Inversion Table Guide

Many people have come to know the advantages of inversion chairs and inversion tables. In this article we will discuss not only the advantages of traction therapy done via an inversion chair, but we will also discuss specific reasons why you would choose to purchase an inversion chair instead of an inversion table – hopefully helping you to be able to decide which one would be best for your situation.

Advantages of Inversion Chair Therapy

There are numerous advantages of starting an inversion chair therapy routine. These include the following:

• Inversion is great therapy for disc compression problems (herniations, sciatica pain, etc. – see the previous post on back inversion therapy).    Because these issues are mechanical in nature, there is a very strong argument that a mechanical solution, like inverted traction therapy can help to decompress the vertebral discs and relieve your pain associated with such problems.
• It can reduce emg activity (emg is an indicator of back pain) around 35%.  (Noss, L.: Inverted Spinal Traction.  Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59: 367-370).  This pain relief was also shown be be fairly instant – within 10 seconds of inverting.
• Increasing the lymphatic flow.   Because your lymphatic system uses only gravity (it has no pump like your heart), inverting can increase and improve flows – which helps to get rid of waste chemicals in your body faster than otherwise would be done.  This is one reason why inverting after a workout can be very beneficial.
• Improve blood circulation.  Even though your blood does have a pump (your heart), gravity works against the return of blood from your legs and to your head.
• Help you relax.  As your lymphatic and blood systems flow better, tense muscles can relax, improving how you feel.

Specific Advantages of an Inversion Chair vs Table

The above examples are all benefits of inversion therapy in general – you can achive those benefits either through an inversion table or inversion chair.  However, there are also unique advantages of inversion therapy with an inversion chair:

• Comfortability.  Many people find it uncomfortable to hang freely from their ankles.  Sometimes this can hurt people’s ankles (probably the most common complaint), and it can take some time to get used to inversion tables.  Inversion chairs, on the other hand are much easier to accustom yourself to, since your are seated firmly in a chair.
• Ease of Use.  Using a chair is very simple, and inversion chair exercises can also be done very easily with the security you don’t have using tables.
• Better for people with certain conditions.  Some back and heart conditions can prevent people from being able to hang upside down from their ankles, but they may be able to invert using an inversion chair.  Of course, you will need to speak to a doctor no matter what your situation is before you start any form of inversion therapy, but make sure to ask him/her if you are fit enough for an inversion table/chair.

Summary

Studies have shown that you only need to invert 60% to enjoy all the benefit listed above – and you can definitely do so while being safely held inverted in an inversion chair.   While they may take up a little more space than just an inversion table, they are still definitely worth your consideration, especially if you have a hard time adjusting to the inversion traction therapy.