what are the benefits of using an inversion table

Full Answer

What are the pros and cons of an inversion table?

The Pros, Cons, And Dangers

• Inversion Table Pros and Cons. There are research backed benefits to using an inversion table or chair. ...
• Tips To Stay Safe. There is a tendency to think that the longer you invert on the table, the better. ...
• Conclusion. ...

How to set up and properly use an inversion table?

• When you first start out, have someone present with you. ...
• Make sure the table is secure and positioned on a flat surface. ...
• Wear the proper clothing. ...
• Adjust the table. ...
• Set the angle. ...
• Get into position. ...
• Are you comfortable? ...
• Use the straps or handles to slowly invert. ...
• Raise your arms if you can. ...
• Breathe, breathe, breathe. ...

More items...

What are risks involved in using an inversion table?

• An ear infection
• Surgically implanted supports
• Unhealed fractures
• Swollen joints
• Osteoporosis

How long should you use an inversion table for?

The most beneficial amount of time spent on an inversion table (as well as the best angle) can only be determined by you. Some may benefit from three sessions weekly for 15 minutes at a time, while others may prefer more sessions and longer durations on the inversion table. The question is whether or not it positively impacts your symptoms.

How often should you use an inversion table?

When you first do it, try it for 1 or 2 minutes once a day to see how you feel. Limit your inversion table sessions to 5 minutes twice a day. Tip up slowly. After you've done it, come back up slowly to an upright position.

How long should you use an inversion table each time?

Start hanging in a moderate position for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time. Then increase the time by 2 to 3 minutes. Listen to your body and return to an upright position if you don't feel well. You may be able to work up to using the inversion table for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

How many times a week should you use an inversion table?

Try it twice per day to help your body grow accustomed more quickly. Increase your angle by 10 to 20 degrees per week, until you are comfortable with an angle between 60 and 90 degrees for one to five minutes. Use the inversion table three or more times per day, or whenever you are feeling intense back pain.

Can an inversion table be harmful?

Inversion therapy doesn't provide lasting relief from back pain, and it's not safe for everyone. Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down, and the head-down position could be risky for anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma.

Do chiropractors recommend inversion tables?

Depending on the back pain, injury, condition, or circumstance of the pain, the chiropractor may suggest inversion therapy to help with the recovery process. Inversion therapy is meant to relieve pressure from a person's spine, open up the vertebrae, and increase circulation.

Are inversion tables good for your brain?

Inversions increase the blood flow to the brain, giving it more oxygen and nutrients and making the brain function faster and better. This improves concentration, memory, observation and boosts clear thinking. Standing inverted actually makes the brain work better.

What angle is best for inversion table?

60 degreesEventually, we recommend working your way up to an angle of 60 degrees (which is parallel with the rear legs of the frame). That's what we call the “magic angle” because – according to a study (more details below) – that is the angle at which the pressure in your discs is at or near zero and you can fully decompress.

How far back should you go on an inversion table?

Don't lean back too far. You don't need to be completely upside down to get a good stretch from an inversion table. In fact, leaning back too far can be dangerous. Mullen recommends limiting yourself to a 30- to 35-degree angle, or a 10- to 15-degree angle for older adults.

What is the proper way to use an inversion table?

0:023:00How to Use an Inversion Table for Back Pain - Teeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo find your height just slide it until you find it click in and then set the angle I'm in factMoreSo find your height just slide it until you find it click in and then set the angle I'm in fact gonna remove this because I'm going to show you full inversion later and then lock the ankles.

Can you overdo an inversion table?

It is possible to die from hanging upside down for too long. It's rare, but blood can pool to the head, which can be extremely dangerous for the body. If you're interested in trying inversion therapy or another form of hanging upside down, always do so supervised by a professional, like a physical therapist.

Do inversion tables work for pinched nerves?

Sitting, standing, and exercising puts a lot of pressure on a person's spine. This spinal compression may lead to back pain, pinched nerves, muscle pain, and spasms. An inversion table may be a safe and noninvasive method for relieving spinal stress.

Do inversion tables help lower back pain?

Inversion tables may offer relief to patients struggling with low back pain. These reclining tables help stretch the muscles and soft tissue around the spine, and provide a slight pulling from gravity (traction) to take pressure off of the nerves and disc between bones of the spine (vertebrae).

Benefits of An Inversion Table

One of the primary purposes of an inversion table is to help with back pain.

Inversion Therapy

Before we zero in on inversion tables, what is inversion therapy anyway?

What You Should Know Before Using An Inversion Table

Although there are many benefits of inversion therapy, you should know a few things before going all in.

Choosing An Inversion Table

With all the inversion tables out there, how do you choose the best one? Pay special attention to these qualities:

Other Types of Inversion Therapy

Besides using tables, there are other ways for you to introduce this type of therapy into your life. We recommend trying out a combination of them to maximize the benefits to your health!

Final Thoughts: Are Inversion Tables Worth It?

If you’ve been looking for another approach to back pain relief and spine care, then it’s worth giving these tables a shot. In fact, they’re great supplements to any physical therapy sessions you’re already attending!

What are the advantages of inversion table?

One of the greatest advantages of the inversion table is that it will enhance the flexibility of your body. When you invest some time on the table, it will stretch your muscles in healthy ranges, which means that it will be easier to achieve the normal range of motion.

Why do you need an inversion table?

One of the biggest reasons that you should have the inversion table is that it will help you cure the pain especially related to the back. Some of the features that you should consider are: 1 You will not have to deal with medications and band-aids to get rid of the pain 2 It will help in the realignment of your spine that will cure the lower back pain 3 The pressure will be removed from your discs and the rehydration between disks will be easier 4 Painful nerve pressure will be relieved 5 It will relax the muscles of the body and neck muscle pain will also be reduced 6 With less pain it will be easier for you to have a peaceful sleep

Why do you put an inversion table before bed?

A few minutes on the inversion table before going to bed will improve the recovery of the muscles so that you will more likely wake up fresh and pain-free in the morning.

How to improve posture?

However, the inversion table is an easy and quick method for the maintenance of the body posture. It will also help improve poor posture. The best thing is that all you have to do is hang upside down and no hard work or exercise is required to do so. Simply grab your inversion table and hang.

Why does my spine shrink?

The reason is that the bones are compressed at the joint cavity and the major difference is noticed in the length of the spine. It will not only reduce your height but also lead to many other health issues.

Why do people hang upside down?

Hanging upside down is the perfect treatment for your body, as it will help in the detoxification. When you utilize the inversion table, it will improve the circulation of your lymph nodes in the body. It will enhance the removal of toxins from the blood and the body. It can reduce the pressure on your heart.

Does a spinal splint help with lower back pain?

It will help in the realignment of your spine that will cure the lower back pain. The pressure will be removed from your discs and the rehydration between disks will be easier. Painful nerve pressure will be relieved. It will relax the muscles of the body and neck muscle pain will also be reduced.

What are the benefits of inversion tables?

Benefits of an Inversion Table: 1 Reduce pressure on joints can boost blood circulation. 2 Hanging upside down can relieve stress. 3 Inverted stretching can help with flexibility. 4 Blood flow to the brain can raise mental alertness. 5 Get better posture by inverting regularly. 6 Inversion can help realign the spine after workouts. 7 Reducing pressure on discs can relieve back pain.

Does spinal traction help with back pain?

Some physical therapists incorporate short-term inversion therapy or “spinal traction” to help alleviate back pain in patients. However, some experts say that this method actually stretches the adjacent muscles and ligaments. Source: Presidents and Fellow of Harvard College.

Can inversion therapy help with back pain?

Therefore, inversion therapy can benefit the spine by increasing the space between discs, and many times it alleviates the accompanying pain.

Does inversion therapy increase blood pressure?

Even though inversion therapy provides multiple advantages, it has potential side effects, according to Edward R Laskowski, M.D.. He states that when inverted for a few minutes, a person’s blood pressure increases, the heart rate slows and pressure on the eyeballs jump.

What is the principle behind the working of the inversion table?

An inversion table is based on inversion therapy, which is also called spinal traction. The table is like a lounge where you have to tilt the table backward at an angle until your head lies at a lower level than your heart.

How to use an inversion table

Before you use an inversion table, talk to your doctor about whether using one is safe for you. They will teach you the correct technique of using it.

What are the risks of using an inversion table?

Using inversion tables is generally safe for most people. However, the peculiar posture associated with the inversion table increases the blood flow toward the neck and head and causes increased blood pressure in these areas.

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Quick links

Inversion tables are devices that allow a person to assume an inverted position at various angles. An individual lies on a platform with their ankles supported by a bracket with a ratchet mechanism.

Innova ITX9600

The Innova ITX9600 allows users to adjust the headrest, height, and footrest to ensure fit and comfort.

Ironman Gravity 4000

The Ironman Gravity 4000 is a foldable yet sturdy inversion table comprising a tubular steel frame and nonskid flood stabilizers.

FitSpine Teeter LX9

The Teeter LX9 inversion table has several features, including an eight-point floating suspension system, deluxe EZ Reach Ankle system, and Ergo-Embrace Support, which offer comfortable, easy, and safe inversion.

Innova ITM5900

The Innova ITM5900 comes with a vertical massage pad that spans the length of the spine. It provides targeted heat and vibration to the lower back area.

Health Gear ITM5500

The Health Gear ITM5500 comes with a removable full-back heat and vibrating massage pad, four adjustable oversized foam leg rollers, and a 4-in memory foam backrest for a comfortable and relaxing inversion experience.

Body Vision IT9550

The Body Vision IT9550 is a lightweight, foldable inversion table with adjustable high-density foam rollers. It also utilizes a Sur-Lock Easy In/Out Ankle Support System for a safe experience allowing for convenient angle adjustments.

Pros and Cons of Inversion Tables on Your Health

Let me start with the essential information you’re after. Here are the health benefits and risks of using inversion tables.

Pros and Cons of Inversion Tables as Equipment

Up next are the pros and cons of inversion tables as pieces of equipment.

Inversion Table Safety: Some Warnings and Tips

Since you’re now aware of the pros and cons of inversion tables, here are some words of advice and caution.

What is inversion therapy?

Inversion therapy is a technique where you are suspended upside down to stretch the spine and relieve back pain. The theory is that by shifting the body’s gravity, pressure eases off the back while also providing traction for the spine. For these reasons, inversion therapy may be beneficial for people with: Read on to learn about the benefits, ...

Why do you do inversions upside down?

The upside-down position increases blood pressure and decreases your heart rate. It also puts significant pressure on your eyeballs. Your doctor may not recommend inversion exercises if you have certain conditions, including: bone and joint disorders, such as osteoporosis, herniated disk, fractures, or spinal injuries.

How long does inversion therapy last?

The study found that inversion therapy at 60 degrees reduced back pain after eight weeks. It also improved torso flexibility and strength. 2. Improved spinal health. In theory, inversion therapy can improve the space between your spinal discs and relieve pressure.

How to improve posture in a desk?

3. Increased flexibility. Practicing inversion therapy may also translate to better flexibility. Micromovements in the spine over time may help make the body stronger. You may find it easier to bend and reach. Inversion therapy is also thought to improve posture. This might be especially helpful if you work at a desk.

Is inversion table better than standing?

There’s no evidence to support that using an inversion table is more beneficial than performing inversion in standing or sitting positions. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in the benefits of inversion therapy. Your doctor can help determine if this therapy is right for you.

Can you do inversion table exercises?

But depending on the brand and model, you can also exercise in an inversion table. Some people choose the model that lets them do torso rotations and ab crunches.

Does inversion reduce compression?

One 2014 study suggests that the zero-gravity nature of inversion can reduce compression. The authors of the study also noted that inversion may potentially prevent disability from back problems. This could also reduce the need for spinal surgery.

Why do people use inversion tables?

The theory behind inversion therapy, also called spinal traction, is that being upside down eases pressure on your spinal discs and nerves and increases blood circulation to certain muscles. People use inversion tables to treat:

What are the risks of using inversion tables?

Inversion tables can have dangerous side effects, especially if you have circulation issues, high blood pressure, or ocular diseases such as glaucoma. People with a history of these problems should exercise caution and seek medical advice before beginning inversion therapy.