There are a number of methods of pain
reduction available to those suffering from an injury. Each method differs from
one another when it comes to which one is best suited to a specific type of
injury, one common theme of electrotherapy is their use of an energy increase
to help with pain reduction and the healing process. The type of energy used
varies from electric, to light, magnetic, sonic and heat, depending on the
specific method being used. The following are the most common electrotherapy
modalities used, as methods to reduce pain and inflammation while the injury is
being healed.
Traction therapy
Cervical spinal traction is used for the
short-term treatment of neck pain. It is designed to relieve muscle spasms and
nerve root compression. Using a manual (hands only) or mechanical technique, a
steady or intermittent force is applied to the neck to stretch the muscles and
soft tissue and open up the spaces between the upper vertebrae. The physical
therapist determines the amount of force and length of time a person remains in
traction. Slowly, over time, the amount of pressure is increased.
Similarly, lumbar traction is the continuous
or intermittent application of force to the spine either manually or
mechanically. The goal of lumbar traction is to reduce the pain associated with
nerve root impingement and muscle spasms. It is also used to treat degenerative
disc disease, herniated or protruding discs and osteoarthritis. As with
cervical spinal traction, the process separates the space between vertebrae,
which decompresses discs, alleviates pain and supports healing.
