What is the duty cycle for disc protrusions and joint distraction?

What is the duty cycle for disc protrusions and joint distraction?

• A. 1:1
• B. 3:1 hold/rest ratio
• C. Static traction
• D. 2:1 hold/rest ratio

Answer: (B)

Intermittent traction uses a hold/rest pattern, and the ratio describes how long you keep the traction on versus off. For disc protrusions, the goal is to create enough sustained vertebral separation and negative intradiscal pressure to help retract the herniation and relieve nerve compression. The rest interval then lets the muscles relax, improves tissue perfusion, and reduces pain or guarding so you can tolerate more cycles. A hold/rest ratio of three to one gives a longer period of traction in each cycle with shorter breaks, which is effective for encouraging disc decompression while staying tolerable for the patient. Shorter hold times or a static (no cycle) approach don’t provide the sustained effect or the beneficial relaxation between pulls, making them less suitable for this condition.

Intermittent traction uses a hold/rest pattern, and the ratio describes how long you keep the traction on versus off. For disc protrusions, the goal is to create enough sustained vertebral separation and negative intradiscal pressure to help retract the herniation and relieve nerve compression. The rest interval then lets the muscles relax, improves tissue perfusion, and reduces pain or guarding so you can tolerate more cycles. A hold/rest ratio of three to one gives a longer period of traction in each cycle with shorter breaks, which is effective for encouraging disc decompression while staying tolerable for the patient. Shorter hold times or a static (no cycle) approach don’t provide the sustained effect or the beneficial relaxation between pulls, making them less suitable for this condition.