Back pain can affect many areas of a person’s life. Concentration and sitting while at work is one problem back pain sufferers endure while walking, running, or standing for long periods can also cause significant discomfort. Driving for those with neck problems becomes an arduous task. Relief in the form of medication isn’t always a possibility in the case of those experiencing back pain who need to maintain an active lifestyle. Home treatments are a good option, and one popular method is using traction in the form of an inversion table to relieve stress and tension from key trigger points on joints and vertebra. Teeter Hang Ups is advertised as offering a convenient way to use to traction for the relief of back, neck, and joint pain.

Before Ordering 

It’s a good general rule with back pain to always get a doctor’s opinion before trying any new equipment or exercises. Even for those who have sporadic discomfort, or who believe their problem is a matter of stress or overuse of muscles, back pain, and possible solutions should always be discussed with a physician.

The Cost and Specifics

The cost of inversion tables varies greatly, so as the Teeter Hang Ups has at least two different tables for roughly $689.95, these appear to be a good deal, but it still might sound pricey to someone expecting to pay less. The questions when examining which table to buy is to consider effectiveness, usability, and safety.

The claim of Teeter Hang Ups  is that it uses Ergonomic Flex Technology. This is the manufacturer’s patented design which according to the company moves with the user. For the person using the Teeter, this type of movement offers more comfortable and usability.

Once shipped and put together the smaller of the two which is the Teeter Hang Ups EP-960 doesn’t look much like other inversion tables. It seems to wobble a bit when standing next to it, but once the user is lying on the table it feels solid and comfortable. There’s an adjustable pillow, but it’s small so it is necessary to find the spot the user will need it when lying on the table. As it’s possible to adjust the table to various angles the pillow can also be relocated as necessary.

Just as seen on the television commercial once the table is set at the angle desired, the next step is to lock it in place, then sit on the table and adjust the straps around the ankles. These shouldn’t be too tight, but secure enough to hold most of the body’s weight. Getting the angle right on the first use can take a few tries, as the user needs to unlock the ankle straps get off, and make the adjustment and try again, but this is true of most inversion tables.

Inversion on any such table usually sees relief in as little as 15 minutes a day. Inversion takes the pressure off the discs and joints allowing relief for these spots and the surrounding muscles.y

Observation on Use 

Perhaps the top complaint for Teeter Hang Ups is that putting it together for an individual with back pain is something of a hassle. Even with the lighter table Teeter Hang Ups offers some of the parts are heavy, and placement will mean sitting or squatting on the ground while fitting parts together. It might be the best idea for some users to have help in putting the unit together.

The unit once in use is effective, but all inversion tables that allow for a secure, but comfortable hold will offer relief.  Perhaps what makes the Teeter worth the price is its feeling of stability, the ease in getting on and off the table, and its durability.

How to Use the Teeter Hang Ups

Inversion therapy involves being upside down or at an inverted angle for a short period of time and is performed with the goal of achieving a number of health benefits. When we stand normally, the pull of gravity may decompress certain joints in our body. However, when we use inversion therapy to hang upside down, each joint is loaded in an equal and opposite manner to standing, which can be a therapeutic treatment for back pain or stress and can increase oxygen flow to the brain and improve lymph flow.

One of the most effective ways to undergo inversion therapy is with a Teeter Hang Ups – a special inversion table that allows the user to hang from their feet on a comfortable platform for several minutes. The use of this product can be awkward at first, as it initially feels like a rather unnatural position to be in, but becomes much easier after a few attempts. This article will outline how to use and care for your Teeter Hang Ups.

Operating Teeter Hang Ups

The key to using this product is to remember that it will take a while to become familiar with the mechanical process of the machine. By using the device regularly, you will gradually become more comfortable on it and achieve better results. It is very important to follow the instructions for use carefully, as failing to correctly use your Teeter Hang Ups could result in a serious injury. Here’s how to use it:

• The first step is to adjust the roller hinge according to your weight, by selecting A (if you weigh 80 to 120 pounds) B (120-220) or C (220-300) using the hinge located on the main handle of the frame.
• Next, adjust the table to suit your height. You will find the height adjustment located at the bottom of the table, and it is important that it is accurately adjusted for your height because the head rest provides important support for your head and neck while you are upside down.
• For beginners or inexperienced users, the tether strap is very important. This strap controls the angle of the inversion table, so it doesn’t let the table turn completely upside down for your first few uses. The strap can be adjusted and attached to the back of the table.
• Next, place the ankle clips on your feet. These clips have bars that wrap around the inversion bar, and this is the area that you hang from, so make sure the ankle clips are securely fastened to the inversion bar or you may fall.
• Now it’s time to begin the inversion process. Use the handle to flip yourself upside down. If you have attached the tether strap, you will only partially invert, but if it is not attached, you will turn completely upside down.
• Once you are inverted, relax your body and allow your back to stretch. Maintain the position for a few minutes before using the handle to pull yourself back to a normal, upright position.
• Remove the ankle clips and carefully dismount the table. Wait a couple of minutes on the table before dismounting if you feel at all dizzy or faint.
• For best results, use the Teeter Hang Ups for short amounts of time, regularly.

After using

Following the use of your table, you may like to wipe it down to remove any sweat or grease. Use a damp cloth and water, or disinfectant surface spray if desired. As for caring for your Teeter Hang Ups, there is nothing in particular that needs to be considered, but storing your table in a dry location is important, and out of direct sunlight as this could damage the table. Covering the table or storing it in a cupboard will keep it in the best condition and also prevent dust from building up on your table.

Safety first

According to the manufacturer Teeter Hang Ups are designed with heat-treated steel, and auto-locking hinges. Even these hinges have a squeak-free roller bearing a factor that’s caused some users to give up on other tables. The unit is UL1647 tested for safety, which is a mark in its favor, as the last thing anyone suffering from back pain needs is to roll or slide off a table. A loss of durability after months of use is one complaint some have with many inversion tables.

Although this product can provide excellent results for many users, there are some people who shouldn’t even consider the use of inversion therapy. In particular, individuals with high blood pressure, who suffer from vertigo, or glaucoma or other ocular conditions should not pursue the use of an inversion table.

Prior to purchasing or using your Teeter Hang Ups, seek medical advice to ensure that you are not only safe to use the inversion table, but also that you will benefit from it in terms of stress or back pain relief. Don’t overdo it in the hope of achieving better results – not everybody benefits from inversion therapy and hanging yourself upside down for hours on end will not help you achieve better results!

As the inversion table can initially be difficult to use, it is a good idea to have someone on hand the first few times to help you with the inversion. They can provide you with physical support and also reassure you that they are standing close by and you are not going to be stuck hanging upside down.

In Short

• Consult a medical specialist before purchasing a Teeter Hang Ups to ensure that you do not have any health conditions that will prevent you from using the table, and that you will benefit from inversion therapy
• Carefully follow the instructions for use to ensure that you are using your table correctly and not putting yourself at risk of injury
• Take time to get used to your table; don’t invert yourself completely on your first few uses, and make sure you have a friend standing by to help you if necessary
• Use your table for short intervals on a daily basis for best results
• Care for your table by wiping it down after use, storing it in a dry area out of direct sun, or in a cupboard to prevent damage or dust build up

Most of all, enjoy your Teeter Hang Ups and experience the benefits of inversion therapy.

Reviews of Teeter Hang Ups 

The customer reviewers of Teeter Hang Ups are surprisingly positive given the price. Even customers who paid for larger, or more intricate inversion tables typically complain about the price, but those who bought Teeter Hang Ups, which is more expensive than many tables of the same type sees very few customers regretting the cost.

That’s not to say that everyone who uses the machine is comfortable with the way the Teeter Hang Ups works. Some reviewers have trouble with stretching and an uncomfortable fit that can’t be adjusted.

“The support cross brace directly behind the nylon backing hits directly on my lower back area. I tried adjusting heights, but this doesn’t help. The nylon backing gives too much and seems to already be stretching out…”

For many Teeter Hang Ups works well, but for those who really need to use an inversion table often finding a place to test the table first before buying could be worth the effort.