Natural Ways to Achieve Joint Traction and Joint Compression

Joint Traction

Joint traction is a form of proprioception. It occurs when there is tension, pull, or traction placed on a joint. It is very important for developing body awareness and body in space. It also promotes self-regulation and can be very calming, regulating, and organizing for the brain and nervous system.
NATURAL WAYS TO ACHIEVE JOINT TRACTION:
  • Climb or hang from a tree 
  • Hang from a bar at the playground, on a trapeze bar, chin up bar, or railing 
  • Hang from knees hooked over a playground bar or trapeze bar
  • Drape backwards over a large therapy ball, arms over head
  • Hang over the side of the bed
  • Stretching activities or yoga
  • Theraband activities
  • Heavy/hard work activities involving pulling things such as a wagon
  • Carry heavy objects such as a water pail 

Joint Compression

Joint compression is also a form of proprioception. It is the exact opposite of joint traction. It occurs when there is compression, push, or weight bearing placed on a joint. It is also very important for developing body awareness and body in space, as well as for joint stability and strength. It also promotes self-regulation and can be very calming, regulating, and organizing for the brain and nervous system.
NATURAL WAYS TO ACHIEVE JOINT COMPRESSION:
  • Any weight bearing activity such as jumping, running, hopping, skipping
  • Wheelbarrow walking
  • Yoga poses
  • Theraband activities
  • Trampoline, BOSU ball, or hippity hop ball
  • Hand stands or cartwheels
  • Pogo stick
  • Bike riding
  • Heavy/hard work activities involving pushing such as a shopping cart or heavy box
  • Crab walking
  • Climbing activities such as at the playground (climb slides)
  • Climbing hills

Head/Neck Compression

A head/neck compression is also a form of joint compression which is achieved through downward pressure to the top of the head, compressing the vertebrae of the spine in the neck area. This can be very regulating and calming for the nervous system. Not only is the compression great for the nervous system, but it also quite often involves inverting the head, which is that much more bang for your sensory buck!
NATURAL WAYS TO ACHIEVE HEAD/NECK COMPRESSION:
  • Head stands or other postures where head on compressed on the floor
  • Drape over a large therapy ball with head on the floor (be sure to stabilize the ball for the child)
  • Crawling position, push head firmly in to a soft object such as a beanbag or pillow cave
  • Have the child stand in a body sock with the sock pulled over the head