Neck and Back Traction in Mineola, NY
MULLIGAN CONCEPT
Traction
Traction is a gentle, sustained lift or pull that takes pressure off the joints and nerves of the spine. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, Jacob Kurian uses hands-on Mulligan traction, including fist traction for the neck and traction for the mid and low back. It is short, controlled and adjusted to how you respond, rather than a machine that pulls for a set time.
Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience
Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.
How it works
- We test whether a light lift eases your neck, back, arm or leg symptoms.
- For the neck, fist traction uses a comfortable, controlled lift that Dr. Kurian adjusts as you respond.
- For the mid and low back, traction is applied by hand in a comfortable position.
- Traction is held briefly, released and repeated, and is often combined with SNAGs or spinal mobilization.
- We may suggest a safe home version.
What it feels like
A gentle lift or stretch through the spine. Many people describe a feeling of relief or space. It should never be painful.
Conditions we use it for
- Neck Pain and Stiffness
- Acute Wry Neck
- Headaches That Start in the Neck
- Foggy Head Feeling From the Neck
- Upper Neck (C1/C2) Rotation Loss
- Arm Pain That Starts in the Neck
- Mid Back Pain
- Low Back Pain and Disc Problems
- Sciatica
- Leg Pain That Starts in the Back
What the research says
A randomized trial found upper neck traction helped headaches from the neck. Research on traction in general is mixed: it seems to help some people with nerve-related arm or leg pain more than others. We use it when testing shows it eases your symptoms, alongside exercise.
Safety
- We don't use traction with suspected fracture, infection, cancer, or an unstable neck.
- We use extra care with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and after recent spinal surgery.
- If traction increases pain, tingling or dizziness, we stop.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a traction machine or decompression table?
No. Mulligan traction is hands-on, brief and adjusted to how you respond.
What is fist traction?
A gentle Mulligan neck traction technique. Dr. Kurian shows you how it works at your visit.
Does traction help a pinched nerve?
It helps some people with arm or leg symptoms from the spine. We test it first.
Is traction safe for older adults?
Usually yes, with screening and gentle force.
Related pages
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.