Vibroacoustic therapy was invented in Norway during the 1980s. Using low-frequency sound vibrations transmitted through special equipment, vibroacoustic therapy transmits low frequency sound vibrations in order to promote relaxation and reduce pain. Noninvasive and safe treatment techniques may include vibroacoustic therapy.
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How it works
Vibroacoustic therapy utilizes low-frequency sound waves to induce therapeutic relaxation and healing, making it an effective treatment option for many physical and mental conditions, including pain and depression. Vibrations sent through the body stimulate release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters while increasing blood flow to the brain – thus making pain interpretation less likely and muscle tension reduced; dopamine, which regulates stress and pain regulation also increases with therapy as it does its other beneficial effects such as muscle relaxation and improved circulation. Sound waves further promote muscle relaxation while improving circulation as they promote relaxation as well.
Olav Skille of Norway was the originator of vibroacoustic therapy. His experiments using low-frequency sound vibrations to treat children with severe physical and mental handicaps revealed how such sound vibrations could relieve muscle spasticity while creating an atmosphere of complete relaxation – hence giving rise to what has come to be known as “vibroacoustic therapy“. This technique has since been named in his honor and known as vibroacoustic therapy.
Modern vibroacoustic therapy equipment produces precisely-tuned low-frequency vibrations that penetrate the body’s surface and bone structure, where they register by skin mechanoreceptors before sending signals to the nervous system as signals without being perceived as music but as slow internal pulses felt inside oneself. Studies have documented autonomic shifts in heart rate, muscle tone, breathing pattern and pain perception during and following sessions.
Vibration therapy’s therapeutic effects stem largely from its impact on the body’s natural sympathetic resonance system, a set of bodily processes controlled by spinal cord that includes muscle tensioning and relaxing, blood vessel expansion/contraction and lymphatic flow. Unfortunately, due to chronic stress, injury, or illness this system often becomes misbalanced and needs adjustment accordingly.
These chemical imbalances may be due to an excess of certain chemicals, leading to chronic pain and emotional instability. Other times, however, it could be down to genetic or developmental issues influenced by diet, lifestyle and environment factors – and alternative treatments exist that can restore the proper balance and help to restore overall wellbeing and health.
Benefits
Vibrations within the audible range have long been used to bring patients back into balance. Music, particularly rhythmic and melodic classical music, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Vibration can also stimulate endorphin production as well as other chemicals produced in the brain which provide pain relief and promote healing.
Of all of the available instruments, three general designs have emerged for use in medical and wellness environments. These devices vary in terms of vibration-generating systems; frequency of music used to induce mechanical vibrations; degree to which mechanical sensations can be felt by individuals; as well as ability to transmit them directly into specific parts of the body.
Vibroacoustic therapy has quickly gained favor among medical practitioners and health care providers due to its non-pharmacologic, noninvasive technology that is easily implemented into different patient environments. Devices for vibroacoustic therapy can also be easily used across a variety of patient situations.
Vibration therapy has many uses in healthcare settings: from distracing patients during biopsies and aspirations procedures to relieving cancer patient stress or soothing the discomfort caused by amputations. Furthermore, vibration can be utilized to increase physical therapy effectiveness as well as increase rehabilitation therapy effectiveness.
Studies have demonstrated that low frequency sound waves produce a resonant response in lower body tissues and can significantly decrease muscle tone among clients with cerebral palsy. This effect may be related to a neurophysiological mechanism which causes cells in our bodies to sync together more closely.
Vibroacoustic treatments involve the client lying comfortably on either a lounge chair or massage table, listening to discreet music played through speakers known as transducers that emit vibrations that can be felt within both ears. This relaxing music includes soothing tunes without lyrics that promote relaxation while simultaneously decreasing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
Olav Skille Vibroacoustic Therapy can offer more than relaxation and pain relief; it also can enhance cognitive function. By improving concentration and attention spans, boosting self-esteem, increasing quality of sleep and decreasing cravings for drugs or alcohol by creating an overall sense of well-being it may assist people suffering depression with managing cravings for such substances.
Safety
Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT) is an innovative healing modality which uses low frequency sound waves translated into vibration to stimulate cells into therapeutic states, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, improving circulation and decreasing stress responses. VAT may be applied as either an independent treatment or as an add-on therapy alongside music therapy, massage therapy, psychotherapy or other health practices; its primary benefit being physical relaxation while its emotional stability benefits may help ease depression or anxiety symptoms.
VAT produces physiological effects through multiple mechanisms, including neural entrainment and vibrotactile resonance. These direct and indirect mechanisms include activating vagus nerve, leading to increased heart rate variability, reduced cortisol levels, enhanced relaxation and control feelings as well as an enhanced sense of relaxation and control. Studies have also demonstrated how certain frequencies can elicit predictable outcomes like muscle relaxation, improved mobility and stress reduction.
To maximize the effectiveness of VAT therapy, it is crucial that a device with precise frequency range and intensity levels be used. Sessions generally last from 30-60 minutes; for optimal results it is advised that regular treatments take place and allow your body to fully integrate the benefits from each session. Prolonged exposure may cause saturation effects so regular breaks between sessions should be taken as needed.
There are various VAT devices on the market. Selective Low Frequency systems (SLF) are designed to deliver targeted frequencies between 20-135Hz. Examples include Skille’s original vibroacoustic equipment and Lehikoinen physioacoustic designs. SLF systems may deliver pure sinusoidal waveforms at specific frequencies or provide full range audio capability allowing for immersive musical experiences.
Clinical experience shows that VAT works best when the patient is relaxed and at ease, which means avoiding vibrations or sound stimuli which might trigger anxiety. Most clinicians agree, though, that VAT therapy can be safe for most individuals when used within standard parameters and under the guidance of a trained practitioner.