My doctor suggested I see a physical therapist and try using some traction for my back pain. Is this covered by insurance?

Every insurance company has a list of treatments covered by their plan. Most third-party payers reimburse for traction. If not, a typical session usually costs between $50 and $100. If you are self-paying, the therapist or provider may offer you a discount for a cash payment.

Traction can be provided by physical therapists, chiropractors, or medical physicians trained in the use of this modality. Your policy may specify a certain number of sessions allowed per episode or per year. Be sure and ask about this when making your scheduled appointments.

If you are going to receive benefits from this treatment, you should observe changes in your symptoms within three to six sessions. You may not be completely better, but you’ll have enough improvement to know it’s helping.

If you aren’t getting better, it’s possible that the type of traction needs to be adjusted. Different amounts of force, timing, and direction of pull can give different results. Be sure and talk with your therapist about what is and isn’t working.