distance between vertebral
bodies and facet joints
Pg. 1 Copyright © 2025 Jasonmcconell. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
, -moderate, prolonged force has been shown to increase length of tendons, and increase joint
mobility
muscle relaxation - ANS -faciliate relaxation of paraspinal muscles by reduced pressure on
pain sensitive structures or gating by intermittent traction
intermittent traction - ANS decreased muscle spasms by blocking pain-spasm-pain cycle,
stimulate golgi tendon organs
static traction - ANS decreased muscle spasms by depression of monosynaptic response
joint mobilization - ANS -increased by high force traction stretching of surrounding soft
tissue structures
-receptive oscillatory motion of intermittent traction may move joints sufficiently to stimulate
mechanoreceptors, the decreasing joint-related pain
-mechanical traction mobilizes many joints at once whereas manual techniques are more
localized
disc bulge/herniation indications - ANS -l/s traction may decrease size of herniated disc
-lack of significant clinical benefit may be related to severity of disc protrusion
-more positive outcomes noted in c/s
nerve impingement indications - ANS -associated with: disc bulge, ligament encroachment,
foraminal stenosis, osteophyte encraochment, nerve root swelling, spondylolisthesis
-best applied shortly after onset of symptoms
joint hypomobility indications - ANS -traction can glide/distract spinal facet joints to increase
mobility
-effect is nonspecific, affecting multiple joints
Pg. 2 Copyright © 2025 Jasonmcconell. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
