Traction therapy
Cervical and lumbar traction for disc-related radicular pain.
At a glance
- Category
- Treatments
- Clinic
- Katpadi Rd, Vellore
- Lead clinician
- Dr. Karolin Rockson PT
- Assess in
- 45 minutes
Understanding traction therapy
Traction therapy 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
Traction therapy — first-line self-care
- 1
Initial consultation
We assess whether traction therapy 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 traction therapy
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
Traction therapy 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 traction therapy
First-line home exercises for traction therapy
Each of these is a clinical-depth guide with dosing, prerequisites, progressions and contraindications — start with the prerequisite checks before loading up.
Related symptoms
- HeadacheTension-type, cervicogenic or migraine-related head pain physios can help.
- Stiff jointsMorning or activity-related joint stiffness that limits everyday tasks.
- Back painAching, sharp or shooting pain across the lower or upper back.
Related technologies
- Cervical traction unitIntermittent cervical traction for radicular neck pain.
- Lumbar traction unitMotorised lumbar traction for disc herniation with leg pain.
- Class IV therapy laserDeep-penetration laser for tendinopathies and joint pain.
Related programs
- Stroke Recovery Program6- to 12-week intensive neuro programme with daily therapy and family training.
- Parkinson's Wellness ProgramLSVT-BIG, cueing, cognition and voice therapy combined.
- Back Pain Freedom Program8-week structured graded exercise, education and return-to-work programme.
What Vellore patients say about traction therapy care
- Jul 2025
"As a school teacher from Arakkonam, I struggled with traction therapy for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Bhuvana K.Arakkonam, Vellore - May 2026
"a 34-year-old here from Chittoor. Had chronic traction therapy for over a year. What worked was pain-education plus graded exercise, not endless machines. Now I sleep through the night and go for morning walks pain-free."
Preethi N.Chittoor, Vellore - Dec 2025
"My father, a diabetic patient in Arcot, was recovering from traction therapy. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Ramesh P.Arcot, Vellore - Jun 2026
"My son's school in Gudiyatham recommended this clinic for his traction therapy. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Hari B.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Great experience from Ranipet. Clean clinic, air-conditioned rooms, latest equipment for traction therapy rehabilitation. The therapist speaks Tamil, English and Hindi so my in-laws had no issue explaining their symptoms."
Vasanth S.Ranipet, Vellore - Jul 2025
"As a school teacher from Arakkonam, I struggled with traction therapy for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Bhuvana K.Arakkonam, Vellore - May 2026
"a 34-year-old here from Chittoor. Had chronic traction therapy for over a year. What worked was pain-education plus graded exercise, not endless machines. Now I sleep through the night and go for morning walks pain-free."
Preethi N.Chittoor, Vellore - Dec 2025
"My father, a diabetic patient in Arcot, was recovering from traction therapy. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Ramesh P.Arcot, Vellore - Jun 2026
"My son's school in Gudiyatham recommended this clinic for his traction therapy. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Hari B.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Great experience from Ranipet. Clean clinic, air-conditioned rooms, latest equipment for traction therapy rehabilitation. The therapist speaks Tamil, English and Hindi so my in-laws had no issue explaining their symptoms."
Vasanth S.Ranipet, Vellore
- Apr 2026
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my traction therapy was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Nithya T.Sholinghur, Vellore - Feb 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my traction therapy 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."
Yamuna M.Ambur, Vellore - Oct 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my traction therapy, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Karthik V.Thorapadi, Vellore - Aug 2025
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for traction therapy — 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."
Divya G.Melvisharam, Vellore - Jan 2026
"Loved the transparency. Cost sheet given upfront for the entire traction therapy program, no hidden add-ons. Sessions started and ended on time. Reception team even coordinated with my Ola driver for pickup."
Jaya R.Katpadi, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my traction therapy was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Nithya T.Sholinghur, Vellore - Feb 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my traction therapy 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."
Yamuna M.Ambur, Vellore - Oct 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my traction therapy, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Karthik V.Thorapadi, Vellore - Aug 2025
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for traction therapy — 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."
Divya G.Melvisharam, Vellore - Jan 2026
"Loved the transparency. Cost sheet given upfront for the entire traction therapy program, no hidden add-ons. Sessions started and ended on time. Reception team even coordinated with my Ola driver for pickup."
Jaya R.Katpadi, Vellore
10 questions about traction therapy — answered
Everything patients ask us about traction therapy — cost, insurance, home visits, online consultation, recovery time, and evidence-based treatment options in Vellore.
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