Decompression Traction Table: What "DTS" Means and Who Needs It
Discover how DTS spinal decompression therapy works, what sets it apart, and whether your back pain makes you the right candidate.
DTS, or Dynamic Traction System, is Chattanooga's designation for a matched ecosystem pairing a purpose-built traction unit, a multi-section hi-lo decompression traction table, and a standardized accessory set engineered to work together. It is designed for patients with disc herniation, bulging discs, or nerve root compression causing sciatica or peripheral radiation.
- Decompression traction works by creating a negative pressure gradient inside the disc, which can draw herniated material back toward center rather than simply pulling the spine apart.
- DTS means matched components: DTS designates a system where the traction unit, table, and accessories are engineered as a set, and Chattanooga explicitly warns against mixing components outside their designated pairings.
- Galaxy scissor frame advantage: The Galaxy tables use a scissor frame that achieves a lower minimum height than a standard platform, which matters most for bariatric transfers and patients with fall risk.
- Patients whose symptoms centralize toward the spine during the first session tend to do better with continued traction than those whose symptoms stay peripheral or worsen.
- 60-second hold, 30-second rest: A common starting protocol is intermittent traction with a 60-second hold and 30-second rest, run across a 15 to 20 minute session, which supports better disc fluid exchange than static holds.
Where to start
Chattanooga Triton 6E DTS, Hi-Lo Traction Table, 90.5" x 37" x 31"
Chattanooga Triton 6M DTS, Hi-Lo Traction Table, 90.5" x 37" x 31"
Spinal Decompression: The Mechanical Logic Behind the Treatment
Spinal decompression traction works by applying a controlled distraction force along the axis of the spine, reducing intradiscal pressure and creating a negative pressure gradient that can draw herniated or bulging nuclear material back toward the center of the disc. The mechanism is not complicated, but the precision required to execute it consistently is.
When a patient is loaded axially through standing or sitting, the nucleus pulposus bears compressive forces that can exceed body weight several times over. Research on intradiscal pressure consistently shows that even relatively small distractive loads, applied at the right angle and in the right rhythm, measurably reduce that pressure. The clinical benefit is not limited to disc pathology: decompression also opens the intervertebral foramina, relieving the mechanical component of nerve root compression. For patients with peripheral radiation or sciatica driven by structural impingement rather than purely inflammatory causes, this matters enormously.
The table is the delivery mechanism for all of this. A decompression traction table is not just a flat surface with a pull handle; the geometry of each section, the ability to position the pelvis and spine in a precise angle before any traction load is applied, and the stability of the patient during treatment all determine whether the force reaches the intended spinal level or disperses into surrounding soft tissue. That is why the equipment matters as much as the protocol.
What "DTS" Actually Means in the Chattanooga Line
DTS stands for Dynamic Traction System. The name refers to the integrated approach Chattanooga developed for combining a purpose-built traction unit with a matching multi-section hi-lo table and a standardized accessory set. The idea is that the traction unit, the table mechanics, and the belt and positioning system are engineered to work together rather than being assembled from mismatched components. Chattanooga designates compatible pairings explicitly: the Triton Traction Unit is designed for use with the Triton 6M and 6E tables, and the TX Traction Unit pairs with the Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400 tables. Mixing outside of these pairings is not recommended.
The DTS label also signals something about the accessory ecosystem. The full Triton DTS Advanced Accessory Package, for example, includes the QuickWrap DTS Belt Set with universal pelvic fit, a Knee Bolster Set for lumbar positioning, the Saunders Cervical Traction Set for cervical protocols, and the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback unit. The biofeedback component is worth noting: it gives the clinician real-time information about lumbar stabilization, which is relevant for both treatment effectiveness and documentation. The Basic Accessory Package covers the core lumbar application without the cervical and biofeedback components, which suits practices that focus primarily on lumbar decompression.
For practitioners evaluating these systems, the practical implication of the DTS designation is that the ecosystem is closed and tested. You are not sourcing a traction unit separately and hoping the belt geometry works with a table from a different manufacturer. The compatibility is engineered in, and the documentation reflects that.
Triton 6E versus 6M: Six Sections, Two Different Drive Systems
Both the Triton 6E and the Triton 6M are six-section hi-lo tables sharing the same footprint (90.5 inches by 37 inches) and the same maximum patient capacity (440 lbs., lifted through a height range of 19 to 37 inches). At those surface specifications they are functionally identical. The differences are in how each section is driven and, as a result, how precisely each position can be set and held.
The 6E is fully electric: each of the six sections is driven by its own dedicated actuator. Control comes through a hand remote positioned for easy clinician access from anywhere around the table. Because the actuators are independent, positioning is friction-free, repeatable, and requires no physical effort from the clinician beyond pressing a button. The head section tilts from -30 degrees to +40 degrees, the pelvic section inclines from 0 to 20 degrees, and the leg section moves from 0 to 45 degrees. Those ranges cover essentially every standard lumbar and cervical decompression position.
The 6M uses a hybrid approach: gas springs assist manual repositioning rather than replacing it. A foot and hand controller adjusts table height, and the sections are positioned manually with gas-spring assist. The head section on the 6M runs from -15 to +40 degrees (the floor is less negative than the 6E's -30 degrees), the pelvic section from 0 to 15 degrees, and the leg section from 0 to 45 degrees. Both tables include tuck-away grab bars for hanging traction without thoracic restraint, a face hole with removable cover in the head section, and a lockable safety mechanism on the height controller. The 6E carries a roughly $4,600 premium over the 6M, which reflects both the six-actuator drive system and the extended head section range.
The Galaxy Tables: A Different Architecture for Decompression
The Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400 take a different structural approach. Where the Triton line uses a six-section layout designed around the DTS traction unit ecosystem, the Galaxy tables are three- and four-section designs built on Chattanooga's proprietary Hallotronic actuators with a scissor frame and four multidirectional retractable wheels. The scissor frame is a meaningful difference: it gives a lower minimum height than a non-scissor platform, which matters for bariatric transfers and fall-risk patients.
The TTET400 lifts up to 500 lbs. from 22 to 40 inches, making it the highest-capacity table in this group. The TTET300 handles 440 lbs. across the same height range. Both Galaxy tables share the same 83-inch by 25-inch surface, which is notably narrower than the Triton's 37-inch width. The head and back section on both Galaxy models elevates from 0 to 85 degrees, covering everything from flat prone to near-upright sitting, which makes these tables functional treatment couches when the rolling sections are locked. The Chattanooga TX Kit is the intended traction pairing for both Galaxy models, including the TX Traction Unit, the QuickWrap DTS Belt Set rated for pelvic and lumbar traction up to 300 lbs., the Saunders Cervical Set, and a Knee Bolster Set.
Practices that need a single table to handle manual therapy, post-treatment rest, and spinal traction will often find the Galaxy's versatility compelling. The locking rolling sections and the 85-degree back elevation make it genuinely multi-purpose in a way the Triton, optimized specifically for decompression positioning, is not quite designed to match.
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Chattanooga Traction Tables
The table below captures the key specifications across the Galaxy TTET300 variants and the TTET400. Note that the TTET300 is available in multiple colorways at the same price point; the specifications are consistent across those variants. When selecting for a clinical environment, focus on the capacity, height range, and section count rather than color, which is simply an aesthetic decision.
| Model | Sections | Max Capacity | Height Range | Head/Back Elevation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 86.6 x 33.5 x 31.5", Black |
3 | 440 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 86.6 x 33.5 x 31.5", Gray |
3 | 440 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 87 x 34 x 31.5", Graphite Gray |
3 | 440 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 87 x 34 x 31.5", Imperial Blue |
3 | 440 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 87 x 34 x 31.5", Navy Blue |
3 | 440 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $6,169.95 |
 Chattanooga Galaxy TTET400, 4 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift |
4 | 500 lbs. | 22–40" | 0–85° | $7,257.23 |
All Galaxy models share the scissor frame design, Hallotronic actuators, and four multidirectional retractable wheels. The primary clinical differentiator between the TTET300 and TTET400 is the additional section count on the TTET400 and its higher weight capacity. Practices treating a wider range of body types should weight that 500-lb. ceiling seriously, since it provides a meaningful safety margin over the 440-lb. figure shared by the TTET300 and both Triton models.
Patient Candidacy: Who Benefits and Who Needs a Different Approach
The clinical literature on mechanical traction identifies the strongest candidates as patients with discogenic low back pain, herniated nucleus pulposus with radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease with concordant symptom reproduction, and nerve root impingement secondary to foraminal stenosis at one or two levels. Symptom centralization during treatment, a concept documented extensively in the McKenzie literature, is a reasonable real-time indicator that the patient is responding. Patients whose peripheral symptoms reduce or centralize toward the spine during the first session tend to have better outcomes with continued traction than those whose symptoms do not change or peripheralize.
The contraindications are important to state clearly. Spinal instability of any cause, including post-surgical instability, fracture, tumor, or infection, is an absolute contraindication. Severe osteoporosis, vascular conditions affecting the vertebral arteries (particularly for cervical traction), advanced degenerative joint disease with ankylosis, and active inflammatory arthropathy are standard relative contraindications requiring individual clinical judgment. Pregnancy is contraindicated for lumbar traction. Practitioners in chiropractic, physical therapy, and sports medicine who are integrating a decompression traction table into a multimodal protocol should screen systematically for these before the first session.
Cervical versus Lumbar Traction on the Same Table
A well-configured DTS setup handles both regions, but the accessory requirements are different. Lumbar decompression uses the QuickWrap DTS Belt Set secured around the pelvis, with the patient positioned in a degree of hip and knee flexion to adjust the target spinal level. Increasing hip flexion flattens lumbar lordosis and directs the distraction force toward the lower lumbar segments (L4-S1 in particular). The knee bolster supports this position passively, reducing the muscular effort the patient needs to maintain it during a session that may last 15 to 30 minutes.
Cervical traction requires the Saunders Cervical Traction Set, which is included in both the Triton DTS Advanced Package and the TX Kit designed for the Galaxy tables. The head section positioning on the Triton 6E (capable of going to -30 degrees) gives more control over cervical flexion angle than the 6M (limited to -15 degrees), which matters clinically since the target flexion angle for cervical traction is typically in the range of 24 to 30 degrees for lower cervical disc levels. The broader head section range of the 6E is not purely a feature specification; it reflects a genuine difference in clinical capability for cervical protocols. Practitioners treating a mix of lumbar and cervical decompression patients should factor this into the decision between the two Triton models.
The traction unit's parameter range also sets a ceiling on treatment options. The Chattanooga TX Clinical Traction Unit delivers up to 200 lbs. of traction tension. For lumbar protocols, most clinical guidelines recommend initial loads of 25 to 50% of body weight, built progressively. A 200-lb. ceiling accommodates the full working range for the vast majority of patients, and the QuickWrap Belt Set is rated for pelvic traction up to 300 lbs., so the belt is not the limiting factor.
Matching the Table to Your Practice's Actual Needs
The decision between the Galaxy and Triton lines usually comes down to three factors: the complexity of positioning required, the proportion of traction to non-traction use, and budget. The Galaxy tables, with their 0-to-85-degree back elevation and locking rolling sections, are the more versatile choice for practices where the table has to serve as a treatment couch between traction sessions. The Triton tables are narrower in their general-purpose application but deeper in their traction-specific positioning, particularly the 6E with its full electric control and extended head section range. A practice billing primarily for spinal decompression will likely prefer the Triton system. A mixed manual therapy and traction practice may find the Galaxy architecture more practical day to day.
Room dimensions deserve a realistic look before purchase. The Triton tables at 90.5 inches long require sufficient clearance at both ends during patient positioning and clinician movement. The Galaxy tables at 83 inches are modestly shorter. Neither figure includes the traction unit, which mounts at the foot end and adds additional depth. A room that comfortably holds one of these tables plus the clinician working around it typically needs at least 12 feet in the longer dimension, and more is preferable. Clinicians in traction equipment evaluations often underestimate how much of the room the working perimeter actually consumes once the table is loaded and the traction unit is attached.
The hi-lo height range is another practical consideration that gets underweighted in purchasing decisions. The Triton's 19-to-37-inch range drops lower than the Galaxy's 22-to-40-inch floor, which matters for patients who cannot step up to a higher surface. An electric table like the 6E that can drop to 19 inches significantly reduces the assisted transfer burden, which is a real workflow consideration in practices treating post-surgical or elderly populations.
Bridging Clinical Decompression and Home Maintenance
One practical gap in clinical traction programs is the transition between in-clinic sessions. Patients benefit from high-dose, precisely controlled decompression in the clinic, but treatment frequency is limited by scheduling and cost. The Saunders Cervical HomeTrac device is designed to bridge this gap for cervical patients specifically, providing a cost-effective means of continuing traction between clinical visits. Chattanooga describes it as providing "a comfortable and cost-effective option to continuing clinical traction treatments." The device does not replicate the force parameters or positional control of a full clinical setup, but for maintenance and symptom management between sessions it has a practical role in a comprehensive plan. The broader cervical traction options available include both clinical and home-use devices suited to different stages of care.
For lumbar patients, the home traction picture is more limited: portable lumbar traction devices generally produce lower forces and less positional precision than a clinical table. The clinical table remains the primary therapeutic tool for active lumbar decompression, with home devices playing a supportive role at best. This is worth communicating to patients who ask about home options, both to set realistic expectations and to reinforce the value of maintaining their clinical appointment schedule.
Building a Decompression Protocol Around the Equipment
A well-structured decompression protocol uses intermittent traction rather than static holds for most patients, particularly in the early phases of treatment. Intermittent traction cycles the distraction and relaxation phases repeatedly across the session, which research suggests produces better fluid imbibition and nutritional exchange in the disc than sustained static traction. The specific hold and rest durations vary by protocol, but a common starting point is a 60-second hold followed by a 30-second rest, for a total session of 15 to 20 minutes. The Triton Traction Unit and the TX Traction Unit both allow these parameters to be programmed, which keeps treatment delivery consistent across sessions and across different clinicians treating the same patient.
Patient positioning before the traction load is applied is at least as important as the force parameters. Proper lumbar decompression positioning typically involves some degree of hip flexion (often around 30 degrees as a starting point), a neutral or slightly flattened lumbar curve, and a well-secured pelvic belt sitting just above the iliac crests. The QuickWrap DTS Belt Set is designed for easy application at this anatomical landmark, and the knee bolster maintains the hip flexion angle passively. Clinicians who skip careful positioning and go straight to load application will produce inconsistent treatment and are more likely to provoke adverse responses.
Re-evaluation should happen at regular intervals, typically every four to six sessions. Patients who are improving should be progressing in their activities of daily living as well as reporting symptom change; a patient whose table scores are improving but who is not functionally progressing warrants reassessment of the overall management plan. Decompression traction is a component of rehabilitation, not a standalone cure, and the table works best as part of a broader program that includes stabilization exercise and patient education.
Maintenance, Infection Control, and Table Longevity
Clinical traction tables are high-contact surfaces that require a consistent disinfection protocol compatible with the upholstery material. Chattanooga offers the Triton tables in multiple upholstery colors, but the material type and chemical compatibility are specifications the manufacturer holds rather than details published in the standard listing. Before establishing a disinfection protocol, confirm the upholstery specification directly with the manufacturer or your authorized dealer to avoid degrading the material with incompatible cleaning agents.
More traction equipment worth a look
Chattanooga Galaxy TTET400, 4 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift
Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300, 3 Section Hi-Lo Traction Table, Foot Bar Lift, 87 x 34 x 31.5", Graphite Gray
Frequently asked questions
What is a decompression traction table and who is it designed for?▾
A decompression traction table is a multi-section treatment surface engineered to deliver controlled distraction forces along the spine, reducing intradiscal pressure and opening the intervertebral foramina. It is primarily used for patients with disc herniation, bulging discs, nerve root compression, or sciatica driven by structural impingement. Clinics treating moderate to severe spinal pathology, particularly where conservative care has stalled, are the core users.
What does DTS mean on Chattanooga traction tables?▾
DTS stands for Dynamic Traction System, Chattanooga's designation for a matched ecosystem of traction unit, multi-section hi-lo table, and purpose-built accessory set. The components are engineered to work together, so the belt geometry, traction force delivery, and table positioning all function as a coordinated system rather than a collection of mismatched parts. The Triton Traction Unit pairs with the 6M and 6E tables, while the TX Traction Unit is designed for the Galaxy TTET300 and TTET400.
Is a decompression traction table safe for all patients?▾
Most patients with disc-related pain, sciatica, or foraminal stenosis tolerate decompression traction well when a qualified clinician controls load, angle, and session duration. It is not appropriate for patients with fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal tumors, or certain surgical hardware, so a clinical assessment always comes first. The Chattanooga Triton tables include a lockable safety mechanism on the height controller, and the six-section design lets the clinician fine-tune positioning before any traction load is applied.
How much do Chattanooga decompression traction tables cost?▾
The Chattanooga Galaxy TTET300 is priced at $6,169.95 and the TTET400 at $7,257.23, making them the more accessible entry points in the Chattanooga range. The Triton 6M sits at $9,408.91, while the fully electric Triton 6E is $14,043.14. All four prices cover the table only; the traction unit and cervical traction unit are optional and sold separately, so factor those into your total budget.
How do you set up a Chattanooga traction table for a lumbar decompression session?▾
Initial setup involves positioning the patient in either supine or prone, then adjusting the relevant sections before applying any traction load. On the Triton 6E, for example, the pelvic section can be inclined up to 20 degrees and the leg section up to 45 degrees, which lets the clinician angle the lumbar spine precisely for the target level. The tuck-away grab bars on both Triton tables support hanging traction without thoracic restraint, and the QuickWrap DTS Belt Set from the accessory package handles pelvic fixation.
What are the ongoing costs of running a decompression traction table in a clinic?▾
The table itself has minimal consumable costs once purchased, but the traction unit, cervical unit, and full accessory package are priced separately and represent meaningful additional investment. Upholstery will eventually need replacement depending on patient volume, and periodic calibration of the traction unit is standard clinical practice. The Chattanooga DTS ecosystem is a closed, tested system, so sourcing replacement parts and compatible accessories is straightforward compared to mixing components from different manufacturers.
How do you choose the right table size and capacity for your practice?▾
Patient weight capacity and surface width are the two most practical filters. The Galaxy TTET400 handles up to 500 lbs. with its Hallotronic actuators, making it the strongest option here, while the Triton 6M and 6E and the Galaxy TTET300 all lift up to 440 lbs. Surface width matters too: the Triton tables measure 37 inches wide versus 25 inches on both Galaxy models, which is a real difference in patient comfort and positioning flexibility for larger patients. Practices with a high proportion of bariatric or fall-risk patients may also prefer the Galaxy's scissor frame, which offers a lower minimum table height for easier transfers.
What mistakes do clinicians most often make when buying a decompression traction table?▾
The most common mistake is purchasing the table without accounting for the traction unit and accessory costs, since none of the Chattanooga tables on this page include those components in the listed price. A second issue is mismatching equipment: Chattanooga specifies which traction units pair with which tables, and using the wrong combination can compromise both outcomes and documentation. Choosing a table based on price alone without considering section count and drive system is also worth avoiding; the difference between the 6M's gas-spring assist and the 6E's six independent actuators is significant in a high-volume clinic where consistent, repeatable positioning saves time on every session.
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