What is the recommended force for decreasing muscle spasms during traction therapy?

In traction therapy, the recommended force for effectively decreasing muscle spasms typically falls around 25% of the patient's body weight. This level of force is considered optimized for achieving relaxation within the muscle tissues and allowing for the alleviation of tension and discomfort.

The reason 25% is effective lies in its ability to produce sufficient tension to decompress the intervertebral discs and relieve muscle spasms without causing excessive strain on the body. It enables the therapist to create a gentle yet effective traction pull that helps to elongate the spine and reduce muscle tightness. This force is generally well-tolerated by patients, making it a safe option for therapeutic intervention.

Using too little force, such as 10% of body weight, may not provide the necessary effects on muscle relaxation or spinal decompression, while higher percentages, like 40% or 50%, could risk causing discomfort or injury. Thus, applying 25% of body weight strikes a balance that maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing risk.