Experiences with the Detensor-Method in long term traction therapy ...

Experiences with the Detensor-Method in long term traction
therapy for the spine
Ailments in connection with the spine that are not only wide spread in sports. Nearly
every second person in the world suffers from back pain and these people know low
long and difficult the path to healing is. It is the task of all of us to reduce and ease this
path.
It is generally known that the effect of healing depends upon what was prescribed, but
also by whom and how. According to our opinion, director Kurt Kienlein solved this
ideally with his Detensor-Method. Traction therapy of the spine has been a well known
method for a long time and has assumed a secure place in conservative therapy. There
are a number of different variations which, however, require considerable technical
competence, combined with great psychological stress, especially in the acute phase of
the disease.
We have analyzed different concepts for this problem at our institute and have come to
the conclusion that the method developed by Dr. Kurt Kienlein, BDR, in spite and
especially because of it’s simplicity contains the greatest potential for success. The
Detensor-Method makes it possible to apply optimally dosaged traction to the individual
spinal sections, excluding any over extension and the associated additional mechanical
stress.
We use the system since 1987 for therapy and prophylaxis. Over 100 athletes with
diseases of the spine were treated detensorologically on the therapy mat and the
system during that time.
The patients had participated in the following sporting events:
- Light athletics: High jump and pole vaulting, Marathon,
Hammer throw, Shot-putting, Hurdle race
- Individual events: Wresting, Boxing, Judo
- Ice skating
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Swimming
- Archery
The injuries were divided into 4 groups:
- Radicular origin
- Pseudoradicular origin
- Spinal contusions
- Osteochondroses
Basic therapy was traction by the Detensor-Method. Medication (analgesics,
spasmolytics, etc.) and in a few cases also psychotherapy. The treatment was highly
individualized depending upon severity and type of injury.
Because of objective reasons, the Detensor-Method could not always be applied on the
first day. Our experiences, nevertheless, have shown that the immediate application can
accelerate the healing process, especially with injuries. 1-4 treatments were applied
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daily, with a duration from 40-70 minutes. Since psychological factors play an important
role in every form of therapy, we attempted to achieve the best possible relaxation by
eliminating optical and mechanical stimuli. The technique of reclination is most
important for optimal traction.
The majority of the patients treated already registered reduction of pain and
improvement in well being after the first detenserologic treatment. Generally the patient
rose with a typical movement which we call „syndrome of the vanished pain“
respectively „Detensor-Syndrome“. The back is being felt searching for pain without
finding it.
It occurred that athletes due to the absence of pain, considered further treatment
unnecessary with inevitable recurrence.
For this reason, we recommend minimal therapy periods from 7-10 days with 3-4
sessions per day. Continuation of therapy is especially important following the acute
phase. We advise our athletes, even after discharge from the hospital, to use the
therapy mat several times daily, especially after physical performances to retain the
already achieved effect. Experiences with athletes using the Detensor-Method
according to the described application, reinforce the choice of method and it’s reliability.
The advantage of the Detensor-Method compared to others does not only lie in it’s
success but also in the simplicity of handling, the anatomically and physiologically
correct positioning of the spine, as well as the psychological components, since the
system is but a simple mat, respectively bed for the patient. The overall shape is
esthetic, appealing and elegant, which is the reason for the past and current acceptance
and tolerance of the method by our patients. A considerable disadvantage is the fact,
that it is not yet possible to purchase the therapy system with Soviet Rubels
everywhere, limiting the number of patients that could otherwise have been helped. I
wish - that international colleagues will soon find the opportunity to seriously consider
Detensorology in order to help their patients as effectively as have in the past years.
In conclusion and in the name of my St. Petersburg colleagues and especially the
patients, I would like to extend our gratitude to the author of the Detensor-Method, Dr.
Kurt Kienlein. With his method, he made it possible for them to continue their world
championship sporting activities, i.e. world and European champion Gataulin,
Ratuschkow and Topschina.
Leningrad 1991
Dr. med. Vladimir Kuznetsow
Head, Sports Physician of the Committee for Sport and Physical culture,
Leningrad Area.
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