A patient has received lumbar traction once before for relie…

A patient has received lumbar traction once before for relief of radicular symptoms and reported that the symptoms no longer were perceived in their left ankle but is now located in the right ankle. The patient returned today for traction, and before setting up the traction, they confided in the PTA that they have not been able to urinate since yesterday. What is the most appropriate course of action to take and why?

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?