What Is a Whole-Body Vibration Treatment?

Whole-body vibration, also referred to as WBV, is a form of therapy intended to enhance overall body fitness and improve muscle strength. It is a treatment that is beneficial in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

In SMA, the therapy improves your mobility and motor function. Other conditions it can help with include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It is a hereditary illness that results in progressive degeneration of your muscular fibers.

How Whole-Body Vibration Works

During a WBV session, you will sit or lie on a specialized machine with a vibrating platform. The WBV machine works by sending energy throughout your body. This forces your muscles to contract and relax. These rapid vibrations occur dozens of times each second. The process can be tiring and may feel like you have been working out, even though it does not involve any active exercise.

Experts report that 15-minute sessions thrice a week are enough. The treatment will improve your fitness and flexibility and build strength. It may also help alleviate bone loss and back pain.

Benefits of Whole-Body Vibration Treatment

Advocates report that WBV therapy has a variety of health benefits. Some of them include:

• Increasing muscle mass.
• Increasing bone density.
• Reducing back pain.
• Reducing joint pain.
• Improving blood circulation.
• Boosting your metabolism.
• Reducing stress.

Although more research continues, early results are promising. They show that WBV is effective in treating certain conditions.

Muscle Pain

The whole-body vibration treatment helps avert soreness in muscles, especially after exercise. This is according to the Journal of Athletic Training. However, the researchers note that more studies are necessary.

Muscle Strength and Bone Density

Studies show that WBV treatment can help develop leg muscle strength in older people. This is according to research published in the Clinical Rehabilitation journal. In another study, the findings were even more promising. They found evidence that WBV improves bone strength and stimulates bone formation. The effectiveness of the treatment varies depending on the intensity of the vibrations. But again, there is a need for further studies.

Parkinson’s Disease

People with Parkinson’s disease may enjoy the short-term benefits of vibration therapy. This is according to research published in NeuroRehabilitation. Early results show that WBV can help decrease muscle rigidity and tremors. Experts are conducting more research to evaluate the long-term effects.

Whole-Body Vibration Treatment Risks

WBV therapy can become risky if the force of vibrations is high. This can result in lumbar injuries and severe back pain. For this reason, a qualified specialist should professionally conduct the treatment. Consult your doctor before undergoing WBV to know if you are a good candidate. It is not advisable to try this vibration therapy if:

• You have advanced diabetes.
• You are using blood-thinning medicines.
• You are pregnant.
• You have a history of heart disease.

In Conclusion

This therapy may be effective in the treatment of certain conditions. These include Parkinson’s disease and muscle soreness. It is also good for treating muscle weakness and aiding older adults who cannot exercise.

More importantly, talk to your physician before trying the treatment. It helps assess the potential risks and benefits.

For more on whole-body vibration, call Daytona Laser Lipo at (386) 280-4500 to reach our office in South Daytona, Florida.