Abstract: An apparatus for stretching the vertebral column of a person, comprising a table equipped with a traction system having fixing means for connecting a cable to the person's feet, and traction means acting on the cable to effect traction on the legs in order to stretch the legs and the column, and oscillating means that act on the cable so as to obtain movements of lateral oscillation of both legs, the traction means and the oscillating means adapted to be controlled by a control unit in order to combine movements of lateral oscillation and movements of traction. The apparatus can be used to effect movements of lateral oscillation in order to achieve muscle relaxation in the region of the pelvis and the lumbar region, and thereby make the subsequent stretching of the lower back region more effective.