Inversion Suspension Therapy Meets Kink: Therapeutic Benefits of Upside-Down Suspension

Spinal decompression, cerebral blood flow, interoceptive reset – all clinical inversion tables offer some of these benefits, but inversion suspension therapy with a portable rig adds endorphin flooding, oxytocin release, and psychological surrender that no medical device can match.

Tetruss rigs make full 180° inversion accessible without a spotter or permanent installation. The key is using Tetruss accessories like the set of 3 leather stirrups with D rings to create a chest harness with integrated hip support plus Tetruss leather wrist or ankle cuffs attached to the Tetruss spreader bar. (Fortunately, there’s a bunch of different rig bundle options that bundle all these accessories together!) 

Once upside down, the frame’s study yet light weight legs are supportive and supple to accommodate a full inversion. Many practitioners with chronic back pain report 20–30 minute sessions provide relief comparable to a chiropractic adjustment plus a heavy opioid dose, but without side effects. The gentle traction on the spine combined with rhythmic breathing in ropes triggers a parasympathetic cascade that lasts hours. Remember, safety first: You may need to go slowly to work up to this time as your body adjusts over time! 

Medical integration is growing: several physical therapists in Berlin and San Francisco now prescribe partial inversion suspension therapy as adjunct treatment for disc issues, using modified frames similar to the Standard Tetruss rig in-clinic. Contraindications remain the same as clinical inversion, such as: uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, and recent stroke. But, the controlled environment is vastly safer than garage pull-up bar attempts.

Users consistently report the psychological component is equally powerful: hanging fully surrendered while the world is literally upside down reframes anxiety patterns in ways talk therapy rarely touches.

Be sure to shop all the Tetruss rigs, bundles and accessories now through the end of the month during the annual Tetruss Holiday Sale! Use code TET10 at checkout for 10% off your order for a limited time!

Image credits: Rig: From our Men in Rope series, Tetruss Maxximus, Rigging Pic @domellliot  Model: @the_logan_d