What's this
What is the inversion bench?
The inversion bench or gravitational inversion bench is a tool that allows you to safely invert the human body.
The change in the direction of attraction determines an opposite application of the weight force with respect to that normally inherent between the mass of the organism and that of the earth. This determines a series of real, concrete and measurable effects, which however are not applied in conventional medicine.
The inversion bench is known for its ability to give relief to those suffering from pain related to compression of the spine - especially low back pain; nevertheless, no study has yet been able to demonstrate that the reduction of pain symptomatology is correlated to objective changes of the pathological nature or to an actual healing mechanism.
The use of the gravitational inversion bench is not complex, but still requires some attention. Many people tend to underestimate their effects, neglecting the fundamental regulations and risking unnecessary injuries. It is advisable never to try this practice alone; in fact there is a certain risk, variable and subjective, of losing consciousness - as happens, for example, in saunas and in the Turkish bath.
We must also not forget that the reversal effect can also affect systems, apparatuses and districts that we probably ignore; for example the circulatory system and the heart, the digestive system, other joints, etc. This means that the gravitational inversion bench also has contraindications, or better to say the conditions in which it would be little recommended or even inadvisable.
The commercial range of the inversion bench includes different models, different in terms of design and structure, materials, color, options, finishings and price.
What is it for
What is the Reverse Bench?
The inversion bench serves to be able to invert the sense of application of the force of gravity on the organism; in practice, it simplifies the gesture of "hanging for the feet upside down".
Thus said, to many readers "from the strong and healthy spine", it may seem a real strangeness; only those who suffer from back pain can in fact value the importance of relief, even momentary.
It seems that the inversion bench, putting the rachis in traction in particular, can instantly reduce, but without concrete effects on the etiopathogenesis of the disorder, the disc hernia symptomatology - with particular reference to the lumbar area.
The gravitational inversion bench is not a tool suitable for skeptics, but rather for those who are determined to try them all to avoid getting stuffed with drugs. A few minutes in this position can in fact limit the acuity at the end of the day, an intermediate moment between the daily activities that most stress the spine and sleep - which, for those suffering from back pain, is often worse.
There is no scientific evidence to demonstrate any therapeutic effect, but this does not seem to discourage the many sportsmen who, rightly, choose to "discharge" the vertebral discs after each training session. Many people ignore that the vertebral column remains objectively crushed by the force of gravity; after all, there is a valid reason if the stature is measured in the morning and not in the evening.
In many sports this crushing effect is emphasized. For the most part, we are led to believe that the overloads are the ones that affect us the most, but it is not said. The intervertebral discs are composed of partially elastic cartilage tissue; this means that, performing 10 repetitions of squats with 100 kg resting on the shoulders, the spine will be stressed for a time of 30-60 '- depending on the rhythm of execution. On the other hand, those who practice cross-country running perform about 10, 000, 20, 000, 30, 000 rebounds per session - depending on the level - which must also be added to daily activities. I can't say which of the two has a more deleterious effect, also because the effects vary a lot based on subjectivity, technique of execution, body weight, etc. However, the hypothesis that, in many activities, only a few minutes on the inversion bench can only benefit is not to be discarded.
The same could be said of those who practice work activities characterized by a really heavy level of physical activity; This category includes above all porters, farm laborers and carpenters who work in the absence of automation. Let us not forget the other part of the barricade, that is, those who carry out work characterized by low energy expenditure precisely because of inadequate postural maintenance; we talk about those who remain standing all day, often bent forward - for example sales assistants, kitchen workers, assembly line workers, etc. - or seated - like employees and truck drivers. In this case the stress on the vertebral discs is above all localized, but no less harmful.
The inversion bench also intervenes on blood circulation, heart function and digestion. A small niche of people is also convinced that the gravitational inversion bench can somehow reduce, delay or otherwise affect the onset of cellulite. This is a non-acceptable statement. It is also true that, when used correctly, the tool accelerates venous return; for the uninitiated, when too weak, this is considered a predisposing factor for the stagnation of liquids in the lower limbs - in turn correlated to the onset of panniculopathy edemato fibrous. The connection between gravity inversion bench and cellulite prevention-reduction is therefore rather questionable.
By intervening on the bloodstream, favoring venous return, the gravitational inversion bench tends to promote cardiac frequency and frequency. This results in an increase in the workload of the same and in the consumption of oxygen by the contractile tissue (myocardium). This has no beneficial effects, but only contraindications - which we will investigate later.
The use of an inversion bench leads to a greater tendency to ascend gastric contents. This happens undoubtedly after meals, but it cannot be excluded even on an empty stomach - in which case gastric juices will predominantly be traced. Let us not forget that the force of gravity has always been considered a bitter enemy of those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This, more frequent in those who also have an anatomical alteration called hiatal hernia, can have very serious contraindications and complications.
How to use
How do you use the inversion bench?
The use of the inversion bench is theoretically elementary, but in practice many find themselves in difficulty. This is because the instrument must "fit" perfectly, otherwise a wrong distribution of weight and consequent pain, abrasion, discomfort, etc.
We omit the assembly and all the related recommendations for obvious reasons; it should not be necessary to specify that, without an ad hoc assembly, the operation and duration, as well as the safety of the gravitational inversion bench, would inevitably be compromised.
- First, we set the position of the adjustable rod based on the specific height. This is generally fixed thanks to a pin that fits into the appropriate seat - connected to a knob provided with a spring for the return - and an additional safety and stabilization pin-screw.
- The rod must be extended downwards if the couch will rotate too quickly or otherwise if it does not rotate
- Stabilize the bench in an upright position and make sure it is locked thanks to the special fixing handle. It is now possible to get on the bench
- Then adjust the ankle block equipped with bearings, so that it is safe - that is to say avoiding a skidding slip - but without compromising comfort in a sensitive manner. Wearing the shoes, the hold of the feet is decidedly greater
- To get off the bench now, always making sure that the locking handle is in the immobilized position of the instrument, it is necessary to unlock the handle lock - the mechanism can be different between one model and another
- Start reversing by unlocking the handle lock and lie down slowly. Now the cot should rotate; if it does not do it or does it too quickly, repeat step 1
- Lock the handle lock in the desired position. It is advisable to proceed progressively, starting with inclinations of 15-20 °
- To get to the vertical inversion, use the inversion bar which is generally located at the bottom, at the base of the tool. Note : It is possible that the brake mechanism will become loose in the long run, losing its effectiveness; calibrating it is therefore part of the ordinary maintenance of the instrument.
Precautions and Advice
Precautions for using the inversion bench
The gravitational inversion bench must be assembled carefully and periodically monitored in all its components, especially those subject to wear.
First of all, the instrument must be placed in a suitable place, in which there is the space necessary for the rotation.
The adjustment must take place progressively; small shifts in weight distribution are responsible for significant changes in rotation.
Use should always be accompanied by the presence of other people. This, very important the first periods, is desirable also later. It is not possible to exclude the occurrence, however remote, of an illness or in any case of the loss of knowledge during the execution.
Avoid using the gravity inversion bench after meals, after drinking plenty of it, and in the presence of the risk factors or discriminating factors mentioned below.
It is very important to make sure that the feet supports and clamps are firmly fixed, that the pins of the regulating rod are properly seated and that it is adjusted appropriately.
Useful tips for using the inversion bench
The use of the inversion bench must start with mild inclinations, of about 15-20 °, gradually increasing.
The position on the couch needs to keep your hands at your sides, near your thighs. The upper limbs will lift up to give the necessary balance to the rotation of the backrest on the axis.
Use the gravity inversion bench initially for 1-2 minutes, and never more than 5-10 minutes at a time.
Do not stay upright for too long, rotating the instrument from time to time to avoid excessive circulation changes.
Before descending, stay upright for the time necessary to normalize circulation.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of the inversion bench
The inversion bench must not be used in the following cases:
- Pregnancy: of course, due to the stress given to the unborn child or to the placenta
- Cardiopathy: of any kind, since the gravitational inversion causes an increase in peripheral resistance, venous return, and therefore of cardiac frequency and range, and myocardial oxygen consumption
- Recent cerebral ischemia and TIA
- Use of anticoagulants
- All the conditions in which the alteration of the blood flow could negatively affect:
- Hypertension
- Glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
- Conjunctivitis
- Infections of the middle ear
- Severe obesity: since it correlates globally with an increased risk of various diseases and death
- Hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease: for the reasons we have described above
- Spine trauma: it is not predictable what consequences the elongation of the spine could have on these subjects
- Joint swellings of various kinds, especially related to the lower limbs, hips and back
- Recent fractures
- Osteoporosis and bone metabolism disorders: due to the risk of accidental fractures
- Bone prostheses: especially of the coxo-femoral and of the knee
- Shoulder discomfort: the use of the inversion bench requires the extension of the upper limbs upwards; there are articular pathologies that limit this movement and can worsen under stress.
