Therapy OVERVIEW

In 1867, Russian physician and inventor Gustav Zander developed an apparatus that used weights and pulleys to create a sense of vibration. Its purpose was therapeutic. In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg implemented vibration therapy in his health practice. Using a vibrating chair he developed himself, he claimed it could help improve circulation and alleviate constipation.   During the Russian space program, doctors found that astronauts suffered from bone loss and fractures at a much younger age than normal. They began to use vibration therapy to help strengthen astronauts’ bone mass and muscles. Today, NASA continues to use vibration therapy to help prevent bone loss.  Back in the training room, the athlete can use WBV to focus on certain body areas for strength training. And after the workout is complete, WBV can provide an effective cool-down. Injured athletes can also include WBV as part of their rehab for strengthening exercises.

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WHY

​Why would you do vibration therapy?  During whole-body vibration therapy, you will stand, sit, or lay on a machine supported by a vibrating platform. For example, we may ask you to stand in a half-squat position with your knees bent.  When the vibrations are transmitted to your body, they cause your muscles to contract and relax. Certain types of vibrations may also cause your body to produce more osteoblasts.  These are cells that produce bone.  The direction and intensity of vibrations may determine how well vibration therapy works.

 

RECOMMENDED

Who is vibration therapy recommended for?  Vibration therapy is recommended for all customers regardless of age.

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HOW OFTEN

How often should you repeat vibration therapy?  Vibration therapy is recommended 3-5 days a week for approximately 30 minutes.

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RESULTS

What are the results of vibration therapy?  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.  More recent research described in Current Osteoporosis 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.

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SUMMARY

 What does this help to improve?  Vibration can apply either local area or whole body vibration. Vibration therapy improves muscular strength, power development, kinesthetic awareness, decreased muscle sore, increased range of motion, and increased blood flow under the skin. VT was effective for reduction of DOMS and regaining full ROM.

 

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