Those with stenosis are flexion biased and should benefit from interventions that will emphasize flexion for relief of symptoms (Williams flexion exercises).
This is because flexion widens the intervertebral foramen, thus relieving nerve root symptoms that may be referring to the shoulder.
Traction has been shown to be effective with some of these patient, because like flexion, it will help open up the space, and reduce the encroachment on the nerves.
Manual therapy has also been shown to relieve symptoms. Postural education, aerobic conditioning, and posterior pelvic tilt positioning should be initiated.
Although stenosis is often treated surgically, Simotas et. al. concluded that nonoperative treatment for spinal stenosis is still a reasonable option.
These conservative treatments included a combination of rest, NSAIDS, and stabilization exercises.
AlterG has also been shown to improve postural control and increase safety while walking in those with spinal stenosis. It was shown to restore normal walking mechanics and increase the walking time and distance. (Landkammer et al.)