A 45-year-old patient presents to outpatient PT with complai…
A 45-year-old patient presents to outpatient PT with complaints of chronic lumbar stiffness and intermittent radicular symptoms in the right lower extremity. The evaluating PT determines that the patient has spinal joint hypomobility, limited lumbar ROM, and muscle guarding. Imaging confirms a mild disc bulge at L4-L5, and the PT has ordered mechanical lumbar traction. Based on this case, which of the following best explains the intended effects of traction for this patient?