An inversion table is a table on which a person lies flat on the back. The table then inverts, with the feet above the head. Proponents claim that inversion therapy decreases the amount of gravity and compression on certain parts of the body, leading to pain relief.
Stimulate Circulation
Performing exercises on the inversion table may help stimulate circulation throughout the body. Blood carried from the legs is pumped upward against gravity to circulate throughout the body. With the inversion table the positioning of the body is inverted and the blood can flow easily from the legs to other parts of the body.
Strengthen Ligaments
Ligaments can be stiff if they are not strengthened. With an inversion table the ligaments are slightly stretched on the inversion, which may strengthen them. Ligaments that are stiff and weak can easily be torn.
Pain Relief
Inversion tables may offer pain relief from back, neck and muscular pain. Back and neck pain may be caused by pressure on the intervertebral discs. Inversion therapy offers stretching of the spine that takes pressure off of the discs and can offer pain relief. It also straightens the spine and takes pressure off of any nerve roots or ligaments.
