Spinal Decompression Therapy is a gentle, non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine. By creating negative pressure within the discs through a series of slow pulls, holds and releases, this therapy may encourage bulging disc material to retract and allow the outer fibres of the disc to heal. The treatment also increases circulation of oxygen and nutrients around the discs and facet joints, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Unlike traditional traction, our Hill DT decompression table uses a precise logarithmic movement - gradually increasing and decreasing decompression - which is essential in bringing nutrients into the affected area and promoting recovery.
During your session, you’ll remain fully clothed and comfortably positioned on the decompression table. Once your tailored program has been entered into the computer system, the table gently cycles through decompression phases while you relax for around 20 minutes. Many patients find the experience so comfortable that they drift off to sleep.
Treatment is pain-free for most, though some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary flare-ups as the body adjusts - this is normal and short-lived. We often recommend applying ice after treatment and, in some cases, supplements to assist with inflammation and recovery.
Neck decompression follows the same principles, but with your head cradled and the table programmed at specific angles to target the exact area of concern.
Every patient begins with a full consultation, including neurological testing and review of scans (X-rays, MRI or CT). This allows Dr Travis to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate and to develop your personalised program. If approved, you’ll usually begin with a 10-week plan of three sessions per week, often combined with chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies. Over 8–12 weeks, most patients receive 20–30 treatments to give the discs time to heal properly.
Spinal Decompression Therapy works best in conjunction with regular chiropractic care, but it can also offer relief where traditional adjustments alone haven’t produced results. Because the therapy involves no manipulation of the affected disc itself, it’s also a good option for those who prefer a gentler approach.
This new, proven and gentle technique may be able to help your pain if your pain is caused by:
Negative pressure is created within the discs by providing a series of slow pulls, holds and releases. Over time, this vacuum effect may in many cases help the bulging disc material to be ‘drawn back into place’. The fibres in the outer ring of the disc are also helped to heal by the increased nutrients which circulate in the area due to the gentle pumping movement created around the disc and facet joints.
The picture above is an example of a lumbar spine decompression therapy session. The pelvis is angled differently depending on which exact disc level is being targeted. The computer has seven sensors that constantly measure the amount (and the exact timing) of each stage of decompression. Neck decompression therapy is similar to lower back decompression therapy, only your head is cradled in a holder and the exact angle of the table is programmed into the computer to ensure that the area of your neck that needs decompression will be treated.
Apart from an initial pulling sensation, which you quickly get used to, it is very relaxing-in fact many people fall asleep!
During or after treatment some people may initially have some flare up of their pain. This is normal, and temporary, and should pass within a few days. We recommend ice applied to the area that has been treated, rather than heat, and the use of Metagenics Inflavinoid Intensive Care to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have leg pain or pins and needles you may experience a temporary increase in back pain as the leg symptoms disappear. This is also normal, expected, and temporary and is a sign that you are getting better. We do regular reassessments of your condition so that we can adjust your care as needed with the aim of you getting maximum results as soon as possible.
Once your spinal level and treatment type has been prescribed for you, you will receive a specific treatment program each time you come, with gradual adjustments as we make progress with your spine. You stay fully clothed, and relax on the decompression table. Your exact requirements will be entered into the computer, you will be comfortably strapped in, the program will begin and you will be left in peace to relax for 20 minutes while your spine decompresses in exactly the way you need it to.
Yes, a full neurological examination will need to be performed, and your X-rays and CT/ MRI scans need to be studied so Dr Travis can determine your exact program and script for your treatment on our Chiropractic spinal decompression table.
Traction does not provide the special logarithmic movement, systematically increasing and decreasing the decompression the way that the Hill DT table does. This cycle of movement is a critical part of the success of this therapy, as it brings the essential oxygen and nutrients to the area to help it heal.
Spinal Decompression is best used in conjunction with your regular Chiropractic treatment to bring about fuller healing of your spine. However, if you have not received results from previous Chiropractic treatments then you may well find this new type of treatment will likely be able to help, showing you a whole new way forward with this style of Chiropractic specific for disc and arthritis issues. In some cases there is NO manipulation involved in the affected area, so this technique is suitable for people who prefer a more gentle approach.
Generally it takes 8-12 weeks for a disc to heal with decompression therapy. Usually 20-30 treatments over 2-3 months is required to achieve the best result possible. An initial consultation is needed with Dr Travis. Starting at $112. Your following report appointment will include a complimentary full treatment (one only) on the decompression table, then the cost is $65 per visit. All inclusive packages are available which offer discounts.
We will begin with a 10-week program, at three treatments per week. Which will include oncer per week adjustments, supplements and may include Laser Therapy.
Generally we are achieving approximately 90% success with our decompression patients, however results can never be promised and you may still require surgery. We will monitor your progress and refer you to your doctor should you/ we not be happy with your progress.
Some people do feel a change after just one or two sessions, others after about 5-8 sessions, and others not until their 20th or 25th session. It all depends on how much inflammation you have, how long you have had the problem, how severe the problem is, and how well you follow our guidelines regarding nutrition, supplements and activities. Every case is different and we can give no guarantees regarding how long you may take to get better, nor if you will get better at all.
There are a few circumstances which may prevent you from being a candidate for decompression therapy. Some of these reasons include if you weigh over 155kg, are pregnant (for lower back treatments) have severe vascular disease or severe osteoporosis. Your case will be assessed and if we need to seek approval from your medical specialist then we will not start care until you have been given clearance by them.
You will need a Decompression Assessment with Dr Travis. Bring with you any X-rays, scans or MRI’s that you’ve had done. Our Chiropractors will assess your case and do some neurological tests on you. If our chiropractors determine you are a suitable candidate for decompression they will prescribe a specific decompression treatment protocol for you. If any part of you case is in doubt, your chiropractor will recommend a referral for any further testing we cannot complete in office.
After your initial visit. We will arrange a Report of Findings and a complimentary decompression treatment, so that we can assess how you respond, and so that you see how comfortable decompression really is.
If we do not think that your case is suitable for decompression therapy we will talk you through alternatives and may refer you to another practitioner if clinically indicated.
To make an appointment please call 6224 9349 and ask for a Spinal Decompression Assessment.
Call Dr T. today on 6224 9349 or visit us at Level 2/85 Collins Street, Hobart. You can also book online using the button below.
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