Understanding the Key Differences Between Spinal Decompression Therapy and Traction
- Spinal Decompression Perth
- May 24
- 3 min read
If you’ve been researching treatment options for disc bulges, sciatica or chronic lower back pain, you’ve probably come across terms like traction, inversion tables, and spinal decompression therapy. While they all aim to relieve pressure in the spine, not all methods are created equal.
At Spinal Decompression Perth, we specialise in true spinal decompression therapy using the advanced Hill DT Spinal Decompression Table—and we’re often asked: “Isn’t that just traction?”
Let’s clear up the confusion.
What is Traction Therapy?
Traction is an older, mechanical method of spinal stretching. It involves applying a constant or intermittent pulling force to the spine in an attempt to separate the vertebrae and reduce pressure.
While it can provide temporary relief, traction has significant limitations:
Non-specific: Traction pulls the entire spine, not targeting a specific disc or segment.
Muscle guarding: Your body often resists the force by tensing up the surrounding muscles, reducing the effect.
No feedback mechanism: It applies a set amount of force without adjusting to how your body is responding in real time.
In short, traction is a basic linear stretch—and while it may help mildly in some cases, it doesn’t actively encourage disc healing.
What Makes Spinal Decompression Therapy Different?
Spinal decompression therapy is not traction. Using a sophisticated, computerised system like the Hill DT Table, decompression works smarter—not harder.
Here’s how:
Targeted Treatment: The Hill DT table can isolate specific spinal segments based on your condition and scans.
Intelligent Biofeedback: The system monitors your body’s resistance and adapts the pull accordingly to avoid triggering muscle guarding.
Pumping Mechanism: It doesn’t just pull—it gently stretches and releases in a controlled cycle, encouraging rehydration of the disc and pressure relief on nearby nerves.
Promotes Healing: The repeated stretch-and-release motion increases nutrient flow and can help retract herniated disc material.
This process is particularly useful for disc bulges, nerve impingements, and degenerative disc disease, and has been shown to provide relief where traditional traction has failed.
Where Do Inversion Tables Fit In?
Inversion tables tilt your body upside down, using gravity to stretch the spine. While it may feel relieving in the short term, they come with several risks and don’t provide the therapeutic benefits of spinal decompression therapy.
Risks and Limitations of Inversion Tables:
Non-targeted: Inversion affects the whole spine, not just the area that needs treatment.
Straight-line force: It’s a pure gravity pull—there’s no intelligent release or control, and definitely no disc-specific focus.
Cardiovascular risk: Being upside down can lower your heart rate, increase blood pressure, and stress the cardiovascular system. It’s particularly risky for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or glaucoma.
No healing mechanism: There’s no pumping or hydration process like in decompression therapy—just a blunt pull.
Inversion may help some people stretch out or feel looser temporarily, but it is not a clinical treatment and doesn’t replace proper care for disc injuries.
Why Spinal Decompression Therapy Wins
True spinal decompression therapy is a medical-grade treatment, not a generic stretch. It’s safe, precise, and designed to reduce nerve pressure and support disc healing over time.
At Spinal Decompression Perth, we’ve helped many patients avoid surgery and regain quality of life through our tailored decompression programs. Our 10-week protocol gives your body the time it needs to respond, adapt, and heal—with expert guidance along the way.
Still Wondering What’s Right for You?
Book an initial consult and let’s talk about your spine, your scans, and whether decompression is a fit.
📍 316 Warwick Rd, Warwick📞 (08) 9342 1211📧 info@perthchirocentre.com.au🌐 www.spinaldecompressionperth.com.au
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