Saunders Lumbar Traction User manual

Lumbar Traction
User’s Guide

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Español . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Deutsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Italiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Português . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Nederlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Svenska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Dansk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Norsk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Suomi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Türkçe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Ελληνικά . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

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This device may contain one or all of the following symbols:
For Prescription Only
Refer to User’s Guide
Caution
Rx
ONLY
Congratulations on your purchase of a Saunders Lumbar Traction
device.
Your new traction device is designed to provide safe and effective
traction (stretching) to the lumbar region (low back.) Your traction
device requires minimal set-up and is ready to use out of the box. If
you have questions regarding its use or to report any problems, contact
your authorized Empi Traction Dealer or Empi at 1-800-862-2343.
Read these instructions completely before proceeding.
Table of Contents
Warnings and Precautions .................................. 2
Indications For Use ....................................... 2
Contraindications For Use .................................. 2
Before You Begin ......................................... 3
Components............................................. 3
Preparing for Treatment .................................... 4
Applying Traction ........................................4-6
Hand Pump Operation ....................................7-8
Maintenance and Troubleshooting...........................8-9
Replacement Parts and Accessories ......................... 10
Warranty Information ...................................11-12
Lumbar Traction User’s Guide

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Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: The sale of this device is restricted to individuals by or
on the order of a licensed health care provider. The instructions
provided by your health care provider should be followed precisely.
Do not exceed the recommendations of your health care provider.
Exceeding these recommendations may aggravate an existing
condition or cause additional injury. Traction should never cause pain.
A stretching sensation or some slight discomfort may be felt during
treatment. If pain is increased in the neck, back, arms or legs, or if you
experience dizziness, nausea or any other type of pain or discomfort
during or after treatment, discontinue use immediately and consult your
health care provider before further use.
Indications for Use
Depending upon the advice of your health care provider, traction can
be used to treat these conditions:
• backpain •muscletightness
• osteoarthritis •jointstiffness
• sciatica •nerverootcompression
• herniateddiscs
Contraindications for Use
Traction should not be used to treat these conditions:
• acuteortraumaticinjury •rheumatoidarthritis
• spinalinstability  •spinalcordcompression
• fracture  •malignancy
• infectionsandinflammatorydiseases
• anyotherconditionsthatmaybemadeworsebymovement

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Before You Begin
Review the guidelines you received from your health care provider
regarding the:
• amountoftractionrecommended(neversomuchthatitcauses
pain)
• duration(amountoftime)ofeachtreatment
• holdandrelaxtimesifintermittenttractionisrecommended
• position
• numberoftreatmentsrecommendedperweekorperday(orthe
frequency of treatments)
For lumbar (low back) traction, remove clothing, belts and accessories
around the trunk and lower back area. The upper and lower harnesses
will stay more secure if they are in contact with bare skin. Therefore, for
best results, slip your shirt up and slide your pants down below your
hips or remove them.
Figure 1. Components of the Saunders Lumbar Traction device
Components
Carrying
Handle
Lower Harness
Belt Upper Harness
Pump Storage
Compartment
Hand Pump
with Gauge Buckle Belt Organizer
Carrying Case
Wheel and User
Guide Storage
Compartment Wheels

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Preparing for Treatment
1. Place the Saunders Lumbar Traction device in its case on a firm
surface or bed with the wheels facing up.
2. Remove the wheels and unzip the case. Open case lid toward the
head of the bed or treatment surface.
3. Remove the hand pump from the mesh storage compartment. Place
the hand pump next to the device.
4. Open the buckles on each of the harnesses. Position the lower
harness so it is slightly overlapping the upper harness.
5. Have a clock, timer or wrist watch available to time your treatment.
Figure 2. Proper position of lower harness
Applying Traction
1. Lie down on the Saunders Lumbar Traction device so that the lower
harness is one inch over the top of your hips.
NOTE: The top edge of the lower harness should be positioned just
under your navel. See Figure 2.

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2. If desired, or as instructed by your health care provider, place
pillows, wedges or bolsters under your knees, back and/or head
(see Figure 3.)
3. Secure the lower harness over your bare skin first. Tighten the belts
as snugly as possible without pain. Now secure the upper harness
the same way.
NOTE: The harnesses feature a belt organizer to help keep the
buckles properly aligned. A belt organizer is secured to each
harness with hook and loop and may be adjusted as appropriate.
4. Apply traction using the pump as described on pages 7 and 8.
NOTE: Your health care provider may instruct you to:
• Usepillows,bolsterorchairunderyourkneesformore
flexion (forward bending) of your lower back.
• Lieflatwithyourlegsfullystraightenedforlessflexion.
• Placeasmalltowel(orwedge)underthelowerstabilization
belt for neutral or slight extension (backward bending) of your
lower back.
• Lieonyourstomach(prone)andhaveapartnersecurethe
belts.
Refer to Figure 3 for instruction in the various position options.

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Figure 3. Position Options
A. Bolster under the knees for more lower back flexion
(forward bending).
B. Legs straight for less lower back flexion.
C. Towel under lower stabilization belt for neutral low back position or slight back
extension (backward bending).
D. Prone (stomach-lying) for more lower back extension (backward bending.)
NOTE: Have a partner secure the harnesses as described on page 5.

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First, rotate the gauge housing of the hand pump to the “PUMP”
position. Begin SLOWLY pumping air into the cylinder by stroking the
pump handle all the way out and all the way in. Observe the gauge to
make sure you are staying within the guidelines provided by your health
care provider. When you have reached the desired amount of stretch,
rotate the gauge housing to the “HOLD” position. Begin timing your
treatment now, following the instructions of your health care provider.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the level of traction prescribed by your
health care provider. The stretch provided by traction should never
cause pain. Relax…let your traction device do the work.
Figure 4. Hand pump operation
A) Close-up of gauge housing.
Hand Pump Operation
Once you are secure and comfortable in your Saunders Lumbar
Traction device, you will apply traction by pumping air into the system
using the hand pump (see Figure 4.).
B) Both in and out motions of the pump fill
the cylinder with air.

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When the treatment is complete, release the traction by rotating the
gauge housing to the “RELEASE” position. Slacken the belts and
release the buckles. You should relax for a few minutes then slowly
move your pelvis from side to side before getting out of the device.
The Saunders Lumbar Traction device will return to the starting
position once you have gotten off the device.
NOTE: In the course of your treatment it is normal for a small loss
of pressure due to the relaxation of your spine. As this occurs, add
additional air to return to the prescribed force. If you give too much
traction, rotate the gauge housing to the “RELEASE” position to let
some air out of the system.
Review of Hand Pump Operation
1. “HOLD” – holds traction force at the desired level.
2. “PUMP” – fills the cylinder with air, increasing the traction force.
3. “RELEASE” – empties air from the cylinder during or after treatment
and prior to use.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance
If you believe your Saunders Lumbar Traction device requires
maintenance, contact your authorized Empi Traction Dealer or contact
Empi at 1-800-862-2343.
Cleaning
All surfaces of your Saunders Lumbar Traction device may be cleaned
with a mild detergent or disinfectant. Do not immerse the device in
water. The carrying case should be left in the “open” position to air
dry. If the device is transferred between different users, all surfaces
should be cleaned using standard cleaning techniques paying particular
attention to the components that come in contact with the body.

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Storage
Your Saunders Lumbar Traction device should be stored in its
protective case. Replace the pump in the mesh storage compartment
on the inside of the carrying case. Fold all harnesses, closing buckles
where applicable. Fully zip the carrying case.
Troubleshooting
The Saunders Lumbar Traction device features a very accurate,
sensitive gauge. The pump is specifically designed not to leak in the
“HOLD” position. If you notice a drop in the gauge reading when in the
“HOLD” position, it is probably because you have relaxed or moved
slightly. If this happens, return to the “PUMP” position and pump back
to the desired force, then reset to “HOLD.”
Proper operation of the Saunders Lumbar Traction device requires
that the air system be virtually leak-free. If the traction force is not
maintained, there may be a leak somewhere in the system.
Questions to Ask:
• Isthepumpinthe“PUMP”positionwhenpumping?
• Isthepumpinthe“HOLD”positionwhenreceivingtreatment?
• Areyoulyingstill?(Anymovementwillcausefluctuation.)
• Areyoupumpingslowly?
• Areallconnectionstight?(i.e.pumphosecapandgaugelenscap)
If the unit is leaking air, try the following:
• Checktheairhoseandconnectionsatthehandpumpforleaks.
• Gentlytightenasnecessary.Donotover-tightenasthethreads
may strip.
• PerformaPOPtest.Withnooneinthedevice,PUMPupthe
pressure until you hear a “pop” noise (at about 200 lbs.) Then
rotate the gauge to the RELEASE position and proceed with your
treatment.
If you have any questions, please call your authorized Empi Traction
Dealer or call Empi Customer Service at 1-800-862-2342.

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Replacement Parts and Accessories
Below is a listing of replacement parts and accessories. Please call
1-800-328-2536 for details and pricing.
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
Upper and Lower Harness Kit 199630
Hand Pump Replacement Kit 199614
Carrying Case with Wheels 096495
Wheel Kit (pair) 199634
Belt Extension Kit 199635
User’s Guide 360369

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Warranty
I. Warranty
Empi warrants the Saunders Lumbar Traction device to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for one year. Empi will repair or replace, at its facility, any
product found to be defective. This warranty does not apply to any product damaged by
misuse, or repaired or altered by anyone other than Empi in Clear Lake, South Dakota.
This warranty is in lieu of any or all other warranties, expressed or implied. No person is
authorized to bind Empi to any representation of warranty other than those specifically set
forth herein. NOTE: Warranty period begins with the date of purchase from manufacturer
for one year.
II. Limitation of Liabilities and Disclaimer of Warranties
A. Empi’s sole obligation in the case of any breach of its warranties set forth in Paragraph
I above, shall be, at Empi’s option, to repair or replace the Product with a new or factory
reconditioned product without charge to Purchaser or to refund the purchase price of
the Product. In order to recover under this Warranty, Purchaser must send Empi written
notice of the defect (setting forth the problem in reasonable detail) prior to expiration
of the Warranty Period, and within 30 days of discovery of the defect. Upon Empi’s
written request and authorization, Purchaser shall return the Product to Empi, freight
and insurance prepaid, for inspection. Notice and return shipment shall be sent to
Empi at Clear Lake, 47492, HWY 22 Clear Lake, South Dakota. Purchaser may request
shipment approval by calling Empi Warranty Repair Department on its toll free number
1-800-862-2343. In the case of repairs or returns outside of North America, contact your
Authorized Empi Distributor, or contact Empi directly at 1-800-328-2536. Empi will not
be responsible for damage due to improper packaging or shipment. If Empi determines
in its sole reasonable discretion that the Product contains defective workmanship or
materials, Empi will refund to the Purchaser the purchase price for the defective product,
or return the repaired Product or a replacement thereof to Purchaser, freight and
insurance billed to the Purchaser, as soon as reasonably possible following receipt of the
Product by Empi, If Empi determines in its sole reasonable discretion that the Product
does not contain defective workmanship or materials. Empi will return the Product to the
Purchaser, freight and insurance billed to the Purchaser.
B. This warranty is voided immediately as to any Product which has been repaired or
modified by any person other than authorized employees or agents of Empi or which has
been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, damage in transit, accident or negligence.
C. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH I, THE PRODUCT IS BEING SOLD ON AN
“AS IS” BASIS, ALL ACCESSORIES ARE SOLD “AS IS”, AND THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO
THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT IS WITH PURCHASER. THE
WARRANTY PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH I IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE INITIAL PURCHASER AND EMPI DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
HOWEVER, THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING SENTENCE IN THE EVENT AN
IMPLIED WARRANTY IS DETERMINED TO EXIST, THE PERIOD FOR PERFORMANCE
BY EMPI THEREUNDER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE LIFETIME OF THE INITIAL
PURCHASER. NO EMPLOYEE, REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OF EMPI HAS ANY
AUTHORITY TO BIND EMPI TO ANY AFFIRMATION, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY
EXCEPT AS STATED IN THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY POLICY.

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(This Warranty give Purchaser specific legal rights and Purchaser may also have other
rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations of how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to the Purchaser.)
D. EMPI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR MEDICAL
EXPENSES CAUSED BY ANY DEFECT, FAILURE, MALFUNCTION OR OTHERWISE OF
THE PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM IN WHICH ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE
ACTION MAY BE BROUGHT AGAINST EMPI (E.G. CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR
OTHERWISE) THE REMEDY PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH I ABOVE SHALL CONSTITUTE
PURCHASER’S SOLE REMEDY. IN NO EVENT SHALL EMPI’S LIABILITY UNDER ANY
CAUSE OF ACTION RELATING TO THE PRODUCT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF
THE PRODUCT.
(The Warranty give Purchaser specific legal rights and Purchaser may also have other
rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to the
Purchaser.)

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Español
Guía del usuario de
Lumbar Traction

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Este dispositivo puede incluir los siguientes símbolos:
Sujeto a prescripción
Consulte la Guía del usuario
Precaución
Rx
ONLY
Enhorabuena por la adquisición del dispositivo Saunders Lumbar Traction.
Este dispositivo de tracción está diseñado para dotar de tracción segura y
efectiva (estiramiento) a la zona lumbar (parte inferior de la espalda). Este
dispositivo de tracción requiere una instalación mínima y viene preparado para
su uso. Si tiene dudas o desea informar sobre algún problema, póngase en
contacto con su proveedor de Empi Traction o con Empi (1-800-862-2343,
para EE.UU.).
Lea estas instrucciones antes de proceder a utilizar el producto.
Índice
Advertencias y precauciones ......................................16
Indicaciones de uso .............................................16
Contraindicaciones .............................................16
Antes de comenzar .............................................17
Componentes..................................................17
Preparación para el tratamiento....................................18
Aplicación de tracción ........................................18-20
Funcionamiento de la bomba manual ............................21-22
Mantenimiento y resolución de problemas ........................22-23
Accesorios y piezas de repuesto ...................................24
Garantía ...................................................25-26
Guía del usuario de Lumbar Traction

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Advertencias y precauciones
ADVERTENCIA: la venta de este dispositivo está sujeta a prescripción por
parte de personal sanitario cualificado. Deben observarse minuciosamente
las instrucciones del personal sanitario. No supere las recomendaciones
establecidas por el personal sanitario. De lo contrario, podría agravar la
dolencia existente o provocar otra lesión. La tracción no debería causar dolor
en ningún momento. El tratamiento puede provocar sensación de estiramiento
o una molestia leve. Si nota un aumento del dolor en cuello, espalda, brazos
o piernas, experimenta sensación de mareo, náuseas o cualquier otro tipo
de dolor o molestia durante o después del tratamiento, deje de utilizar el
dispositivo inmediatamente y consulte con el personal sanitario.
Indicaciones de uso
La tracción, en el modo establecido por el personal sanitario, se puede utilizar
como tratamiento de las siguientes dolencias:
• dolordeespalda • tensiónmuscular
• osteoartritis • rigidezarticular
• ciática • compresiónderaíznerviosa
• herniadiscal
Contraindicaciones
No se debe utilizar tracción para tratar estas dolencias:
• traumatismos  •artritisreumatoide
• inestabilidadraquídea  •compresiónmedular
• fractura  •enfermedadmaligna
• enfermedadesinfecciosaseinflamatorias
• cualquierotradolenciaquepuedaempeorarconelmovimiento

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Antes de comenzar
Repase las pautas que el personal sanitario le ha establecido sobre:
• latracciónrecomendada(nodebeprovocardolor)
• laduración(tiempo)decadatratamiento
• lostiemposdeusoydescansosiseharecomendadotracciónintermitente
• laposición
• elnúmerodetratamientosrecomendadosalasemanaoaldía(frecuencia
de tratamientos)
Para tracción lumbar (parte inferior de la espalda), no utilice ropa, cinturones
ni accesorios alrededor del tronco y la zona inferior de la espalda. Las correas
superior e inferior sujetarán de un modo más estable si están en contacto
directo con la piel. Por ello, y para obtener mejores resultados, súbase la
camisa y bájese o quítese los pantalones.
Figura 1. Componentes del dispositivo Saunders Lumbar Traction
Componentes
Asa de
transporte
Correa inferior
CinturónCorrea superior
Compartimento de
almacenamiento
de la bomba
Bomba manual
con manómetro Hebilla Organizador de
cinturones
Maletín de transporte
Compartimento de
almacenamiento de
las ruedas y la guía
del usuario
Ruedas

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Preparación para el tratamiento
1. Coloque el dispositivo Saunders Lumbar Traction en su maletín sobre una
superficie firme o una cama y con las ruedas hacia arriba.
2. Quite las ruedas y abra el maletín. Abra la tapa del maletín hacia el cabezal
de la cama o de la superficie donde se va a realizar el tratamiento.
3. Extraiga la bomba manual del compartimento de almacenamiento de malla.
Coloque la bomba manual junto al dispositivo.
4. Abra las hebillas de cada una de las correas. Coloque la correa inferior de
tal modo que se solape ligeramente con la superior.
5. Disponga de un reloj o un cronómetro para controlar el tiempo del
tratamiento.
Figura 2. Posición adecuada de la correa inferior
Aplicación de tracción
1. Túmbese en el dispositivo Saunders Lumbar Traction de tal modo que la
correa inferior esté a unos 2,5 cm (1 pulg) sobre la parte superior de la cadera.
NOTA: el borde superior de la correa inferior debe estar justo debajo del
ombligo. Vea la Figura 2.