Which of the following is a contraindication for traction therapy?

Traction therapy involves the application of forces to stretch and mobilize the spine or joints, aiming to relieve pressure and alleviate pain. Joint hypermobility serves as a contraindication for traction therapy because it indicates that the joints possess greater than normal range of motion. When excessive movement is present, applying traction can exacerbate instability in the joints, potentially leading to further injury or discomfort.

Individuals with joint hypermobility may already have compromised joint stability, and the additional force from traction could increase the risk of joint damage or strain. Therefore, caution must be exercised in such cases, making joint hypermobility a critical consideration when determining eligibility for traction therapy.

Other conditions listed, such as a history of muscle strains, general fatigue, or maintaining a regular exercise regimen, may not pose the same level of risk in relation to traction therapy, and might even indicate an appropriate context for therapy or require modifications rather than full contraindications.