The Science Behind Inversion Therapy

• Similar to other traction techniques such as elevating the arms and legs to increase blood flow or to ease the pressure on joints, the benefits of inversion therapy on the back result from removing pressure on the spinal column.
  
  Just like hanging from a bar by one's hands can relieve pressure on the spine and stretch the shoulders, so inversion therapy helps stretch the muscles around the nerve roots and discs, allowing the spine to regain proper alignment.
  
  

Inversion Therapy Techniques

• There are two primary types of inversion therapy techniques. The first inversion therapy technique is the gravity boot technique which allows a user to strap themselves into gravity boots that are in turn mounted to a stationary rack. Gravity boots allow the user to hang straight down with no ability to adjust the angle from which they are suspended.
  
  The other inversion therapy technique is the inversion therapy table. These flexible inversion therapy tables allow you to perform inversion therapy safely because you control the angle from which you are suspended, and you can return to an upright position at any time.
  
  To use an inversion therapy table, you simply stand with your back against the table---the table starts out in a vertical position---and you strap your feet into the foot rest.
  
  Once strapped in, use the handle grips to ease yourself backward and forward as the routine demands.
  
  

Inversion Therapy Routine

• Start your inversion therapy routine by rotating downward approximately 10 degrees every 30-40 seconds until you are completely inverted. This will give your body time to adjust to the change in gravity. Hang for 5 minutes while breathing slowly and deeply.
  
  From this position, rotate slowly upward until you are completely vertical, and then slowly downward again (with your hands on the handle grips to manipulate your position) until you are again fully inverted, and stay in that position for another 5 minutes. Do this routine daily for 20-30 minutes.
  
  

Risks to Inversion Therapy

• Anyone with high blood pressure or glaucoma should consult a physician before attempting inversion therapy. Hanging upside down for long periods of time is not a natural position for your body, so blood could pool, dangerously, in the skull, putting pressure on the brain.
  
  Also, utilize a spotter as often as possible in case you feel dizzy or weak while inverted.