After approximately 18 months of reading, contemplating and theorizing, over 6 months of tests and trials on over 100 willing participants in the form of physical therapy patients, and one inspirational debate on this site, I determined that it was time for me to sit down and organize my thoughts and experiences thus far with vibration therapy.
I am presenting these thoughts and experiences to you, fellow vibration enthusiasts; thoughts and experiences brought about through careful analysis and cautious experimentation. My intention here is to do nothing more than provoke thought and encourage further discussion on the present and future applications of vibration THERAPY.
For the research obsessed readers, before the smoke billows out of your ears, note that I do fully realize that most of what I am presenting here is not indisputably backed by research nor am I suggesting that anyone else utilize my methods without carefully considering whether these methods are appropriate for their individual clinical situations. In the words of fellow forum visitor Larry Leigh,
In the end result, even though health professionals preach evidence-based practice, they all use methods and techniques which WORK FOR THEM. They cannot always produce 10 research studies which back up that particular technique.
I am aware that my usage of a whole body vibration platform for therapy may be considered too experimental by some, but it is not without thought, experience, and consideration of well established scientific principles. In the words of the Seneca Indian tribe, It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult. The only way to continue to evolve the science and legitimacy of these amazing devices is to continuously ask yourself, what if?.
Origins
As a Physical Therapist, I spend a great deal of time manipulating my patients bodies. Through successful manipulation of their musculoskeletal system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, and nervous system, I am able to reduce pain, encourage tissue healing, restore efficient movement, strengthen their bodies, and promote long term health and wellness.
Throughout my 10 years working with patients it has been the nervous system that has proven to be the most challenging of all to manipulate and it is because of this difficulty that I became interested in whole body vibration (WBV) and the concept of vibration therapy.
Initially, I only viewed WBV as a select means to utilize the nervous system, via the stretch reflex, to rapidly strengthen my patients weak muscles and in doing so, improve their motor function. Having done little research at the time, I did not realize how many other potential benefits it could potentially provide to my patients; benefits that I will discuss in more detail later. Finally, after reading through as much of the research and information as possible, spending hours browsing through posts on this site, trying out several platforms, and speaking with several WBV manufacturer representatives, I chose a Hypergravity platform (not a plug I swear!), typed up my WBV waiver, and prepared to revolutionize my practice.
Well, it didnt quite go as planned! When it came time to use it with my patients initially, I found myself questioning whether a majority of my patients were appropriate candidates for vibration therapy. What was the reason behind this hesitation you ask? They all shared a common feature .they were in PAIN! I had become so consumed with the idea of strengthening that I failed to realize that most people at the strengthening phase of their therapy program were already used to other forms of exercise and were therefore less pliable to newer, unfamiliar forms of strengthening.
It was the patients in the early phase of treatment that needed to be introduced to vibration therapy and I couldnt quite figure out how to do that without potentially flaring them up and forcing them to run for the hills. My inexperience, fears of malpractice suits, and the difficulty finding reliable information on vibration therapy began to quickly overpower my drive to provide a new, unique, and potentially beneficial form of treatment to my patients. Fortunately, one of my patients, a pain management researcher at Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, reintroduced me to the Gate Control Theory.
By applying this theory, I realized that the vibratory feedback of the machine itself could be the key to not only introducing my patients to vibration therapy gently, but to creating immediate reductions in their pain levels therefore allowing them to further progress and eventually experience the many other benefits of vibration therapy. The benefits presented so clearly in the previous articles on this site. After success with several patients, I developed a vibration therapy progression that has, thus far, proven quite helpful in efficiently and thoroughly rehabilitating my patients; no matter what their needs be.
Next week I’ll define Gate Control Theory and explain how this theory is used in relation with WBV to help my patients.
Written By Gabriel Ettenson, MS, PT
Gabriel,
Perhaps your patient, the pain management researcher at Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, was talking about Gate Control Theory*, rather than Gait Control Theory.
Note*:
R. Melzack, P. Wall – 1965. Pain mechanisms: a new theory. Science.
In a nutshell the theory says that by activating nerve fibers, i.e. keeping them busy with something, would keep them from carrying pain information to the brain. This has been exploited by TENS devices, by stimulating nerves with tiny currents, thus masking pain. Your friend probably refers to the possibility that because the motor-nerves are activated involuntarily by the platform, they would get “busy” and not able to carry pain signals back. I’d love to get in touch with both you and your friend, since I’m only a two-hour drive from NYC. I do not have a medical background, but I thought that motor-nerves were not the ones carrying pain sensations back to the brain. I’ve heard though, that some fibromyalgia patients reported benefits from vibration therapy.
You need to be careful about invoking neurophysiology in order to support TENS. There’s increasing evidence that such ‘passive-external’ therapeutic approaches, where the patient gives herself into the hands of therapist/machine etc is a POOR substitute for her taking a neurally active-internal approach. In other words, don’t just let the ‘gate’ flap passively in a breeze blown onto it by the electrical impulses of the TENS. Get her to recruit – actively, from the top down (involving her conscious will) her own pain-suppressing pathways.
That patient-centred approach is best for her, but is often seen by practitioners as a practice-killer, as she (pt) will be encouraged to manage her own condition. Especially to understand it (cognitive top-down processing).
By the way, what I’ve written IS evidence based, is NOT anecdotal and is NOT based on spurious advertising claims by any company seeking to increase its profits.
I’d be interested to hear other practitioners’ comments.
Hello Dr. S,
Thank you for your comments. I completely agree with you on TENS. It has its place with severe acute pain situations, but not as a long term solution to pain. Having that been said, this article is not discussing TENS. We are discussing what is known as Whole Body Vibration. If you take some time to understand how this technology / approach works, I think you will find that it meets all your criteria for providing a functional benefit to the individual while at the same time assisting in the alteration of sensory feedback mechanisms (converting nociceptors to non-nociceptors) and thus pain perception. Of course pain is influenced by many different variables so any mechanism based on treating pain is going to differ in its efficacy from one person and one study to the next. This brings me to the next point….no “evidence” on pain relief can be taken at face value as pain is completely subjective and cannot be measured. I’ll play ball though, can you provide the references to you “evidence based” comments?
Thanks Giovanni. You are correct in the spelling. Way too many years of gait analysis I guess. The entire article needed to be separated due to its size. The next segment gets into more detail of WBV’s use in relation to pain reduction via the GATE control theory mechanism. I am hesitant to go into too much detail as the next section would be redundant for the readers, but please feel free to contact me at gettensonpt@gmail.com to discuss this further.
Hi, I liked your post. Whole Body Vibration is for everyone, in pain or not. I am glad WBV is helping your patients. I work at Soloflex,Inc. and we get calls from people everyday asking if this will help their pain. I feel for them and hope that WBV theropy is the answer. No matter what WBV machine or company someone chooses I know Whole Body Vibration can and does help. Thank you for your honest comments. Nice to read.
Thanks John. I think the next segment will help better explain what this theory is about and how it can work off of WBV. Of course, I do need to watch my spelling.
FYI…”Therapeutic” was spelled correctly in my original draft…lol.
I agree that soloflex (and vibeplate) has mislead the consumer.
I have used soloflex and honestly it was a disappointment as was the vibeplate.
Both are just static platforms with a motor underneath.
This is not whole body vibation at all since there is no amplitude at the ends (nodes) of the board.
These machines (soloflex and vibeplate) are neither lineal nor pivotal. They have a sinewave vibration with a maximum amplitude in the middle and ZERO amplitude at the edges (nodes).
The only plus to these machines is the price, but I think its money better saved for a better machine…
Just my opinion
Gabriel:
I have an article that appeared in the Nov/Dec. 2008 Journal on Active Aging (pp. 50-54) which also explains vibration training in simplified terms. It’s a research review looking at the the potential for WBV to decrease fall and fracture risk in an older population.
Thanks Larry. I will take a look. I do believe I have already come across one or two studies that were considering these WBV applications. I am always looking for more support though so please don’t hesitate to send any references you may have come across. Although this is starting to sound a bit repetetive, this topic is covered in the 3rd segment of my article titled, “Neuromuscular Re-Education” which I believe should be up in 1-2 weeks.
Rittweger et al. published a study a few years ago showing a wbv protocol on Galileo was as effective statistically as an exercise program on MedX equipment for helping to reduce non-specific low back pain. I wonder if this could be related to the Pain Gate Control Theory?
I would imagine that any study demonstrating a relationship between WBV and pain would have something to do with “gating” the pain through sensory feedback mechanisms. Of course, it is well understood that improved local muscle activity, improved flexibility, and circulatory improvements would all be potentially beneficial for reducing pain in a given region as well. These are the things that require a bit more in-depth research.
Hi Gabriel,
I am interested in hearing more about the pain/ training relationship.
Your article was very informative, and I look forward to hearing more.
There is quite a bit more to come and I am building on it everyday. I have also begun to record some of the therapy sessions on my flip. I am not sure if video is available on this site, but that should really make things much clearer. Next segment should be up this week.
Hi there..I enjoy all you wrote on the WBV.I am curious on knowing if you would recomend anyone on buying one..also…in my city,it is the big craze that everyone is doing,,and losing lots of inches.But ,,,if one stops the use of it,,does the inches come back on ??? thank you for all the info you have provided us readers!!
Really enjoyed this and look forward to more Gabriel.
Thank you Dan. I am just wrapping up another article and should have it up in a week or so.
Hello,
My husband has been suffering with fibromyalgia for 20 years. We are desperate for any help so I am affraid we are easy targets for salespeople. What do you know about the T-Zone Vibration company and their machine?
Thanks,
Kristy
Hi Kristy,
In my opinion it has been companies like T-Zone who have added to the negative stigma around Whole Body Vibration by using research on much more powerful machines to infer the benifits on their cheap knock off. There really is only a handful of credible machines out there and you can not by one for less than $2000. have a look at this video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx0JfAfhjbI
it shows that most of these machines are not near as powerful as those used in the research that supports teh benefits so you have to be careful what you buy.
Kirk
I have been using the HyperVibe machine and listening to the video. There’s a lot of take in… I did have a few questions for you please.
I do understand about the stretch reflex mechanism and how the machine creates it. What I would like you to explain to me though is how the benefits of it is created when doing let’s say, a bicep curl when the vibration cannot travel up to the bicep?
What about when doing a forward lunge… We are to put the foot in the centre of the platform but there’s hardly any amplitude/vibration in the centre. How does that work?
Thanks for your help,
Hi Manon,
There is no additional benefit provided by the platform when doing a bicep curl. It is simply an exercise to include with the standing/squating positions on the platform. By performing the extra work, you are going to increase the use of your core as well as increase the number of muscles being used during that specific time period.
Having that been said, by using free weight in your hands for this exercise, you increase your mass (body weight) and this can increase the force generated by the muscles responding to platform (F=MxA).
As far as the lunge goes, I am not sure where you read or received instructions to use the center position, but you are correct. There is technically no movement ghere so it would be of little additional benefit. Move your foot towards the one and see how that feels. I usually train people around 2 if they are normal to and increased level of fitness. Then, go to 3 and 4 from there for progression.
What about when doing a hamstring stretch…
Inside of feet at 1 (big toe lined up)
I’m having difficulties figuring out how I can program the machine to give me an interval setting of let’s say 30 second run and 30 second on a manual setting. I can do it with the pre-programmed settings (balance, recovery, train and tone) but I can’t figure out how to do it with settings in between so that I can gradually condition my body to move up in hertz. Can someone help me?
Never mind… it can’t be done
This should be an enhance they should make to the programming of the machine because I like the machine to be able to do this…
Face away from tower, Feet at 1, frequency 20-24, knees slightly bent, relax into stretch for 90 seconds. Use a stool or chair for balance if necessary. Can also LIGHTLY lean back into tower or grasp handles for additional stability
Hi Manon,
Your request is one I’ve had a few times with regards to our programming options, and it makes perfect sense. Initially the reasoning behind our program settings was to target specific frequencies for specific purposes, e.g. 6Hz is probably the best setting for basic balance training.
The tone setting was set to 26Hz because previously we subscribed to the theory that 26 times per second was close to the maximum rate at which the muscle can fire.
Whilst I still believe this is good general approximation when looking at a single motor unit, I don’t believe this theory accounts for different subsets of motor units firing on different cycles of vibration stimulus, and other factors such as muscle tuning.
Short answer is that the change in the programming is coming, and if you let your dealer know you’d like this option when it arrives, we’ll be able to assist.
Thank you Murray. While you’re at it with making this change, have you considered defaulting to the “rest” interval first instead of the “run” interval in order to give us time to get into position when this position is not a “stand on the platform” one? I believe it would be a quick and easy change in the computer programming and would alleviate some frustrations…
Hi Manon,
My name is Rita, i am the owner of Results Body Studio in Barrie, Ontario.
I was recently approached by a woman who is interested in me training her two daughters, they both have Down Syndrome.
Is WBV a good training tool and safe to use in with Down Syndrome clients?
Thanks,
Rita
Hi Rita. Although to my knowledge there has been no research done on vibration and down syndrome, the growing body of literature establishing its safety for many other individuals with complicated physical (and often cognitive) impairments (including children) suggests it is likey a safe option. Be sure to clear it with any physician (s) overlooking their care and be sure to introduce it gradually. Best of luck.
Any one else have experience with this population?
Hi Rita. I personally have very limited knowledge about all of the benefits WBV has and have none related to down syndrome. What I can tell you though is that I personally have Multiple Sclerosis and after having done my thorough research and testing it out for 1 month, I am convinced that it will help me physically and mentally, which is why I have just purchased one.
Does anyone have any information regarding the effects of WBV on people who had, and are recuperating from, Guillain Barre Syndrome?
Manon,
There isn’t a whole lot out there on this subject as far as I know. Sorry I cannot be of greater help. Perhaps someone else can add some insight?
When I do the plank exercise, raised up onto toes with forearms on the platform, I feel my head may be absorbing too much of the vibration. Am I correct to be concerned?
Manon,
As far as how concerned you should be, I cannot say. If you feel this is uncomfortable however, you have several options.
1) Try shifting your body weight forward so that your head is barely touching the tower. This can offset the loading of the platform and reduce the head vibration
2) Add padding to the platform to dampen the vibration a bit. The difficulty of the plank pose is having the stabilize at the core while the upper body is reacting to the platform. Having less direct vibration will not reduce the difficulty level of the exercise. If it does, adding lower body movements can make the difficulty level go right back up.
3 Move the arms in towards the fulcrum until it feels more comfortable. Again, the exercise will still be challenging.
You can always combine these modifications too.
Manon,
For you plank you can also reverse your position.
Place your feet on the platform and hands on the floor more like a push up. Keep your body straight.
Deb
Thanks Deb. I appreciate your input.
Wouldn’t doing the reverse plank change which body part is being affected? I would have thought that doing it, as I had been, would be working the muscles in the upper arms and shoulders, whereas doing a reverse plank would work the leg muscles. Isn’t that the case?
Manon,
The plank, with or without the vibration platform, works muscles of the upper body, core, and lower body. So, in response to your question, the way in which you use the platform to perform the exercise (feet on it or hands on it) would just place a greater emphasis on one of these areas vs. the other. With your hands on it, your upper body is challenged the greatest. With the legs on it, your lower body is challenged the greatest.
Having that been said, with vibration training, mass is a key component so the upper body on the platform (which creates a greater load into the platform) make this a much harder exercise and is a greater challenge to the core. With the legs on it and the majority of your weight offset, it will likely be only slightly harder than doing this on the plank on the floor. It is still and option nonetheless.
Does anyone have any information about the benefits or specific exercises one can do to help heal a cracked rib?
Hi Manon.
Recent fractures are a contra indicator. I would avoid WBV until cleared by a doctor to resume exercise.
Deb
Hi there, I’d like to help a new acquaintance better understand how WBV can help her conditions which she has outlined for us below.
Claudette’s story;
ok, here goes………. I’ve have had chronic pain for about 40yrs now, 5 vehicle collisions……….nothing serious, though second one (35yrs ago)(whiplash) still have repercussions from. I have lax ligaments antibiotics for 3yrs for skin at adolesence………one of the factors,along with following, that contributed to systemic candida (no longer)
I’ve had 5 children in 3 yrs (2nd one triplets/cesarian) pain thru whole body……higher decibel level from solar plexus up……..neck,shoulders and head most intense, and easily triggered……..concluded was fibromyalgia…………so,pain signals over responding and, this is the place where i believe that a proficient WBV machine can help….. am turning 55 in a few weeks, and am thin (would like to keep weight!) so for bone density as well good timing………..
have very healthy lifestyle……… eat gluten free (3yrs), as organic as possible swim 1/2 hr almost everyday in a 92 degree pool don’t drink, do drugs(recreational or prescribed) or smoke. I’ve meditate since about age of 16 have healthy loving relationships am energy medicine practitioner semi retired (florida for winter)
Now, today was 1st day that my neck feels better since i tried the WBV machine last week, and that i am ready to try a second time……… have been reading more articles, and blogs, and things are still confusing………
in time things will fall into place………both for info and myself, thanks to your help.
Hi Peter (and Claudette),
This is a rather extensive, complex medical history so there is no real easy answer to the question of how exactly this will help her or what the best program for her will be. What I can say is that people with this level of “systemic” involvement benefit greatly because of the tremendous number of systems that are positively influenced with vibration training.
For example, the hypermobility issues will benefit greatly from the local muscle activation as well as the stimulation of the local sensory feedback mechanisms (proprioception). Both of these are significantly impaired in this particular situation and often lead to excess joint wear and tear as well as connective tissue injury.
For the pain issues (fibromyalgia), the local circulatory boost, connective tissue release, and the ability to stimulate nerve receptors that don’t communicate pain information (as opposed to those that do and remain turned on in chronic pain) should be a tremendous help.
There are many other possibilities as well. With the otherwise healthy lifestyle, I agree that this is the right investment for her. Overall program needs to be gently and basic to begin. Then, progress accordingly.
Hope that helps.
hello,
i would love to have some feedback from people who have fibromyalgia, and have been using the hypervibe……
hopefully from Australia where it has been for a longer time
thank you
claudette
Does anyone have any information about WBV machines being of benefit (or not being good) for treating neck and upper back aches? Personally, I experienced a double whiplash in 2004 and will be seeing my Physiotherapist shortly about receiving treatment for the aches which are still related to that accident. Thank you.
Hi Manon,
The research on whole body vibration and the spine has been mostly limited to the low back (lumbar spine). Overall, this research has been extremely positive and when people begin to better grasp the way vibration training/therapy works, I am quite sure it will become a tremedous tool for PT’s, Chiro’s, Osteo’s etc. ASnd not just for treating the low back!
As far as neck (cervical) and upper back (thoracic), the research is limited, but from my personal experience as a PT using it for over 4 years now, it is extremely beneficial when dosed and utilized properly. After all, despite the need to separate everything, the spine is one connected unit and the rules stay the same for treating dysfunction within it…no matter which section we are approaching.
In general, the combination of lower frequencies for relaxation, release, and circulation, and higher frequencies for muscle training and proprioception is an effective “one-two punch” for most chronic and subacute issues. For more acute problems, treatment is much simpler and needs to be inroduced more slowly.
Hope that helps.
Thank you for your input Gabriel; I really appreciate it.
In your opinion, to benefit the thoracic and cervical areas, what position would you suggest and why?
I would need to understand what your goal(s) is/are (i.e. pain relief, increased mobility, strength etc.). if I have this info, it is easier to answer the question.
Thanks Gabriel:
In 2004, I experienced a car accident which resulted in a double whiplash (the car behind hit me and push me into the car in front of me). My goal is for pain relief and some strengthening. The areas of concern are as mentioned, the thoracic and the cervical areas of the spine.Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Vibrationtraining.net….
Your Contact Us page is not working!…. So I thought I would go this route. I have a client who has been using a WBV machine for 3 months now…..She has been extremely ill for 10 years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME and Fibromyalgia. WBV has changed her life!!! And as she has said…. It has put “Life” back into “Living” again. She has more energy!! She recovers faster!! and she as significantly reduced her Hydromorophone (pain meds)….. All of this is fantastic!! And all of this has been done with only sitting on the machine for 5 minutes/day (morning) and lying with her calves on the machine for another 5 minutes (evening). (NO STANDING…as it is too much for her…as it shakes out too many toxins (People with FM has too many toxins…..which produce pain/inflammation and exhaustion.)
My question is….she was just to her Doctor and he is investigating her for a “Fallen Uterus”…..(Not a Prolapsed Uterus)…. Should she stop WBV….at least the sitting part (of course NO STANDING!!)……..and keep up with lying with her calves on it….until the Doctor has finished his investigations. Please note: When she has stopped WBV as a trial to see if WBV really works….she goes back to extremely ill….in bed for days and days….no energy and the excruciating pain is back! So WBV really has worked for her!!
So my question is will sitting on the WBV Machine platform be bad for her “Fallen Uterus” and can she continue to use her WBV Machine…sitting….until her “Fallen Uterus” is fixed or….. Just do lying with her calves on it…..I know this will help her with her conditions…..as stopping WBV will make her sick again.
And if she is diagnosis-ed with a Prolapsed Uterus (which I know is severe…there are 4 degrees….which believe your answer to a Prolapsed Uterus is NO standing or sitting)…..but I think lying with her calves on the WBV Machine would be okay….
Thanks for your time…..I truly appreciate your answers!
Pamela….. I sent this to Glen Ruscoe but Peter from Ontario Hypervibe….said you were the better contact! Thanks!
Hi Pamela,
I am only familiar with a “prolapsed uterus”, which it seems you are implying is not the same as this. Based on the description of a “fallen uterus” however, perhaps it is just a precursor?
If that is the case, I would not assume there are any dangers to vibration training. In fact, if it is related at all to hypermobility of ligaments or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, vibration training could actually help. This can be the case with early “degrees” of a prolapsed uterus.
At the end of the day, she should talk with her MD and describe the training technique. He can advise her on how to move forward. If he approves the usage, she should probably avoid sitting and revisit standing or perhaps sitting with legs on the platform instead. The calf massage should be fine no matter what.
Hope that helps.
Hello:
I have a family member very interested in using the WBV put concerned whether this is safe because of heart monitor that she has just recently gotten because of extreme low blood pressure.
Would appreciate comments or testimonies from others in similiar health situation.
Hi Shelley,
Can you please clarify? Are you saying that she is using a telemeter to monitor her heart? If this is the case, she can pursue WBV after she has discontinued using it. Until then, it is not advised.
Otherwise, if you are concerned about the low BP, it is not contraindicated, but should be discussed with her physician. There is no research available on this situation. Perhaps someone with a similar situation can comment?
Hi Gabriel:
The family member is to be getting a pace maker next week because of low blood pressure. They have identified the low blood pressure because of the two small chambers of the heart being enlarged. Because of the low blood pressure the circulation in her legs was bad and found relief from using my WBV but is now concerned whether it is safe to continue using.
Thanks
Hi Shelley & Gabe.
If wearing a telemeter I agree absolutely with Gabe.
As far the the Low BP, do you know what is contributing to this? Are there any other health conditions?
I have had customers with low BP use WBV for general fitness and have had no issues. Consult your MD first.
Is there a specific reason you are considering WBV?
Deb
Hi Deb:
The low blood pressure is caused by enlarged small chambers of the heart which is just been diagnosed. Not sure what is causing the enlargement ie. heart disease or ? She is in excellent condition, not overweight, no medications so it is puzzling to the doctors. She has been using the WBV to help with circulation.
Thanks for your help
Shelley
Pacemaker is a contraindication to whole body vibration unfortunately so we cannot recommend further training.
How can I use hypervibe to treat tendinitis in my left upper arm?
Also is there any risk to the eyes (ie retina damage or increased floaters ) with the vibrations to the head?
Thanks
Hi Molly,
Can you please be more specific about the tendonitis. You are saying “upper arm” which I would assume means it originates in the shoulder and is radiating into the upper arm. Is this correct? Are you talking about a shoulder tendonitis? I would need to know that to offer advice.
As far as head vibration, there should be little risk as long as it is minimized. Upper body positions at higher intensities should be performed with little vibration in the head.
Actually it radiates from the shoulder and the elbow depending on how I use it. Mostly it’s a sharp pain in the middle of my upper arm in the tricep area. Sometimes I’ll get the pain in the bicep area. Hope this makes sense. Thanks
Hi Molly,
This sounds like referred pain from the shoulder related to an issue with one or more of the structures within. Having that been said, the mention of the elbow pain and the movement of the pain between the triceps and biceps makes it sound more complicated.
The honest truth is that without seeing you, I wouldn’t be able to tell what needs to be addressed, This issue can stem form postural issues (requires postural exercises), muscular imbalances (requires selective strengthening and stretching), or trauma (requires rest and healing) to name just a few.
I also cannot tell whether your pain is acute or chronic? how severe it is? etc.
As much as I would like to help , I would’t be comfortable recommending exercises without seeing you.
It’s chronic – been there for over four months. Pain can be both sever sharp pains and others that is more annoying. I’d like to shake it up to loosen it up. I have achellies tendinitis that is improving just by standing on the machine.
Great to hear about the achilles! As far as the shoulder goes, try this:
Go on all fours with your hands on the platform around #2 and use 9–12 hz (see what feels comfortable) for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to keep weight evenly distributed between the hands and knees so you are not overloading the shoulders. Also, shift slightly back and fourth to find the position that reduces head vibration. Best done kneeling on something of even height to the platform too if this is possible. Stop if you experience any pain.
Keep in mind that this suggestion is what I use in practice and not having seen you, cannot guarantee is will help. This advice is not given to replace medical advice. Please see your doctor if the pain persists.
Hope that helps.
Can the vibration machine be used by someone after a hip replacement .
Hi Tom,
The rule (at least here in the US) is that you are required to wait 1 year until after surgery before starting vibration training. Hope this helps.
Thanks I’m a physician and have had difficulty getting an answer to the question.Tom
No problem Tom. Please don’t hesitate to post any questions you may have.
Hello,
I am wanting to get a Hypervibe for myself and my 84+ year old mother. We both have some health considerations which I am wondering if anyone could provide me with info on…
For myself, I am 48 years old and was born with severe scholiosis. I have a rod and 7 screws in my back – which I got as a child. I do not get back aches or have any other kind of trouble other then not being able to arch my back. I tried a friend’s lower quality machine for the past month and have been perfectly fine – but I am wondering if I should be concerned with any long term effects?
For my mother, she is a type 2 diabetic and also has fairly severe arthritis in her knees, shoulders and hands and is often in quite a lot of pain. Will the motions be too jarring for her? I was hoping it would help her to strengthen her legs so she could hopefully get strong enough to get out of chairs more easily. However, we will never get to that stage if it will be too jarring and sore for her.
Is there anyone that has ideas and/or comments for our situations?
Thank you for your time and interest.
Eve
Hi Eve,
Let’s start with you….
There should be little concern for long term effects. First off, there has been over 15 years of research and no adverse side effects to wbv have been reported. Secondly, based upon your experiences thus far, your body seems to be responding favorably. The best thing to do now that you can progress your program with a better machine is go slow and move the program forward in small increments. Peter can help you with this.
As for your Mom…
It would be best for her to start off in a seated position with her feet on the platform and in towards the center. This will make it very gentle for her and she can get comfortable. Then, she moves the feet a bit wider and if she is okay there, she can stand on the platform with the heels just off of the back of the plate. From there, if she’s okay, she can place the full foot (both) on the platform at the center. Then, finally, she can move the feet apart . That should be a safe progression. Have her start with standing with a slight knee bend. Begin around 10-12 hz and move up slowly from there. Again, Peter should be able to help you with these progressions.
Hope that helps.
Anyone have any information on the effects someone with cerebral palsy using a WBV machine?
Hi Manon.
A customer of mine is an 8 year old Boy with CP. He has been using the Hypervibe for 9 months now for pain management, flexibiity and some strength.
Was there something specific you were wondering?
Deb
Hi Deb:
A friend of mine does massage therapy on someone with CP whose muscles in his legs (and probably elsewhere but unsure where) tighten up so that he is, for most of the day, lying down with bent legs. He says this creates a lot of pain for him. The massage allows his legs to straighten but shortly after, they are bent again probably until his next massage.
I personally give myself calf, hamstrings and quadricep massages for MS symptom so I thought doing those and maybe doing the seated position might help this person. What do you think?
Manon
He would absolutely benefit form some of the massage applications. Some stretching as well.
I would recommend he ok with his doctor first and feel free to have him contact me by phone or thru this forum with anything specific.
Deb
Thanks Deb. I will give my friend this information for his client with CP. I will also pass along the links I received from Mr. Seaton (below). Thank you to you both.
Just so you know too, I have personally been using my WBV machine 4-5 times a week for a while now and am very satisfied with the results. MS had been causing gradual weakness in my legs for several years now but since using it, I have been gaining strength and increasing the intensity. It is actually amazing!
That’s a great report Manon! Keep up the good work.
Hi Manon,
Hopefully someone will chime in with some personal experience. Below are some links to research on WBV and CP.
Effect of a new physiotherapy concept on bone mineral density, muscle force and gross motor function in children with bilateral cerebral palsy
Vibration treatment in cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled pilot study
Whole-body vibration training compared with resistance training: effect on spasticity, muscle strength and motor performance in adults with cerebral palsy
Thank you Murray. I appreciate these links to what appears to be great resources. I will read them all.
I damaged my left knee 1 ½ weeks ago. I go see the doctor on Mon. I have a sick feeling I’ve done ACL damage. Years ago I had surgery to repair my right ACL.
I’ve been mostly refraining from the hypervibe except for a few days last week when I thought the knee wasn’t too bad and then I kept it at low speeds (<=12). Now that it is still a problem, I’m thinking I should avoid the machine until I get medical clearance.
What do you think?
ps ….If I do have a torn ACL and the Doc opts to not do surgery on it, is there any problems using the machine with a torn ACL? (assuming that is what it turns out to be)
Hi Molly,
Sorry to hear about your injury. Given the nature of the injury, it would probably be a good idea to better understand what is going on before continuing with any type of resistance training or regular exercise regimen.
If it turns out to be an ACL tear, vibration training can certainly be of benefit and should be considered as a rehab and strengthening/stability tool. Of course, it needs to be used correctly and conservatively until the knee is better stabilized and the inflammation level has reduced.
Still waiting to get an MRI. While I wait can you tell me how the hypervibe impacts tendons and ligaments> Thanks
Hi Molly,
Can you be more specific? Based upon this question, all I can say is that it has the same impact as resistance training with higher frequencies and to massage or stretching at lower frequencies. Beyond that would be pure theory and speculation as this is not something that has been researched.
Finally got MRI results. It states “there is a longitudinal oblique tear posterior third posterior horn medial meniscus extending to the inferior articular surface”
Can I start back on the hypervibe? My family doc thought it should be OK.
Thanks
Hi Molly,
This is not a contraindication to Vibration Training but caution is advised. Go slowly with your program and avoid any positions that involve excessive bending of the knees or twisting/rotation of the knees. Otherwise, I hope it helps.
Recently I have met 2 women who are suffering with scoliosis. Is there any research or study to indicate whole body vibration might offer them some improvement or relief? Have you been able to help individuals with this condition?
Hi Anne,
As far as I know there are no actual clinical studies to date that have examined the effects of WBV on the condition of scoliosis. There are however, studies that have shown positive effects of WBV on low back pain, spinal muscle strength, as well as muscle flexibility; all of which are typically the actual “problems” associated with scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
As far as my personal experience goes, I have treated many individuals with scoliosis and WBV works very well. The key with this condition is to establish whether it is a fixed scoliosis (congenital) or a functional scoliosis (reflecting malalignment of the body, weakness issues or flexibility issues etc.) and then apply treatment from there.
A good example would be a new mother who carries her baby on her hip all day long. Eventually, the compensations associated with this will cause tightness and changes to her alignment. On x-ray, it may appear to be a “scoliosis”. This differs from the child that has congenital scoliosis and is placed in a brace or has surgery with Harrington rods.
Nonetheless, the newest approaches to scoliosis view the body as pliable (vs. fixed) and focus on identifying what is tight, what is weak, where concavity exists vs convexity. With this is mind, stretching and strengthening exercises are applied to work “against” these weaknesses and tightness. Using WBV to perform this treatment enhances the effects (as opposed to traditional approaches) and, best of all, is very easy to apply.
Hope this helps.
Gabriel, could you please name the various exercises which could help functional scoliosis? Thanks.
Hi Manon,
Without seeing the person, I cannot prescribe exercises for their treatment. This condition can differ significantly from one person to the other and involve smaller or larger areas. It is also tough to say what may be driving the malalignment which would be where you’d begin your treatment.
All I can say is that, to start, once you have identified the location of the convexities and concavities, you would do active stretching and strengthening to attempt to reverse them. This is of course and oversimplified approach.
I am building a Physical Therapy website to offer programs and instruction. It should be available in the near future. I plan on having a video to address this issue and its treatment with vibration.
Thanks Gabriel.
My Physiotherapist said “Postural change due to MS (acquired scoliotic curve because of muscle weakness)”. Are there any other questions I can ask her in order for you to understand and suggest some exercises? Anything would be greatly appreciated.
Manon,
Unfortunately, this establishes the nature of the scoliosis, but doesn’t give me any idea of what it looks like. I cannot recommend anything further based upon this information. Does your Physio use Vibration Therapy?
No she does not use it though I have told her about it and the fact that I use it myself. Thanks anyways.
Ok. So we have two options:
1) your PT contacts me and I can explain what exercises I would like her to review with you. Then, she can go over them and you can do them at home with the platform (I’ll send yu a video or pic).
2) you send me a picture of your spine (either X-ray or perhaps a pic in a tank top or something that can reveal the curves of the spine) and I can try and piece together some recommendations for you.
Gabriel,
A client contacted me to learn if her very active daughter with kidney stones can use our machine. The woman in question was diagnosed with kidney stones at a young age. Stress will cause a flare up for her. Most recently, she had a reaction in a hot tub.
Have you had experience with clients and kidney stones?
Could she experiment with WBV initially up to 14 Hz?
What advice can you offer?
Hi Anne,
Kidney stones are considered a contraindication in the US (any most other parts of the world as far as I know). We generally do not allow people to train if they know that they have them. In 1 or 2 cases, we have had clients that did not know they had stones, pass them. Some people desire this result. Others are very fearful of this happening. This sounds like the scenario with your client so I recommend you avoid training.
If everyone is on board and wants to explore this, speak with the client’s MD and perhaps he will clear her for training.
Gabriel,
This morning a gentleman contacted me about using whole body vibration. Last year he had triple bypass surgery. He is currently exercising and using a treadmill but wants to know if it’s OK to use whole body vibration.
What advice can you give me, based on your experience, that I can pass along to him.
Hi Anne,
If he can tolerate a treadmill well and his doctor has approved him for independent exercise without the need for CV monitoring by any type of professional or equipment, WBV won’t be an issue. He should have his MD approve of usage of course and his program should be progressed very slowly. Only the higher intensity training range will be an issue so it is important to be sure his system can adapt.
Hi Gabriel,
I met a lady with S-I joint pain that radiates into her CT band and other areas of her leg. She has spent thousands of dollars over the years looking for relief with supplements and practitioners.
How could she begin to use WBV? How much time would expect someone to invest to feel a positive result?
Any suggestions as to how to proceed would be much appreciated.
Hi Anne,
Assume you mean IT Band? Either way, someone with chronic SI joint problems (especially when the pain radiates into the leg), can be tough to treat. Although I cannot say what the issue is with this individual, in my experience, this type of chronic problem is typically related to excessive mobility of the joint. When introduced properly and when the right positions are used, pivotal WBV can be very useful. Even if this isn’t the source of the issue, the SI joints can be reached quite effectively so it is certainly worth a shot. Again, for the readers here, this should be done with pivotal ONLY.
Best thing to do is introduce lightly and slowly. No more than 2-3 bouts of 30 seconds each. Low frequency (6-8 hz) at foot position #1. If it goes well, progress to #1.5 or #2 and then slowly increase the frequency up to 12-15 hz. Then, you adjust the time variable to 1 minute. After that, you further progress according to your goals.
As long as the “fear factor” isn’t an issue (which is typically the case with chronic pain patients), I would expect something to happen within 4 weeks (maybe sooner) of 2-3 days per week. DO NOT be tempted to do any other “core exercises” or aggressive lower/upper body exercises. For SI joint, best keep it simple and go with standing with 5-10 degree bend at the knee.
Hi Gabriel,
We have a gentleman with back issues plus sciatica. He has a problem between L4,5 and C7,8 (neck/shoulder) and his wife is doing research to see if and how the HyperVibe might help him.
How would you introduce WBV to him? How long before he might feel a positive result? We want to create a realistic expectation.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
The best introduction for someone with spinal issues is to work in the standing position (slight bend in the knees) and progress from a high amp/low freq setting (feet #2-3, 6-8 hz) to a low amp/high freq setting (feet #1-2, 18-24 hz). This may take 2-3 weeks of training 3 days a week before you can expect results. Of course, often they come sooner, but people are so impatient so it is best to use the former timeline.
Things to consider:
1) Is his pain radiating into his leg when using the Hypervibe. If so, you need to regress the exercise and work with his heels off of the back of the plate until he is comfortable moving the full foot on to the plate.
2) Is his alignment proper. The standing position, directed at the low back, hip and pelvic areas, should be done with extreme attention to detail as far as alignment. Good also to cue him to engage the core muscles to “lift” him out of his back.
3) With a more stable and better aligned lower spine, the neck tends to be positively effected, but might be good, when he is ready, to add a shoulder massage exercise (he is on all fours, hands on platform at 2-3, low frequency 6-8 hz).
Hope this helps. Hard to know exactly what is best if I cannot evaluate him, but this works well in my office.