Pain Management
Flexion-Distraction Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique used to improve spinal movement, reduce mechanical stress, and help relieve certain types of back pain.
About Flexion Distraction
Back pain can make sitting, walking, working out, or getting through the day feel difficult. Flexion-Distraction Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique used to improve spinal movement, reduce mechanical stress, and help relieve certain types of back pain.
Flexion-Distraction is a chiropractic and manual therapy technique that uses controlled, rhythmic movement of the spine. The technique gently moves the spine through flexion while applying a controlled distraction force.
It is commonly used for the lower back. Your provider determines whether it is appropriate for your specific condition. It is not the same as spinal decompression, which uses specialized equipment to apply controlled traction.
A typical Flexion-Distraction treatment takes about 15–20 minutes. You may feel a rhythmic stretching or movement through the lower back as the table and provider guide the spine. The goal is not to force the spine into a painful position. Your provider adjusts the technique based on your comfort, mobility, and goals.
Specific chiropractic adjustments may be used in the same visit to address restricted joint movement and improve spinal and joint mobility when appropriate.
Cupping uses suction applied to the skin and underlying soft tissues. It may be added to help address muscle tightness and improve local tissue mobility.
Pin and stretch techniques combine targeted pressure with active or passive movement to help address muscle and soft-tissue restriction.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization uses specialized instruments to apply controlled pressure to soft tissues and help address areas of restriction or reduced mobility.
Flexion-Distraction may be appropriate for people with certain types of mechanical back pain, stiffness, or mobility restrictions. That can include persistent lower-back discomfort, limited spinal mobility, certain disc-related pain, sports-related back discomfort, or those who want a gentler approach to spinal treatment.
Not every patient is a candidate. A professional evaluation helps determine whether it is appropriate for you.
It is a gentle chiropractic technique that uses controlled spinal flexion and distraction to help improve spinal mobility and reduce mechanical stress.
The Flexion-Distraction portion typically takes about 15–20 minutes. Combined manual therapy can add time to the visit.
Most people feel a gentle stretching or rhythmic movement. Treatment should not be forced into a painful position, and your provider can modify the technique.
No. Both use traction-based concepts, but they are different. Flexion-Distraction is a hands-on technique with controlled spinal movement. Spinal decompression uses specialized equipment to apply controlled traction.
Yes. Adjustments, cupping, pin and stretch, IASTM, and other manual techniques may be part of the same plan when appropriate.
Sciatica can have several causes. Flexion-Distraction may be appropriate for some people depending on the underlying cause. An evaluation is recommended first.
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