This action includes increasing interior cable tension and pulling on it (therefore, both techniques are included under the term tensioning). The name comes from the nautical term related with ropes, as they are tensioned to adjust their internal tension and to control their resistance to other elements.
Both pre-tensioned concrete and post-tensioned concrete are subjected to pressure they can withstand, while the steel nerves are submitted to traction force. Steel performs well under traction, especially braided steel cable.