FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Gravity Traction?
Traction, the use of weights to treat the spine is a well established method of treatment. Typically traction is performed in specialized beds that use complex pulleys and weights to provide effective treatment. Gravity traction is the same principles of traction, but using gravity and natural body weight instead of the weights and pulleys. Typically, gravity traction involves hanging from some device such as a bar, to alleviate the pressure within disks that are often the root of back pain. Gravity traction has been shown in many scientific studies to be effective in relieving acute back pain, managing chronic low back pain, and in preventing exacerbations of intermittent back pain.

How is this different from inversion treatments?
Inversion is simply turning the body upside down. Inversion therapy has been used to decompress the spine and increase circulation, blood supply and oxygen throughout the body. However, inversion treatments are difficult for many people to mangage due to physical limitations or lack of proper supervision. Inversion is also very strenuous on your body, including the possibility of hernias, blindness from retinal detachment and even stroke.

Is this some kind of new age medicine?
Actually gravity traction therapy dates back to 400 BC and Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, who used treatments to stretch his spine.

Who can use Grav-Trac?
Because Grav-Trac is simple and easy to install, anyone can use Grav-Trac in their home or office. There is no assembly required and use your body's own natural weight to treat your spine.

Will Grav-Trac damage my door frame?
No. Grav-Trac is designed to fit on standard door frames, and when used, your body weight is distributed over the entire surface area of the contacts. This prevents pinching on the frame. The contacts are also made from a non-slip rubber that will not mark your walls.

Will Grav-Trac slip off my door?
We recommend that you only use Grav-Trac on door frames that have a small ledge to place under the contacts of the device (see installation section). The contacts are made of a non-slip rubber and when you hang on the device, your own body weight secures it on the door.

I was in an auto accident. Can I use Grav-Trac?
Before using Grav-Trac, see your doctor to determine the nature and extent of your injuries. Your doctor may recommend treatments, and Grav-Trac may be part of that treatment, but make sure your doctor approves before you use Grav-Trac. Many physical therapists use Grav-Trac with accident victims, particularly those with soft tissue injuries, but again, let your doctor make that decision.

I recently had surgery. Should I use Grav-Trac?
Before using Grav-Trac, see your doctor to determine what types of activities you can currently do. Your doctor may recommend that you use Grav-Trac as part of your physical therapy and recovery. As we noted above, many physical therapists use Grav-Trac as part of their patient programs, but let your doctor make that decision.