Health Library

Traction

Traction means pulling on part of the body.

Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint, such as a dislocated shoulder. The tension helps put the joint back in position and keep it still.

Traction is also used to keep a group of muscles (such as the neck muscles) stretched to reduce muscle spasms. This is called cervical traction.

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A traction treatment will involve a:

• Certain amount of tension to pull the body part, which may move it into another position
• Length of time to use the tension
• Way to keep the tension steady at the desired amount, usually based on the weight applied to the traction device

Related Information

References

Gardocki RJ, Park AL. Degenerative disorders of the cervical spine. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38.

Saliba S, Higgins M. Modalities and manual techniques in sports medicine rehabilitation. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 32.

Review Date: 10/1/2025  

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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