Musculoskeletal system function is controlled through dynamic loading, which can become disrupted through physical disuse. Vibration therapy mimics anabolic mechanical signals found during exercise to restore strength and balance to skeletal muscles.
LMHFV has been shown to increase bone formation while decreasing bone resorption during fracture healing in experimental animals, and also enhance muscle oxygenation during resistance training sessions.
Increased blood flow
Vibration therapy is a form of holistic healing and rejuvenation using vibration technology to support the body’s natural healing and renewal processes. Also referred to as whole-body vibration (WBV), vibration therapy involves administering bursts of low frequency electromagnetic waves directly onto different areas of the body in order to restore the body’s intrinsic magnetic charge and promote optimal cellular functioning. Vibration therapy may be combined with more traditional approaches such as psychotherapy and medication for optimal results.
Local vibration applied to muscles and tendons activates a vibration reflex that contributes to muscle force production as well as activating primary muscle spindles, improving muscular performance. Furthermore, local vibration may help stimulate production of anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone. Furthermore, local vibration may help stimulate blood flow which in turn decreases inflammation while speeding healing.
Studies examining the effects of high-frequency low-amplitude (HFLA) vibration on skin blood flow have yielded conflicting findings, so this research explored its influence on healing processes associated with diabetic foot ulcers using a randomized crossover design. Subjects were exposed to three therapeutic conditions and one control condition; treatment sessions consisted of three minutes of vibrating followed by one minute of restful recovery time between sessions.
Vibration-induced mechanical stimulation causes endothelial cells to secrete NO and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). This results in vasodilation and an increase in SBF that leads to faster wound healing.
Researchers found that vibration amplitude may impact SBF response; in this study, they tested different vibration frequencies and durations to find the optimal parameters for increasing SBF in diabetic foot. Intermittent vibration lasting 10 s followed by 5/0/10 second vibration was most successful at increasing SBF.
Furthermore, this study’s results demonstrate that HFLA vibration can significantly increase the healing rate of DFUs due to increased blood flow that improved cell permeability; hence HFLA vibration could become an alternative therapy option for managing these wounds.
Strengthened muscles
Vibrations transmitted to muscles, bones and connective tissues via vibration therapy can encourage muscle contraction for increased strength, flexibility and bone and joint health. Vibrations also support lymphatic drainage — our natural detoxification and painkilling system — by increasing cell movement within lymphatic systems such as lymph nodes to flush away toxins that buildup in our bodies through their natural detoxification system and waste buildup processes. This vibration therapy may even aid with weight loss due to reduced buildup in fat deposits.
Vibration therapy strengthens muscle fibers quickly by stimulating their contraction, thus rapidly strengthening muscles. Vibrations also enhance flexibility and proprioception – the ability of our bodies to sense our position in space and respond accordingly – while simultaneously increasing bone density by stimulating formation of new bone cells while decreasing resorption of existing ones.
Studies have demonstrated the anabolic benefits of whole-body vibration with dynamic exercise. One research project conducted over 11 weeks demonstrated that patients receiving whole-body vibration in combination with trained squatting gained more in both bone mass and strength than those only receiving vibration training without dynamic loading, possibly as a result of WBV amplifying muscular effects from dynamic loading as well as increasing force-generating capacity.
Vibration therapy may also help individuals who have experienced a stroke to build muscle strength more rapidly. A recent study compared 20 Hz and 30 Hz vibration frequencies on leg muscle strength and bone resorption among chronic stroke survivors, finding that 30 Hz frequency was more successful at increasing paretic eccentric knee extension strength while simultaneously decreasing bone resorption rates than 20 Hz frequency.
Vibration training has many health benefits, including stimulating endorphin production – your brain’s natural painkillers – as well as increasing concentration and focus during activities. However, vibration should only be used by individuals without heart disease, seizure history or uncontrolled hypertension; also avoid using it on areas with open wounds, rashes or open sores and anyone who has metal implants in hips, arms or legs – if in doubt as to whether vibration training is suitable please seek medical advice or speak to a physical therapist about any health conditions before embarking upon this type of training experience if in doubt about whether vibration training may benefit you please seek medical advice or speak directly.
Reduced stress
High-frequency vibration therapy has become increasingly popular in fitness and rehabilitation settings, yet many physical therapists and wellness professionals remain unaware of how best to utilize this tool and maximize its benefits.
Vibration therapy can be used to increase muscle strength, flexibility and blood circulation throughout the body. Furthermore, vibration therapy has the ability to relieve pain and inflammation as well as promote relaxation and enhance overall mental wellbeing.
Individuals participating in the treatment stand or sit on a vibrating platform and experience small shocks that resonate through their bodies, stimulating muscles to contract and relax similarly to what happens during exercise, creating a feeling of stress reduction and mental clarity.
Vibrations have the ability to stimulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play an integral role in mood regulation and mental well-being. Furthermore, vibration can help balance hormones like cortisol that contributes to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy on skeletal muscle and bone density by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. This treatment method can especially benefit elderly populations to avoid sarcopenia which reduces muscle mass while increasing the risk of falls.
WBV can increase range of motion in patients suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. Vibration was combined with dynamic exercises in one study to augment training effects in an elderly group – this resulted in both increased lumbar and tibial bone mineral density.
Vibration therapy can also be utilized as a preventative measure against muscle atrophy caused by prolonged clinical bedrest, surgery or space flight. Furthermore, vibration therapy has proven useful in treating spasticity due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, hemiplegia or cerebral palsy and even help improve quality of sleep with people suffering from these disorders by activating spinal cord cells to promote better muscle coordination and mental clarity.
Improved sleep
Who wouldn’t benefit from whole-body vibration therapy? Whether experiencing depression or simply feeling down, whole-body vibration therapy can help improve both mood and sleep patterns by stimulating serotonin and dopamine release in your brain – essential neurotransmitters for mood regulation and mental wellbeing; additionally it reduces stress and anxiety as well as activating muscle tissue for greater balance – combined with physical exercise it can contribute to overall fitness and wellness improvements.
Recent research conducted by researchers revealed that vibration therapy greatly improves sleep quality among those suffering from metabolic syndrome. A group of ten MetS individuals participated in WBV exercises twice weekly for six weeks to experience vibration therapy; researchers observed improvement in both quality of restful sleep as well as daytime sleepiness reduction; this trial involved both vibration therapy and traditional rehabilitation protocols to see which would work better.
Vibration therapy can be combined with yoga and meditation to deepen the mind-body connection and promote relaxation. Additionally, vibration therapy can prepare your body for physical exercise by loosening muscles and improving blood flow; making physical activities simpler to perform. Furthermore, vibration therapy helps your mind unwind by decreasing cortisol levels which improve emotional stability and mood.
Vibration therapy not only improves mental and emotional well-being, but can also strengthen immunity and digestion. A recent study concluded that vibration therapy reduced colds among older adults in a study as well as helping improve sleep patterns, energy levels and joint mobility – as well as decreasing risk of falls and improving joint mobility – by about 40%! It can even be used to treat anxiety and depression – its use releasing natural mood boosters like endorphins can provide immediate benefits – this effect being particularly helpful for elderly individuals living with depression or anxiety who struggle.
