Inversion tables, previously only found in medical and physical therapy offices, are now widely available for home use. They are essentially padded boards with a central axis mounted on a sturdy frame, allowing the table to tilt horizontally and vertically. The patient lies back on the table and becomes inverted, creating an anti-gravity effect on the body. Spinal traction is achieved by strapping the body onto the inversion table with ankle or other body straps, and/or anti-gravity boots, then tilting the table backward so the body is varying degrees of being inverted. Inversion can be slight or completely upside down.
Inversion tables reviews here discuss the equipment created for inversion therapy, a type of physical therapy beneficial to those with back injuries or back discomfort through spinal decompression. The idea is that by removing the weight of the upper body that compresses the spine, the body’s skeleton can return to a properly aligned state. This state cannot be achieved by doing handstands as that kind of gymnastic activity would require a lot of muscle contraction throughout the arms, shoulders, back, and legs. The way to truly relax and stretch the spine, back muscles, hips, and legs is to remove the gravitational force and allow the body to relax without any requirement of muscle exertion.
Read more: Best Inversion Chair Reviews 2018
Comparison Table of Best Inversion Tables
| Name | Weight Capacity | Inverting Position | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRONMAN Gravity 4000 | 350 lbs | 180 degrees | |
| Innova ITX9600 | 300 lbs | 180 degrees | |
| Teeter Inversion Table | 300 lbs | - | |
| Health Mark IVO18660 | 300 lbs | - | |
| Ironman ATIS 4000 | 320 lbs | 90 degrees | |
| Teeter EP-560 | 300 lbs | 180 degrees | |
| IronMan LXT850 | 325 lbs | 180 degrees | |
| Ironman IFT 4000 | 350 lbs | 180 degrees | |
| Ironman iControl | 275lbs | 180 degrees | |
| Innova ITM4800 | 300 lbs | 120-180 deg. |
Benefits of Inversion Tables, such as:
- Relief from lower back pain as the weight of the upper body is forced away from the lumbar region of the spine. The lumbar region (those vertebrae in the small of your back) are the most impacted by the weight of the upper body, causing countless surgeries and therapy sessions when a disc (the tissue between vertebrae) becomes crushed between vertebrae or pushed out of position. This is a very painful condition that limits daily activity and truly has an effect on quality of life. Use of inversion tables can reduce the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs while improving the daily life of lower back pain sufferers. Inversion table reviews frequently praise the relief from pain utilizing this therapy.
- Decompression of vertebrae, allowing vertebrae to straighten into its natural position. Quite a lot of back pain is caused by a spine that is out of proper alignment. In a chiropractor’s office, the first thing they will do is check the alignment of the spine. After several weeks of costly adjustment sessions, there may be some relief from the misaligned spine as the doctor manually moves the vertebrae. Inversion tables can save the frequent trips to the chiropractor with a few minutes of daily inversion therapy.
- Relief from herniated disc pain by allowing the spine to open and discs to realign in the disc space. When the spine is misaligned, the vertebrae are also misaligned, causing the disc tissue (which act as cushions between the vertebrae) to become compressed or slip out of position. Inversion therapy stretches the spine to its original position with spaces between so the discs can go back into their natural position, cushioning the bones in the spine from rubbing against one another.
- Relaxation of back muscles due to anti-gravity. The only way to truly relax the large muscle bands in the back and shoulders is to relieve them from duty. Sitting upright, standing, and walking require great muscular strength. Even while lying down or sleeping it is difficult to completely relax the back muscles. Being inverted allows the body to use gravity to its advantage instead of constantly working against it. The back completely relaxes, allowing muscle recovery.
- Relaxation of hip joints as the upper body is gently pulled away from the legs, allowing bones and joints to fall into proper alignment. The hips are another part of the body affected by the gravitational force and all of the weight of the upper body. Inversion allows the weight to be gently lifted from the hips, allowing hip flexors to relax and muscle tissues to elongate, relieving hip joint and muscle pain.
- Lessened daily pain from back injuries or muscular strains. Many inversion table therapy users turn to prescription or over the counter muscle relaxers to recover from a back injury or pulled muscle. These are temporary bandaids for a real problem. By inverting the body, the pain is relieved by allowing the muscles holding up the spine to completely relax and stretch in a way that cannot be achieved by any other methods.
- Increased flexibility in back, legs, hips, neck, and shoulders. As the muscles, bones, and joints of the body are allowed to relax and stretch, more flexibility can be achieved. Incorporating inversion into a daily yoga or pilates routine can have amazing benefits in increased flexibility.
- Relief of headaches caused by pinched nerves. Many headaches and migraines can be caused by a nerve becoming pinched between vertebrae. Inversion therapy allows the spine to stretch, restoring the correct spacing between vertebrae, and allowing the nerves of the spinal cord to move back into their correct alignment in the central canal space of the vertebrae.
Recommended 10 Inversion Tables Review 2018
1.IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Inversion Table
The trusted Ironman brand brings us yet another quality product in the Gravity 4000 Inversion Table. Its list of features and quality materials add up to a great value. This inversion table is created to comfortably and securely hold up a person weighing up to 350 pounds – great for all body types to overcome worries of stability during use. Made of quality foam, tubular steel, and strong PVC, the Gravity 4000 measures 26” x 26” x 49” and folds for storage between therapy sessions. It features a powder-coated finish tubular steel frame with rugged non-skid stabilizing feet designed to prevent movement during use, adding to the stability of the wide base.
The high-quality nylon covered backrest is cushioned in memory foam for ultimate comfort during use, wipes clean easily, and inverts to a full 180 degree position. Safety handles on both sides help you securely return to an upright position. Although the product is heavy (as would be expected for a product that can hold a 350lb person), it is easy to assemble in just a few minutes and easy to use. Users found that this table is comfortable, easy to assemble, and sturdy. Though it can fold fairly flat for storage, the weight is rather cumbersome for moving by only one person.
“This table changed my life. Using it daily has been the best thing for me as it has relieved my pain completely.” – Inversion table user
- Backrest: Memory foam backrest allows for ultimate comfort, which is great for longer therapy sessions
- Lumbar Support: Lumbar cushion for proper spinal alignment and comfort
- Full 180 degree inversion for the most extreme therapy – complete inversion
- Folds for storage – only 17 inches deep when folded
- High weight capacity for a secure, sturdy therapy session for people of all sizes and muscle mass
- Ergonomic molded ankle cushions means less strain on ankles and no need for purchasing any additional equipment, such as anti-gravity boots.
- Adjustable leg post allows focus on the correct back positioning on the table for people of all heights, up to 6’6” tall.
- Large, extra long. Foam covered safety handles can be reached from any position.
- Heavy at 75 pounds, meaning some users might not be able to take advantage of the foldable feature without help, especially if they have a back injury.
- The table does not lock into place when folded
- Difficult to move on carpet
2.Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table Review
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“I am a body builder and spend a lot of gym time flexing all of the muscles in my body to an extreme. I bought this inversion table and enjoy the relaxation it provides after a heavy gym session.” – User review
- Comfortable, contoured backrest provides a relaxing experience
- Padded headrest for superior comfort during use
- Patent-pending cover system for adjustment pin area prevents pinched fingers
- True balance system for superior stability helps user feel safe while entering the inverted position
- Lightweight table is easy to move without assistance
- Lower weight limit than some tables
3.Teeter Inversion Table with Back Pain Relief Kit
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The Teeter is the first FDA approved inversion table cleared as a Class 1 medical device and is usable by people 4’8” to 6’6” and up to 300 pounds.
“I used to pay for acupressure after my inversion sessions at the physical therapy office. Purchasing this inversion table has been the best investment I’ve ever made for myself as I can now do the therapy at home and no longer have to pay for additional acupressure therapy.” – User review
- Advanced safety features including locking pins, cam locks, pivot bearings, and rubberized footing.
- Additional hand grips help with security and aid in additional stretching and exercises as well as returning to an upright position
- Acupressure nodes help relieve pain all over the body without any additional exercises or routines
- Contoured back rest flexes to body shape, allowing the body to relax into a natural position without pressure on sensitive places
- Lumbar bridge for proper spinal alignment adds to comfort and therapeutic benefits
- Folds for upright storage
- Very heavy at 73 pounds, it would be difficult to move in and out of storage by one person
- Acupressure nodes may not be in the right places on all body types, but they can be adjusted to achieve more or less pressure.
- At around $460, this is one of the most expensive inversion tables.
4.Health Mark IVO18660 Pro Inversion Therapy Table
The Health Mark is designed to be a hang-free experience without added features that increase the price. It will hold any person from 4’8” to 6’6” and up to 300 pounds.
“After my car accident I suffered from a herniated disc. My doctor suggested inversion therapy. Since I cannot do inverted abdominal exercises anyway, this was the perfect inversion table for me. Whenever I have pain I just spend a few minutes inverted and it disappears.” User Review
- Lower price makes the Health Mark more accessible to people of all income levels
- No additional gadgets to learn how to use or assemble – just put it together and relax
- Good range of height and weight capacity – up to 300 pounds – can accommodate many users of all body types
- At only 50 pounds this is one of the easiest models to assemble and move without assistance
- Backrest does not lock in place in the inverted position, so no additional exercises (such as abdominal and oblique crunches) can be performed during use. The swinging motion may be uncomfortable for some users.
- Very short handles require user to utilize arms and abdominal muscles to return to upright position, which may be difficult for some users who will require assistance in returning to an upright position.
5.Ironman ATIS 4000 Inversion Table
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The Ironman ATIS 4000 inversion table is designed to allow rigorous abdominal crunches in an inverted position, allowing nothing but your own body weight to be used for resistance. With a height limit of 6’6” and a weight limit of 320 pounds, this piece of therapy/exercise equipment is great for all body types.
“I recently added this inversion table to my home gym and I don’t regret it at all. I use it almost daily after my workouts and it just helps everything in my body go back into place. I used to have headaches after workouts and now I don’t!” User review
- Large height and weight capacity for superior comfort and stability for a wide range of users of all body types
- Solid, sturdy construction helps the user feel safe and secure during use with no side to side movement of the base
- Built to last a long time with reinforced steel and ergonomic design
- Comfortable for extended use and additional exercises
- This unit is extremely heavy. Weighing in at a whopping 111 pounds, most users will require assistance to assemble. This unit is not designed to be easy to move.
- No folding capability means you need an open, dedicated area for permanent use, such as a home gym, basement, or garage area.
6.Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table Reviews
This Teeter inversion table is pretty much the same as the first one reviewed with fewer bells and whistles. Still having the innovative design features loved in the Teeter table, such as flexible back board, breathable material, acupressure nodes, and classification as an FDA approved medical device, there is a bit of savings in this model if things like additional locking positions and long handles are not necessary.
This model also lacks the extended locking mechanism for the ankle straps, so the user will have to be able to reach the ankle straps from an upright position.
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If these features are not needed, the rest of the table is the same concept – ergonomic shaping, vented, flexible backboard, acupressure nodes, and a comfortable head rest are all part of the package.
“I can’t express in words how much this inversion table helped me. I used to have so much pain I couldn’t sit in a chair for work, which is a problem because I am an accountant. I love the funky backrest. It’s so comfortable.” User review
- Cost savings compared to models with more features
- Acupressure nodes for extended therapy provide pain relief in other areas of the body
- FDA approved as a Class 1 medical device (check with your doctor and insurance company to see if it is covered for therapy equipment)
- Comfortable with flexible backboard and superior breathability.
- Short handles mean more strain on the arms, back, and abdominals to return to an upright position, or help required by another person.
- No extended locking mechanism requires the user to have a full range of motion to be able to bend over to strap in ankles or have assistance from another person.
7.IronMan LXT850 Locking Inversion Therapy Table Reviews
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“I needed an inversion table that I could use for my ab routine. This one fit the bill perfectly with a lot of different angles to play with.” User review
- Ten locking positions for secure inversion therapy for all users from beginner to advanced
- Can lock into place in many positions to be used for abdominal exercises such as abdominal crunches and abdominal oblique exercises in the inverted position
- Ratcheting ankle locks are comfortable and provide a custom fit to assure a non-slip experience
- Long security handles aid in returning to upright position without assistance
- Storage pocket is great for holding your phone or remote control for easy access during exercise
- This unit is very heavy at 82 pounds, so assistance will be required to assemble and move.
- Construction of the base is slightly different than most models with four legs instead of two tubular pieces, which may lead to some side to side movement that could create an unsteady feeling when doing oblique abdominal exercises.
8.Ironman IFT 4000 Infrared Inversion Table
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Handles on the sturdy tubular base of the table provide solid stability while inverted, and extra long side handles aid the user in returning to an upright position without assistance. The table has three inversion angles and is sturdy enough to accommodates users up to 350 pounds.
“I love this table! I started inversion therapy to help me with back pain and flexibility because I want to do yoga for weight loss. I’m not there yet, but after using the inversion table it is easier for me to do some basic yoga positions.” User review
- Infrared heat technology with remote control improves pain relief and circulation
- Molded lumbar support provides proper spinal alignment
- High weight limit means users of all body types can benefit from inversion therapy
- Only three inversion angles may not be suitable for users who need a wider range
- Is not suggested for abdominal exercise use
9.Ironman iControl Inversion Table
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The Ironman iControl has a unique stretcher bar for really getting a full muscular stretch while inverted and can be safely used for inverted abdominal exercises such as inverted crunches and reverse crunches. This table weighs 62 pounds, folds nearly flat for storage, and can hold up to 275 pounds.
“I love the hand brake feature. It is so much easier to use than the old way of having to attache a strap to the bottom before I lock in.” User review
- Locks at any angle with an easy hand brake system while in use, allowing you to adjust your position without returning to an upright position.
- Safe for inverted abdominal exercise with locking mechanism able to engage at any angle.
- Attached item holder keeps your phone or water handy
- Folds nearly flat for storage under a bed, against the wall, or in a closet
- Lower weight limit of only 275 pounds limits range of users
- Lack of lumbar support may be uncomfortable for some users trying to achieve proper spinal alignment or with lumbar injuries.
10.Innova ITM4800 Advanced Therapeutic Inversion Therapy Table
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Also featured are long, foam padded handles for ease in returning to the upright position. This unit folds for upright storage and weighs only 57 pounds for easier portability. It can accommodate users up to 6’6” and 300 pounds.
“The heat and massage is amazing. Sometimes I just lie on the table flat and enjoy this therapy all by itself!”
- Heated lumbar pad for muscle pain relief during therapy session is unique to this model
- Vibration massage in lumbar pad for added stress relief during therapy session
- Heated vibration massage lumbar support can be removed when not in use
- Five locking positions for stability
- Folds for storage
- Only 57 pounds means it can be moved and folded without assistance
- Heat and massage feature is limited to lumbar area only as it is only located in the removable lumbar cushion
- Lumbar feature plugs into the wall, requiring the table to be located near an electrical outlet
How to Properly Use Your Inversion Table
First and foremost, as should be stated in all inversion table reviews, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any kind of exercise or therapy. An inversion table allows you to basically hang upside down, or at a selection of angles between upright and fully inverted. The purpose of inversion therapy is to remove all of the weight and pressure off of the back and allow the spine to realign itself. When properly aligned, the discs between the vertebrae can perform their proper function of preventing the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and pinching nerves in the spinal cord. Using the table for even just a few minutes a day can yield amazing results to sufferers of back pain.
For proper use, your table should be on a secure floor. Carpet is okay but rugs are not safe as they can move. When installing on a hard surface, such as wood or tile, be sure the table has proper rubber gripping on the bottom and will not slide around on the hard floor. Beginners should have another person available to help with inversion and uprighting the first few uses, until you are comfortable with the procedure. Be sure you are wearing comfortable socks and shoes, as these help with the ankle locking mechanism. You should practice securing your ankles into the ankle locks until you find a comfortable position – this should be as tight as possible so you don’t slip out. Most inversion table reviews say this is the part of inversion therapy that takes the most getting used to. If your table has adjustment pins, you should place the pin before you begin. All it takes to enter the inverted position is simply raising your arms over your head and allowing your body weight to shift. The table will tilt backward and stop at the predetermined position (if you have a locking table). On tables that go a full 180 degrees without locking, you will quickly find yourself in the inverted position. Maintain your inverted position for as long as you feel comfortable. If at any point you feel pain, dizziness, light headedness, or panic, stop the session and return to the upright position. Most users say 1-4 minutes at a time is about all one can do.
If you are using your table for inverted abdominal exercise, you should seek the advice of an expert to fully understand how to properly perform the exercises to prevent injury and maximize effectiveness. Also, be sure your table has the capabilities to perform such exercises.
When is an Inversion Therapy Table Not For You?
As stated in the inversion table reviews, you should seek advice from your doctor before beginning any exercise or therapy program. You should not use an inversion table if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or hypertension, or if you are taking blood thinners. If you have experienced a heart attack or stroke or have a pacemaker you should avoid inversion therapy. You should be aware that pressure on the eyes, ears, and sinuses is increased while inverted. If you have any kinds of problems with vision, your inner ears, or chronic sinus pressure you should not use inversion therapy. In fact, being inverted when you have eye problems such as glaucoma or retinal detachment can actually cause eye bleeding and blindness, so please avoid this activity. Finally, if you have a hernia, have had hernia or other surgeries, or have had any kind of fracture or osteoporosis, you need to be cleared by a doctor for inversion therapy. Share these inversion table reviews with your doctor to aid in making a decision.
What to Consider When Buying an Inversion Table
First and foremost, you should decide what you will use it for and where you will put it. As shown in the inversion table reviews, some models are lightweight and fold for storage, others need a more permanent place as they are heavy and either hard to move or do not fold. If you only have a small space, you will need a more compact table, but if you have the room for it in your home gym, basement, or a spare room, then you don’t need to be concerned about size. If you simply want to hang upside down, then any inversion table will do. If you want to start off slowly and experiment with different angles, you need to look for a fully adjustable table. If your goal is not only inversion but the ability to perform abdominal exercises, then you need a sturdy table with a wide frame that locks into position.
Decide which features you can’t live without and which are just nice extras. The inversion table reviews give an extensive list of features to compare. If you have problems reaching your feet, for example, you will need a table that has an extended locking mechanism for easy reaching. If you are trying to address lumbar issues, then you may prefer a table with lumbar support, but if your goal is simply inversion you obviously don’t need a table with massage and heat. All tables must have secure footing, safety handles, and adequate support for your body size.
Conclusion
Inversion therapy can be an amazing way to relieve back pain and pressure without having to leave your home or pay for expensive physical therapy sessions. Inversion therapy is easy enough to do at home in just a few minutes a day without any special training or difficult routine to learn. Simply strap your ankles into secure ankle grips, raise your arms above your head, and just lie back, allowing gravity to do all of the work. There are many table options to choose from in today’s market that is teeming with home gym equipment, so it is very wise to take the time to look at all of the features side by side to make a fully informed decision. Don’t let price or features be your only guidelines! Be sure you are getting the features you need in a price range you can afford, but don’t sacrifice features for price. All of the tables reviewed here meet safety and quality guidelines so you can be sure any one of these will be a good choice. Always talk to a doctor before beginning any new therapy or exercise routine, and stop if something doesn’t feel right.
Further Reading
Fantastic Site. Really enjoyed reading.
Wow ! Really it’s very informative article .i would like to buy “Ironman IFT 4000 Infrared Inversion Table”
as soon as possible.Thanks for your information.
Hi Martin,
We’re glad to know that our post helped you and you’ve decided to buy an inversion table by reading our reviews. We appreciate that, and we wish you good luck. Thanks
Very informative. I’m suffering from lower back pain and looking to buy an inversion table. Thanks for the reviews