Vibration Plate Therapy

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Vibration plate therapy is a passive form of treatment that is widely used for a variety of conditions. Some of the most popular uses of whole body vibration therapy include treatment for back pains, weakened bones and muscles mass, balance, neurological disorders, stability, as well as basic overall fitness. To understand how whole body vibration therapy, or WBVT, is such an effective way to treat these various conditions, it’s important to understand how these devices work as well as the science behind them.

In WBVT, the user will lay, sit, or stand on a platform which will then vibrate rapidly. This vibration is usually performed by dual motors which allow the device’s platform to vibrate in 3 motions: horizontal, vertical, and side-to-side at a frequency that will vibrate the body anywhere from 30 to 50 times per second. These rapid vibrations place force on the muscles of the body, causing them to contract.

Because of the passive nature of vibration plate therapy, it doesn’t involve the active body engagement that activities like running, swimming, or strength training require, making it perfect for a number of therapeutic applications.During whole body vibration training, therapists might choose from two options.

The first simply uses the vibrations to stimulate tissues by having the patient sit, lay, or stand on the platform. The second method uses the vibrations from the platform coupled with the patient going through a number of movements or positions, allowing the vibrations to specifically target certain muscles of the body directly

While traditionally thought of as a great way to supplement traditional exercise, vibration plate therapy is also incredibly effective in various forms of therapy. Many people are unable to perform traditional strength training or aerobic exercises, but whole body vibration therapy allows their muscles and circulatory system to receive stimulation similar to conventional exercise.

This means that people using vibration therapy for a variety of conditions can improve muscle and bone strength, boost circulation, and stimulate faster healing without putting their bodies under unnecessary strain.

Advocates claim that whole-body and localized vibration therapy have a range of health benefits. For example, some people claim vibration therapy can help:

• increase bone and mineral density
• tone and increase muscle mass
• improve circulation
• reduce joint pain
• reduce back pain
• alleviate stress
• boost metabolism
• tighten skin
• burn fat
• reduce high blood pressure
• increase flexibility
• reduce recovery time after workout
• improve balance
• decrease cellulite & boost collagen production

Bone Density and Muscle Strength

An article published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation reviewed the research on vibration therapy’s effects on muscle strength and bone mass. The authors found evidence that vibration therapy can help improve leg muscle strength in older adults. They found no significant evidence that it improves bone density in older adults.

More recent research described in Current Osteoporosis Reports and Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity has been more promising. The findings suggest that vibration therapy may help stimulate bone formation and improve bone strength. 

According to research published in the Journal of Athletic Training, whole-body vibration therapy may help prevent muscle soreness after exercise. 

A study reported in NeuroRehabilitation suggests that vibration therapy may have short-term benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease. For example, it may help decrease muscle tremors and rigidity. 

More and more benefits are being discovered regularly.  If you would like more information regarding how vibration plate therapy can help you click on the "Find out More" button on this page to be directed to the "Contact Us" section.