Manual traction can be thought of as an intermittent distraction force, or a decompression of the joint, which can help with localized pain, as well as referred pain into other parts of the body. Your physical therapist will apply pressure to a certain area of the body during manual traction to gently stretch the joint capsule and restore normal, natural motion. While this procedure can be used on the arms and legs, it is most often used on the low back or neck.