At Knobbs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, we focus on treatments that don’t just mask symptoms. We address the root cause of your pain and create a treatment solution specifically for you. One effective method we use to promote mobility and long-term relief is Intersegmental Traction Therapy (IST). This gentle, non-invasive therapy supports spinal health, improves flexibility, and reduces discomfort without needing medications or surgery.
If you’re looking for natural relief from back pain, muscle stiffness, or spinal tension, IST could be exactly what your body needs.
What Is Intersegmental Traction Therapy?
Intersegmental Traction Therapy involves a specialized chiropractic table equipped with rolling cams that gently stretch and mobilize the spine while you lie comfortably on your back. The rollers move up and down your spine, rhythmically stretching the muscles and ligaments to encourage improved spinal motion.
The goal is simple: restore movement between each vertebral segment (hence “intersegmental”) and promote better function across the entire spine.
Unlike traditional traction, which pulls the spine lengthwise, IST targets individual joints more naturally and comfortably. Think of it as a passive spinal workout that helps your body heal.
How Does IST Work?
- You lie flat on the therapy table.
- The rollers begin moving slowly beneath you, applying gentle pressure to the spinal muscles and vertebrae.
- As they move up and down the spine, they stretch and mobilize each segment, encouraging flexibility and relieving muscle tension.
- The motion helps to “wake up” the spine by increasing circulation and breaking up stiffness.
The treatment typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and is completely passive, which means there is no effort needed from you, just relaxation.
Key Benefits of Intersegmental Traction Therapy
- Improves Spinal Mobility: By reintroducing movement to stiff or locked joints, IST can help restore range of motion. This is especially useful if you’re recovering from injury or living with chronic back stiffness.
- Reduces Muscle Spasms: Gentle rolling stimulation relaxes deep spinal muscles that may be in spasm from injury, poor posture, or nerve irritation.
- Enhances Circulation: The rhythmic motion of IST increases blood flow to spinal discs and surrounding tissues, which supports healing and helps flush out inflammation.
- Promotes Disc Hydration: By restoring motion and circulation, IST encourages better hydration of spinal discs, essential for disc function, flexibility, and overall spine health.
- Reduces Pain and Discomfort: Whether from chronic tension, a sedentary lifestyle, or overuse from activities, IST helps relieve pressure on nerves and joints, resulting in less pain and greater ease of movement.
Who Can Benefit from IST?
Intersegmental Traction Therapy is safe and beneficial for a wide range of people, especially those experiencing:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Muscle tightness or stiffness
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis
- Poor posture from prolonged sitting
- Post-injury rehabilitation
- Limited range of motion
- Stress-related tension
It’s also ideal for individuals looking to maintain spinal health and avoid future mobility issues.
Living in Colorado Springs? Here’s Why IST Might Be for You
Colorado Springs residents live an active lifestyle. Hiking the trails at Garden of the Gods, the Incline, going to do 14ers, biking along Monument Valley Park, or simply staying on the go with work and family life.
All that movement is great, but it also strains your spine consistently.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just feeling the wear and tear of everyday life, IST can help you stay active by keeping your spine healthy, flexible, and pain-free. It’s a powerful maintenance tool for those looking to prevent injuries or relieve tension before it becomes a bigger issue.
What to Expect During Your IST Session
- Consultation and Assessment: We’ll start by evaluating your spine and discussing your symptoms or goals.
- Customized Table Settings: The IST table is adjusted based on your height, weight, and comfort level.
- Relaxation and Therapy: You’ll lie back on the table, fully clothed, while the rollers move under your back. Most patients describe the sensation as a “spinal massage” or gentle wave-like motion.
- Post-Treatment: Some feel immediate relief, while others notice benefits over a few sessions as mobility and circulation improve.
Is IST Safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed chiropractor and integrated into a customized care plan, Intersegmental Traction Therapy is very safe.
It is non-invasive, pain-free, and well-tolerated by most patients. However, we always screen for conditions that may not be suitable for IST, including severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or certain disc injuries.
At Knobbs Chiropractic, patient safety is our top priority. We tailor every aspect of your treatment to your unique needs and medical history.
Pairing IST with Other Chiropractic Services
Intersegmental Traction Therapy works best when combined with other chiropractic treatments. At Knobbs Chiropractic, IST is often used alongside:
- Spinal adjustments
- Cold laser therapy
- Corrective exercises
- Lifestyle and posture coaching
Together, these therapies build a strong foundation for long-term healing and spinal wellness.
Why Choose Knobbs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs?
Dr. Dale Knobbs and our experienced team take a whole-person approach to pain relief and mobility restoration. We don’t rely on cookie-cutter protocols. Instead, we create personalized treatment plans based on your goals, lifestyle, and condition.
We’ve helped countless patients in Colorado Springs overcome chronic pain and get back to doing what they love. Whether you’re a climber, cyclist, desk worker, or busy parent, we’re here to support your body’s natural healing process with proven techniques like IST.
Ready to Move Better and Feel Better?
If you’re dealing with stiffness, tension, or limited mobility, Intersegmental Traction Therapy might be the missing link in your recovery.
Book an appointment with Knobbs Chiropractic today to discover how IST can help you move freely, reduce pain, and naturally reclaim your quality of life. Call us or schedule your visit online. Your spine will thank you!