Are Inversion Tables Safe?

Inversion tables are highly effective, but there are a few safety precautions you must be aware of before beginning any inversion therapy program. After reading several articles that were either misguided or flat-out false, we decided to set the record straight about inversion tables and safety. This guide covers EVERYTHING you must know about safety BEFORE buying an inversion table.

Inversion table therapy has helped countless people relieve chronic back pain symptoms quickly and effectively at a fraction of the price of surgery or therapy. It is one of the safest and most accessible forms of pain relief therapy on the market.

That being said, there are a few safety precautions you must know before purchasing, and inversion tables might not be safe for everyone. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and consult your physician before starting any therapy program.

Inversion Tables - The Basics

We are sure you are aware of the benefits and theories behind inversion therapy, but in case this is your first encounter, we’ll cover the very basics.

Inversion therapy is a technique in which the human body is suspended upside down in an attempt to stretch out the spine and alleviate the symptoms of back pain. When shifting the body’s gravity, pressure is taken off of the spine, and this leads to a number of health benefits.

Inversion is achieved through the use of special equipment which suspends your body at an inverted angle or completely upside down. The benefits include:

Pain relief
Increased flexibility
Improved mental clarity
Reduced need for surgery

Is Inversion Therapy Safe?

For all of its benefits, it’s surprising that there’s so much misinformation around the web about the safety risks of inversion therapy.

The short is yes, inversion tables are safe. The vast majority of safety complaints come from people who:

Bought cheap tables and paid the price with their safety
Did not follow instructions properly
Had pre-existing conditions that precluded them from practicing inversion therapy

If you consult with your doctor and follow assembly and usage instructions, inversion therapy is extremely safe and effective.

That being said, if you’d like to be 100% safe when using your table, you must be aware of a few things. As with all forms of therapy (and most things in life in general), there are some risks involved. Of course, the majority are minimal and the vast majority of users have no issues.

What are the Risks of Inversion Therapy?

Table safety is extremely important. Naturally, when hanging upside down, you expose yourself to risks not normal in everyday life. Namely:

Injury from Collapse: If your table breaks, you will be sent falling to the ground. Of course, you are not high up, but even a slight drop on your head can injure your body, especially for users who aren’t as spry as they once were. Thankfully, this issue is extremely easy to avoid (we explain below).
Muscle Pulls: The most common problem with inversion tables are muscle pulls. Most users think “wow, I feel great after 3 minutes, so I’ll feel AMAZING after 30 minutes!”. This isn’t always the case. Suspending yourself that long isn’t good for your muscles, even if it is good for your spine. Follow therapeutic instructions carefully and listen to your doctor’s recommendations.
Increased Pressure in the Eyes and Ears: Suspending your body upside down can lead to increased pressure in the eyes and ears. As long as you are inverted only for a short time you should be fine. However, extended therapy could lead to negative consequences for those with eye conditions.
Increased Blood Pressure: Inversion therapy increases your heart rate and could lead to high blood pressure. Since your heart has to work harder, more stress is put on your circulatory system. Again, this is fine in short doses.

Who are Inversion Tables not Safe for?

If you have certain pre-existing conditions, you should avoid inversion therapy, or at the very least, speak to your doctor. Inversion tables are generally not safe for people with:

High blood pressure
Glaucoma
Heart disease
Bone breaks or fractures (the pain and symptoms could be made worse)
Hernias
A history of stroke
Head infections such as pink eye

Also, if you are on medications such as blood thinners or are obese, inversion tables are not safe.

For everyone else, inversion therapy is highly effective and extremely safe.

How to Stay Safe During Inversion Therapy

Staying safe while using your inversion table is mostly a matter of common sense so long as you fit the criteria for using one. Follow these safety tips for a better back and healthier body:

Buy a High-Quality Table: Make sure you buy an inversion table from a reputable brand. When shopping, look for one that can handle your size and is built with high-quality parts. Also, it should come with a warranty and safety certification.
Use the Equipment According to Instructions: Be sure to tie your ankles, feet, or knees properly and make sure everything is locked in place.
Keep Sessions Short: Unless otherwise instructed, be sure to keep your therapy sessions short and sweet. A few minutes is enough to stretch out your spine without risking further injury.
Consult Your Doctor First: As always, consult your family physician whenever you begin a new exercise or therapy program. If you have your doubts, speak to them about inversion therapy and get their professional opinion.

Inversion therapy is a safe, accessible, and highly effective therapeutic method that has helped countless people relieve back pain, improve their health, and live their best lives. However, there are a few safety risks that you must be prepared for, and it is not for everyone.

As long as you do not have any pre-existing conditions and follow the safety instructions, you will be 100% safe. Of course, it all comes down to the table that you choose. If you buy a high-quality table, you will be safe. If not, you run the risk of injury.

Are inversion tables safe? YES!