Inversion therapy

"Inverting" redirects here. For other uses, see Invert (disambiguation) and Inverter (disambiguation).

Inversion therapy
Foldable inversion table, extended and set up for use.
Specialty	Physical therapy
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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]

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. ^[4] 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. ^[5] 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. ^[6]

Regulation

In the United States, inversion tables that make therapeutic claims—such as for back pain, sciatica, or herniated discs—are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class I non-powered orthopedic traction devices (product code HST). ^[7] Manufacturers must register their devices with the FDA and, for certain models, obtain 510(k) pre-market clearance demonstrating substantial equivalence to a legally marketed device. One example is the Teeter inversion table, cleared under 510(k) number K162702 for use in providing traction to stretch the spine and relieve back pain. ^[8] Consumers can confirm a product’s registration or clearance status using the FDA’s public [Device Registration and Listing Database](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRL/rl.cfm) or [510(k) Premarket Notification database](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm). ^[9]

Additional images

Inversion table in action.

References

1. Spinal Traction can be useful for effects of decreasing muscle spasm, stretching muscles/ligaments of the back, increasing the space between vertebral bodies and thus rehydrating the intervertebral discs, decreasing disc bulging and decreasing pressure on nerve roots and the spinal cord. In turn, these effects can help for the reduction of pain and increasing tissue repair. Laskowski, Edward R., M.D. (June 9, 2014). "Does inversion therapy relieve back pain? Is it safe?". Mayo Clinic . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
2. "Brown plays down Code controversy" BBC; 24 April 2006
3. "Hang Ten". Time . 2 May 1983.
4. "Everything You Need To Know About Inversion Tables". Forbes Health. 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
5. Lasich, Christina, M.D. (March 7, 2011). "The Upsides and Downsides of Inversion Therapy". HealthCentral . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
6. Heng, M.; Bai, J.; Talian, N.; Vincent, W.; Reese, S.; Shaw, S.; Holland, G. (January 1992). "Changes in Cardiovascular Function during Inversion" . International Journal of Sports Medicine. 13 (1): 69–73. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1021238. ISSN   0172-4622. PMID   1544738.
7. "FDA Product Classification: Apparatus, Traction, Non-Powered (HST)". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
8. "510(k) Premarket Notification K162702 – Teeter Manual Inversion Table and Accessories". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 25 October 2025.
9. "FDA Device Registration and Listing Database". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 25 October 2025.