A focused approach
Decompression applies a measured stretching force through a specialized table. The goal is to ease symptoms and help you move more comfortably as part of your care plan.
Spinal Decompression in Lafayette, Louisiana
More comfortable movement starts here.
Get back to focusing on your day. Nonsurgical spinal decompression uses controlled stretching on a supportive treatment table to help ease back and leg symptoms in suitable patients. At Relief Plus, Dr. Shawn Johnston guides your care with your comfort, movement, and goals in mind.
Your Provider
Dr. Johnston takes time to understand your symptoms and the activities you want to enjoy again. Your examination helps him determine whether decompression fits your needs and shape a plan around you.
Treatment at a Glance
Support for relief. A plan for movement.
Care that adapts to you
Your positioning, treatment settings, and follow-up are tailored to your needs. We use your feedback and progress to guide each next step.
Understanding Your Symptoms
How spinal decompression works.
Decompression is a form of spinal traction: a controlled pulling force applied while you rest on a treatment table. A fitted harness supports your body and transfers the stretch to the lower back. The table provides the movement, so you can settle into the supported position.
The stretch is intended to temporarily reduce loading on parts of the spine. For some patients, traction can help ease pain and make movement more comfortable. Treatment settings allow the clinician to adjust the force and pattern of the pull to your care plan.
Understanding Your Care
Settle in. We’ll guide you through it.
01
Get comfortably positioned
We help you onto the table and position the supports and harness. Before treatment begins, we explain what you will feel and make sure you are settled.
02
Let the table do the work
You rest while the table applies controlled traction. You may feel a gradual pull or stretch through your lower back, along with pressure from the harness. Keep us informed about how it feels so we can adjust your comfort.
03
Ease back into movement
When the session ends, the traction is released and the harness is removed. We help you transition off the table, check how you feel, and discuss your next steps.
Individualized Evaluation
Make room for the things you enjoy.
Your goals give treatment a purpose. Together, we focus on the everyday changes that would make a difference to you.
A more comfortable workday
Work toward easier sitting, standing, and changing positions throughout the day.
More enjoyable walks
Focus on movement that supports time outdoors, errands, and keeping up with family.
Confidence with daily tasks
Build toward the bending, reaching, and household activities that matter to you.
Getting back to your interests
Keep your hobbies, exercise, and personal goals at the center of your care plan.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
Care begins with a clear clinical picture.
Dr. Johnston may consider decompression when evaluating certain patterns of back pain, sciatica, or disc-related symptoms. Explore these guides to learn more about the concerns we assess.
One Integrated Clinic
Three pillars. One individualized plan.
Decompression can fit into a broader plan that includes movement guidance, exercise, or physical therapy. Our team connects the work you do in the clinic with the activities you want to enjoy outside it.
Encouraging Research
Research points to benefits for some patients.
In a 2022 randomized study of 60 people with nerve-related low-back symptoms, adding nonsurgical decompression to physical therapy led to greater improvements in pain, back movement, and daily function than physical therapy alone after four weeks.
A 2021 research review also found short-term improvements in pain and function when traction performed lying on the back was added to physical therapy for lumbar radiculopathy—leg symptoms related to an irritated nerve in the lower back. That finding came from lower-quality studies; results across the wider research are mixed. Your examination and response help Dr. Johnston put the research into context for your care.
Your Comfort
Feel prepared before you get on the table.
Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move easily. Bring your questions and any existing imaging reports you would like Dr. Johnston to review. We’ll talk through your health history and explain your positioning before starting.
During treatment, your role is to rest in the supported position and let us know how you feel. Tell us about any discomfort or change in symptoms right away so we can respond. Clear communication helps us keep your care attentive and personal.
Building on Your Care
Keep your everyday progress in focus.
Relief matters most when it helps you do more of what you enjoy. We follow changes in your comfort and daily activities, such as sitting through a meal, taking a walk, or completing an exercise more easily.
Your plan may include exercises or activity guidance to support strength and movement between visits. Your response helps Dr. Johnston personalize the pace and direction of care.
Related Care
Options to discuss after your assessment.
Common Questions
What patients often ask.
What does decompression feel like?
You may feel a gradual stretching or pulling sensation in your lower back and support from the harness. The table does the work while you rest. Let us know how you feel throughout the session so we can respond to your comfort.
How should I prepare for my visit?
Choose comfortable clothing and bring any existing imaging reports or questions about your symptoms. We’ll explain the setup and help you get positioned on the table.
Can decompression help with sciatica?
Some patients with nerve-related leg pain experience improvement with traction as part of their care. Research has reported short-term benefits in selected groups. Dr. Johnston will assess your symptoms and determine whether it is a good fit for you.
Can it be combined with physical therapy?
Yes. Decompression may be part of a plan that includes physical therapy, exercise, and movement guidance. These approaches can work toward shared goals of greater comfort and easier activity.
How many visits will I need?
Your schedule is personalized to your findings, goals, and response. Dr. Johnston will discuss the plan with you and review your progress along the way.
How do I get started?
Call Relief Plus at 337-565-4200 to schedule an assessment. Tell us what you would like to get back to doing, and we’ll help you take the next step.
Learn More
Explore the research and treatment information.
- Amjad and colleagues: Decompression plus physical therapy (2022)
Randomized study of 60 patients with lumbar radiculopathy, with outcomes measured after four weeks.
- Vanti and colleagues: Mechanical traction for lumbar radiculopathy (2021)
Research review examining traction added to care, including short-term benefits and the quality of the evidence.
- Royal Berkshire NHS: Lumbar traction patient guide
An introduction to treatment setup and discussing your health history with your clinician.
Ready to Begin?
Take the next step toward moving comfortably.
Let’s talk about your back or leg symptoms and the activities you want to enjoy again. Schedule your visit with Relief Plus in Lafayette.