Traction can have which therapeutic effect?

• A. Promote Arterial, Venous, And Lymphatic Flow
• B. Increase Disk Protrusion
• C. Decrease Joint Mobility
• D. Reduce Muscle Relaxation

Answer: (A)

Traction works by gently distracting joints and lengthening soft tissues, which reduces pressure inside spinal segments and along the joints. That decompression can open spaces around blood vessels, helping arterial, venous, and lymphatic flow reach the tissues more effectively. Improved circulation supports tissue healing and can lessen edema and pain.

Increasing disk protrusion would worsen symptoms, so it’s the opposite of what traction aims to do. Traction’s goal is to relieve pressure and improve mobility, not to decrease it, and it also helps reduce muscle guarding so muscles relax more—not less.