Every so often we see a renewed interest in gravity inversion therapy (hanging upside down). For the first time that I remember we see television marketing for a form of this therapy. This probably contributes to the greater interest that I experience from my patients. This might indicate that the advertising is successful.
In theory, it sounds like a good idea. Reverse the effects of gravity. Stretch the muscles and ligaments. Increase the spacing between the discs. Spinal realignment. Maybe even work the core muscles while you’re up there. Most of these effects are good but temporary and there has been no research to prove that it really is beneficial in the long term. But can it actually hurt?
In the event that you feel you must give it a try, it’s important that you get the OK from your doctor. Not everyone is meant to hang upside down. You are not a candidate for inversion therapy if:
- You have any history of cardiac disease
- You have high blood pressure
- You have glaucoma or any condition related to the pressure in the eyes
- You are pregnant
- You’ve had joint reconstruction or moderate arthritis from the waist down
The inversion units marketed today are a bit easier to use than in the past but it is always a good idea to have someone present to help return you to the horizontal or upright position in case you get stuck.
So if you absolutely have to give it a try, and you have an extra $200-plus to spend and you’ve been cleared by your doctor to do it, be my guest. I’d reccommend test driving an inversion unit first, before buying.
