AccessPT Channel, PTA Question of the Week

Solution to Lumbar traction

The correct answer is 3. 25% of body weight is generally recommended to help decrease muscle spasms or stretch soft tissue in the lumbar spine. 50% of body weight is required for mechanical separation of the lumbar spine, but this force would be too excessive to decrease muscle spasms.  Both the 10% and 15% of the patient's body weight would be insufficient to assist with decreasing muscle spasms.