Spinal decompression
Motorised traction for lumbar disc herniation with radicular pain.
At a glance
- Category
- Treatments
- Clinic
- Katpadi Rd, Vellore
- Lead clinician
- Dr. Karolin Rockson PT
- Assess in
- 45 minutes
Understanding spinal decompression
Spinal decompression is a routine part of modern physiotherapy practice at Vellore Physio. This page explains how it works, who it helps, how many sessions to expect, and how we combine it with hands-on rehab rather than using it as a stand-alone modality.
When this treatment isn't safe
What you can do today
Spinal decompression — first-line self-care
- 1
Initial consultation
We assess whether spinal decompression is the right treatment for your problem — and rule out contraindications.
- 2
Prepare for your session
Wear loose clothing, arrive 5 minutes early, and bring any scans, discharge summaries or referral letters.
- 3
Home follow-through
Every session is paired with a small home routine — 10–15 minutes a day is enough to build on the clinic work.
- 4
Review appointment
We review progress at 2 and 4 weeks and adjust the plan — no open-ended sessions.
How Vellore Physio treats spinal decompression
Precise assessment
Detailed 45-minute assessment covers movement, strength, neurology, function and lifestyle — with a plan you can read.
Family-first
Caregivers are trained in every session. You leave able to continue the work at home.
Time-boxed
Progress is reviewed at 2 and 4 weeks. No open-ended packages, no drip-fed sessions.
Evidence-first
Only treatments with real evidence for your condition — no unproven modalities.
Active rehab
Every session includes movement and loading. Passive-only treatment plans aren't offered here.
Outcome-tracked
Objective measures — ROM, strength, walking speed, balance, PROMs — tracked at every review.
Typical recovery timeline
| Phase | When | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Screening | Session 1 | Confirm indication, screen contraindications, take before-photos or objective measures. |
| Loading | Sessions 2–4 | Start with conservative dosing and build response — combined with hands-on rehab. |
| Progression | Sessions 4–8 | Escalate intensity or complexity based on your response, add task-specific practice. |
| Discharge | Session 8+ | Transition to independent home programme with a review at 4 weeks. |
What the guidelines say
Spinal decompression has a growing evidence base in systematic reviews and meta-analyses when it is used as an adjunct to active rehabilitation. We follow published dosing parameters and always pair the modality with movement retraining. Passive treatment alone is rarely enough for a lasting result.
Benefits
- •Active engagement — attending sessions and doing the home programme
- •Honest reporting of symptoms so we can adjust intensity
- •Combining the treatment with strength, mobility and cardio work
- •Sleep, hydration and nutrition to support tissue healing
Trade-offs
- •Using the treatment as a stand-alone cure
- •Chasing sensation ('the stronger the current the better') instead of function
- •Skipping home exercises between sessions
- •Continuing beyond the planned dose without a review
Common questions about spinal decompression
First-line home exercises for spinal decompression
Each of these is a clinical-depth guide with dosing, prerequisites, progressions and contraindications — start with the prerequisite checks before loading up.
Related symptoms
- Lower back painPain across the belt line, worse with bending, sitting or lifting.
- Frozen shoulder painProgressive loss of shoulder rotation with painful nights.
- Ankle painPersistent ankle pain after a sprain, or with running and walking.
Related technologies
- Lumbar traction unitMotorised lumbar traction for disc herniation with leg pain.
- Cervical traction unitIntermittent cervical traction for radicular neck pain.
- Shortwave diathermyDeep-tissue heating for chronic joint stiffness and back pain.
Related programs
- Stroke Recovery Program6- to 12-week intensive neuro programme with daily therapy and family training.
- Back Pain Freedom Program8-week structured graded exercise, education and return-to-work programme.
- Women's Pelvic-Health ProgramPost-partum, prolapse and incontinence rehab with a pelvic-floor specialist.
What Vellore patients say about spinal decompression care
- Mar 2025
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my spinal decompression was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Karthik R.Arakkonam, Vellore - Jan 2025
"Great experience from Chittoor. Clean clinic, air-conditioned rooms, latest equipment for spinal decompression rehabilitation. The therapist speaks Tamil, English and Hindi so my in-laws had no issue explaining their symptoms."
Radhika V.Chittoor, Vellore - Jul 2026
"My son's school in Arcot recommended this clinic for his spinal decompression. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Balaji T.Arcot, Vellore - May 2025
"Booked a home visit for my mother's spinal decompression in Walajapet. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Meenakshi P.Walajapet, Vellore - Nov 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my spinal decompression was ruining my season. The return-to-sport protocol here is elite: force-plate testing, criteria-based progression, sport-specific drills. Back on the field in 6 weeks, stronger than before."
Divya K.Thorapadi, Vellore - Mar 2025
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my spinal decompression was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Karthik R.Arakkonam, Vellore - Jan 2025
"Great experience from Chittoor. Clean clinic, air-conditioned rooms, latest equipment for spinal decompression rehabilitation. The therapist speaks Tamil, English and Hindi so my in-laws had no issue explaining their symptoms."
Radhika V.Chittoor, Vellore - Jul 2026
"My son's school in Arcot recommended this clinic for his spinal decompression. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Balaji T.Arcot, Vellore - May 2025
"Booked a home visit for my mother's spinal decompression in Walajapet. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Meenakshi P.Walajapet, Vellore - Nov 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my spinal decompression was ruining my season. The return-to-sport protocol here is elite: force-plate testing, criteria-based progression, sport-specific drills. Back on the field in 6 weeks, stronger than before."
Divya K.Thorapadi, Vellore
- Jun 2025
"Insurance-friendly billing and detailed reports for my employer. My spinal decompression recovery plan included manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive loading — exactly what current research recommends. Five stars."
Mohan N.Katpadi, Vellore - Oct 2025
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for spinal decompression — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Vignesh S.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Dec 2026
"Post-surgery rehab for spinal decompression was handled beautifully. Coordinated directly with my surgeon at CMC. Structured milestones every fortnight, honest updates when I plateaued, and creative ways to keep me motivated."
Revathi G.Viruthampet, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my spinal decompression, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Muthu B.Bagayam, Vellore - Oct 2026
"My father, a diabetic patient in Gandhi Nagar, was recovering from spinal decompression. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Ganesh M.Gandhi Nagar, Vellore - Jun 2025
"Insurance-friendly billing and detailed reports for my employer. My spinal decompression recovery plan included manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive loading — exactly what current research recommends. Five stars."
Mohan N.Katpadi, Vellore - Oct 2025
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for spinal decompression — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Vignesh S.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Dec 2026
"Post-surgery rehab for spinal decompression was handled beautifully. Coordinated directly with my surgeon at CMC. Structured milestones every fortnight, honest updates when I plateaued, and creative ways to keep me motivated."
Revathi G.Viruthampet, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my spinal decompression, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Muthu B.Bagayam, Vellore - Oct 2026
"My father, a diabetic patient in Gandhi Nagar, was recovering from spinal decompression. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Ganesh M.Gandhi Nagar, Vellore
10 questions about spinal decompression — answered
Everything patients ask us about spinal decompression — cost, insurance, home visits, online consultation, recovery time, and evidence-based treatment options in Vellore.
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