Numerous studies have shown time and again that Inversion Therapy is safe and effective. We show just some of these below for your edification…

  • Sheffield, F. “Adaptation of Tilt Table for Lumbar Traction.” Arch Phys Med

Rehabil 45 (Sep. 1964): 469-472.
175 patients who were unable to work due to back pain were treated. After eight inversion
treatments, 155 patients were able to return to their jobs full time. Study concluded that the
main basis for improvement was the stretching of paraspinal vertebral muscles and ligaments
and possibly the widening of intervertebral discs.
Study found significant improvements in a variety of diagnosis including spondylolisthesis,
herniated discs, lumbar osteoarthritis with sciatica, and coccygodynia. Patient experienced
traction in a modified hip flexed position.

  • Nosse, L. “Inverted Spinal Traction.” Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59 (Aug. 1978):

367-370.
Study found emg activity (an indicator of muscle pain) declined 35% within the first 10 seconds
of inversion. Study found that inversion increases the spinal length. Study concluded there is
a correlation between a reduction in emg activity and an increase in spinal length.
Gianakopoulos, G, et al. “Inversion Devices: Their Role in Producing Lumbar
Distraction.” Arch Phys Med Rehabil 66 (Feb. 1985): 100-102.
Study found all subjects experienced intervertebral separation in the lower lumbar vertebrae.
Study concluded that although mechanical traction has been used for centuries, only gravity
assisted traction (inversion) offers an effective means of achieving pelvic traction at home.

Inversion table

Inversion Therapy in Action

  • Ballantyne, Byron, et al. “The Effects of Inversion Traction on Spinal Column

Configuration, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Perceived Discomfort.” Jour of
Orthopedic Sports Phys Ther (Mar. 1986): 254-260.
Study concluded that inversion can be an effective means of spinal traction. Subjects inverting
in the hip flexed position experienced greater separation between the lumbar vertebrae.

  • Kane, M, et al. “Effects of Gravity-facilitated Traction on Intervertebral

Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine.” Jour of Orthopedic and Sports Phys Ther
(Mar. 1985): 281-288.
Study found gravity-facilitated traction produces significant intervertebral separation in
lumbar spine. Study concluded gravity facilitated traction may be an effective modality in the
relief of low back pain.

  • Goldman, R, et al. “The Effects of Oscillating Inversion on Systemic Blood

Pressure, Pulse, Intraocular Pressure, and Central Retinal Arterial Pressure.”
The Physician and Sports Medicine 13 (Mar. 1985): 93-96.
Study concluded that full inversion using oscillation procedure presents no risk to
normotensive healthy subjects.

  • Dimberg, L, et al. “Effects of gravity-facilitated traction of the lumbar spine in

persons with chronic low back pain at the workplace.” (1993): 1-3.
116 people were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial which lasted for 12 months. A
randomized controlled trial with two training groups and one control group was conducted to
asses the effect of gravity inversion on pain level and absenteeism due to LBP. Average age =
44 years. 77% men
Group 1: used inversion for 10 minutes 1/day
Group 2: used inversion for 10 minutes 2/day
Group 3: control group
Results after 12 months of training program:
1. The employees in Group 1 and 2 decreased sick days due to back pain by 33%.
2. Average sick days to due back pain fell by 8 days per individual in the treated group.
3. Inversion is an efficient and cheap way to improve employee health and possibly reduce
sick day costs to the employer.

  • Nachemson, Alf, et al. “Intravital Dynamic Pressure Measurements in Lumbar

Discs.” (1970): 1-38.
Study measured internal disc pressure (in the 3rd lumbar disc) through a range of activities,
including standing, sitting, bending and vertical and supine traction. The study suggests that
a traction load of 60% body weight is sufficient to reduce the residual pressure of 25%
standing body weight to zero.

  • Vernon, H. “Inversion therapy: a study of physiological effects.” The Journal

of CCA 29 (Sep. 1985): 138-140.
Study found a general reduction of emg (an indicator of muscle pain) after three minutes of
inversion. Study found the flattening of the lumbar spine involved a stretching of spinal muscles
and ligaments, which lead to a 25% increase in forward spinal flexion.
Study found significant intervertebral separation (posterior and anterior). Study concluded that
an inversion chair may be sufficient to reduce the majority of intervertebral disc protrusions.
Study concluded that the cardiovascular system (heart rate and blood pressure) remained stable
through three minutes of seated partial inversion. Authors conclude this stability is due to the
full comfort and support of the chair during partial inversion.

  • Meshino, J. “The Role of Spinal Inverted Traction in Chiropractic Practice.” ACA

Journal of Chiropractic 18 (Feb. 1984): 63-68.
Study stated the hip flexed position (90/90) facilitates lumbar traction by flattening the lumbar
spine and decreasing the loading effect of the psoas muscle on the lumbar spine during traction.
Study stated inversion therapy is preferred over mechanical traction because there is no need
for a constricting harness and the safe and simple operation of an inversion chair allows the
patient to administer traction.
Study stated inversion helps to negate the effect of gravity on the spinal column. Study stated
inversion offers promise as a form of prevention, maintenance, and therapy.

Wow. One thing for sure – there is no shortage of documentation. You can buy your quality Teeter Inversion products secure in the knowledge that they are tested and effective!