- According to Healthy Living Today, inversion therapy allows gravity to work with your body to resolve many of the problems caused by the downward pressure of gravity on the back (including poor posture and spinal pressure). Many types of back pain are caused by the compression of the spine, and hanging upside down can elongate the spine, creating more room in between the vertebrae and relieving the pain associated with a compressed spine. Inversion can also help to relax muscles, relieving tension that causes painful muscle spasms, headaches, shoulder and neck pain. L.J. Nosse, a physiotherapist, states that results of his study demonstrated that muscle pain declined 35 percent within 10 seconds of inversion. Inversion can speed up the movement of lymphatic fluids, helping the body to flush and clear waste more quickly, leading to an overall healthier body. Finally, inversion therapy can also help increase the flow of oxygen to the brain and clear waste from internal organs.
- Inversion therapy involves two possible methods. Cure-Back-Pain.org recommends using an inversion table, because this method allows for different angles of inversion and greater flexibility. The second option is to wear gravity boots that hook to an accessory rack which allows you to hang straight upside down by your ankles.
- The risks associated with inversion therapy primarily relate to the blood rushing to your head. You should not engage in inversion therapy without another person present in case of side effects such as dizziness or disorientation. Patients with heart disease or hypertension, as well as pregnant women, should not engage in inversion therapy.
