Cervical Traction for Managing Neck Pain: A Survey of Physical Therapists in the United States.

Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Background Systematic reviews provide little support for traction in managing neck pain. While traction usage among physical therapists (PTs) in other countries has been described, usage in the United States has not been examined. Objective To examine how PTs use traction for patients with neck pain, when traction is used, delivery modes and parameters, supplemental interven¬tions, and whether professional demographics influence usage. Methods We surveyed a random sample of 4000 Orthopaedic Section members of the American Physical Therapy Association. Associations among respondents' professional demographics and survey responses were explored with chi-square analyses (α = .05). Results The response rate was 25.5% (n = 1001). 76.6% (n = 767) of respondents reported using traction. 93.1% reported they would use traction for a patient presenting with signs of nerve root compression. Common delivery modes included manual methods (92.3%) and mechanical traction tables (88.3%). Using traction is often supplemented with other interventions (exercise, postural education, joint mobilization). A higher proportion of PTs with American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certification reported using traction (88.6%) than did those without specialty certification (73.0%). Conclusions Most respondent reported they use cervical traction which is consistent with proposed criteria that identify patients who are likely to benefit. They use various traction delivery modes/parameters within comprehensive plans of care incorporating multiple interventions. Professional demographics (clinical specialist credentialing) were associated with traction usage. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 30 Oct 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6914.