1. Place Pronex on a bed or other flat, firm surface
where you can lie down comfortably on your back
with knees bent at an angle of 45° and with your
feet flat on the bed. Place one or more pillows under
your knees. This position has proven to be the most
effective.
2. As you lie down, slowly lower the back of your neck
until it is cradled in the U-shaped curve of the soft
blue head piece. At the same time, gently spread the
sides of Pronex slightly apart to prevent folding or
pinching of your ears. The concave underside of the
unit should rest against your shoulders.
3. It is important to relax and take several slow deep
breaths,
with emphasis on smooth exhalation. Allow
time for your neck muscles to relax and settle into
the concave shape of the head piece. This simple
step ensures the most effective traction and keeps
Pronex comfortable and snugly in place.
4. Place the head strap over your forehead,
just above
your eyebrows, securing the head strap to the Velcro
on both sides of the head piece. Your head should be
comfortably secured. Now you’re ready for the next
step.
5. Staying relaxed, squeeze the air bulb pump
until
you begin to feel a firm stretching sensation in your
neck. Release air pressure by turning the screw valve
on the bulb counter-clockwise to about three-quar-
ters of a full turn.
6. Next, close the valve and re-inflate Pronex
until you
again feel firm stretching in your neck. Once again
release the air pressure. By now you know how easy
it is to maintain this regular pattern.
7. Repeat inflating and releasing air pressure
until you
reach the level of traction that gives you the most
relief and comfort.
8. Remain relaxed with full traction for about ten
minutes
or for the time prescribed by your doctor.
Throughout the session, maintain even, relaxed
breathing, exhaling slowly. During traction, release
air pressure at least twice during a 10 minute ses-
sion. Relax for a moment and then reinflate Pronex
until the prescribed period is up.
9. When your session is finished, release the air slowly
and remove the head strap.
Lie still for a moment as
air empties from the bellows. Gently lift your head,
roll to one side and push yourself up to a sitting posi-
tion.
10. Avoid rapid repetitive motions
for at least 30 minutes
after each traction session. Excessive exaggerated
movements such as looking straight up or down,
or twisting your head left and right may increase
muscle tension or stiffness. A feeling of warmth
and relaxation are common after Pronex therapy.
Tips for Effective Traction:
>>
The key to effective traction is to maintain even, re-
laxed breathing while you increase and decrease air
pressure. The more relaxed you are during traction,
the more relief you will experience.
>>
Prior to traction, set aside eyeglasses and remove
jewelry from ears and around the neck. Pull loose
hair up and back out of the way so contact can be
made directly with the back of the neck to the head
cushion.
>>
For comfort and the best results, it is important that
the proper size Pronex be prescribed for you. It is
available in three sizes: Regular, Large and Wide.
>>
The Pronex head strap is designed to help first-
time users keep their head and neck in place. After
several traction sessions, many patients feel more
secure in the cushion’s soft contours and no longer
feel the need to use the strap.
>>
For patients whose ears feel slightly uncomfortable
in the Pronex, place a folded washcloth as a “washer”
on the bellows under the neck to slightly elevate the
neck and head thus greatly increasing the comfort.
For Easy Cleaning
The Pronex inflatable bellows and cushions are con-
structed of special latex and foam rubber to ensure
patient comfort. To clean, gently wipe exposed surfaces
with a clean soft cloth lightly moistened with a cleaning
liquid, such as 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
To view an instructional video, visit www.rsmedical.com
Optional Treatment
In special cases, physicians may prescribe that a patient’s
head and cervical spine be slightly elevated during supine
traction. A Flexion Wedge is designed to provide such
elevation with an upward tilt of 15 and 22 degrees. To
use, the wedge is placed under the Pronex head cushion
as shown in the illustration.
Flexion wedge in
place under headpiece
Flexion wedge
Patient-controlled pneumatic traction for the
management of chronic cervical pain
Fully-seated
for proper use.
Not fully-seated.
