Inversion therapy
Type of physical therapy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Inversion therapy, or simply inversion, is the process of seeking therapeutic benefits from hanging by the legs, ankles, or feet in an inverted angle or entirely upside down. It is a form of spinal traction.[1] Gravity boots are ankle supports designed for inversion therapy.[2] Some people use gravity boots to add an extra challenge to workouts, doing inverted crunches or squats.[3]
| Inversion therapy | |
|---|---|
Foldable inversion table, extended and set up for use. | |
| Specialty | Physical therapy |
Mechanism of action
Inversion therapy uses gravity-assisted traction to reduce compressive forces on the spine. When the body is positioned at an inverted angle, body weight creates a distractive force that may temporarily increase intervertebral spacing, reduce pressure on nerve roots, and promote muscle relaxation. These effects are similar in principle to mechanical spinal traction used in clinical rehabilitation settings.[4][5]
People who have heart disease, high blood pressure, eye diseases (such as glaucoma), or are pregnant are at higher risk for the dangers related to inversion therapy and should consult their doctors about it first.[6] The first time anyone tries inversion therapy with gravity, they should be sure to have someone standing by, in case assistance is required to get out of the apparatus, or if health problems are experienced.[1]
During an episode of acid reflux, small amounts of stomach acid may manage to escape from the stomach and into the oesophagus. Gravity typically minimizes this upward leakage, but an inversion table and acid reflux can be a painful, nauseating, and potentially dangerous combination.[7] The inverted position, leading to an increase in heart rate and output, peripheral resistance, venous return and myocardial oxygen consumption, is not recommended in cardiac individuals.[8]
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