We are regularly asked about an array of techniques and products on YouTube or from other chiropractors’ protocols; everything from types of adjustments, adjusting instruments, home care etc. However, one type of chiropractic video seems to be continually asked about: the Y-axis strap, or Y-strap.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Y-strap is a tool that a chiropractor can use to provide a vertical (y-axis) pull on a patient’s spine. The strap itself wraps around the base of the patient’s head while the patient is lying down. The chiropractor stands at the head of the table and provides the pull from a handle attached to the strap.
Spinal traction, which this seems to be marketed as, is a common and safe procedure done by chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers (amongst others). When done appropriately it can be used to great effect for any number of complaints from strains to disc bulges. Seems like all is well then, right?
Unfortunately, no.
The key difference between the Y-strap and traditional spinal traction is the time in which the procedure is being performed. Traditional traction has strict protocols for use: time per session, number of cycles of active traction per session, amount of force applied increased incrementally over multiple sessions, etc. While this can be done manually or with assistance from straps or mechanical traction units, the Y-strap is being used as a much sharper pulling “adjustment.” (Calling it an adjustment makes me physically ill as it could not be further from a true chiropractic adjustment).
Not only is this “technique” and ones like it NOT taught in chiropractic colleges, the Y-strap is being utilized as an adjustment tool by chiropractors who seem more concerned with YouTube views than providing quality care to patients. To the best of my searching, no research has been done on its’ safety or validity.
True adjustments are performed via a short lever (directly on the segment being adjusted) in an HVLA method (high velocity, low amplitude). In basic terms, we perform a quick adjustment, on a specific segment, and with minimal movement to return function to the joint and nervous system. The Y-strap, and other similar methods (which have been popularized by a chiropractors in the US), are performed quickly but are non-specific and create far more force than what is necessary. There is no standard chiropractic adjustment taught or tested on board exams that would potentially drag a patient off the table.
The spine is designed to be compressed, not stretched. That is why we have curves in the spine and discs between segments; to absorb force from walking, running, jumping etc. Traction is done in a controlled, calculated, slow manner to provide benefit. Even activities that create a traction effect (inversion tables, sports such as gymnastics, or pull-ups) do so at a low force or on healthy tissue so that the spine remains stable. Unless the Y-strap is utilized in a similar manner, it is simply a marketing tool with risks far out-weighing any potential benefit.
To read the opinions of other chiropractors regarding Y-strap, click here.
