During the traction protocol, what is the next step after three minutes of traction?

• A. Increase weight
• B. Reposition to neutral or slightly extended
• C. Switch to supine
• D. Stop therapy

Answer: (B)

In traction, after an initial short interval, the next step is to reposition the patient to neutral or a slight extension. This keeps the traction force directed along the intended axis while improving comfort and tolerance, allowing the tissues to adapt without adding more load all at once. Moving to neutral or mild extension helps maintain the opening of spaces or foraminal areas targeted by the treatment, so you can continue the session effectively. Increasing weight too early could increase symptoms or risk, switching to a completely different position isn’t the intended progression at this point, and stopping therapy ends the session prematurely. So, neutral or slightly extended is the appropriate next step.