Whole Body Vibration

Southwest Spine and Sport, in Fort Myers, Florida, uses whole body vibration as part of their spinal rehabilitation system.  Many of our patients find out about us due to word of mouth regarding the results we get with our Whole Body Vibration (WBV).  We are able to quickly rehab injury and enhance sports performance.  WBV  is the use of mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the body through a vibration plate at set frequencies or repetitions per second. This mechanical stimulus causes involuntary muscle contractions. This means that the muscles react to the vibration by contracting and relaxing automatically.

Clinical studies have shown that WBV can vastly improve muscle strength, performance and flexibility. There is also documentation that it can enhance blood and lymph circulation, which is critical to the regeneration of damaged tissues. Another use for WBV is to assist the circulatory system’s ability to deliver vital nutrients and hormones throughout the body.

Studies have compared WBV to standard resistance training that is popular in most fitness centers. Where resistance training tends to work 40% of the targeted muscles, WBV encompasses all of the muscles. Used as a stand-alone exercise, or to complement your existing regimen, WBV can increase your training results in a fraction of the time. WBV does not put the body through the physical stress of traditional exercise, so patients with debilitating conditions can use this method to improve their overall fitness and potentially increase their quality of life like never before.

The Soviet Union first developed Whole Body Vibration Therapy to condition their cosmonauts to get used to the feeling of weightlessness in outer space. Scientific studies over several decades confirm the remarkable restorative powers and safety of WBV. The difference is shown when you compare Soviet cosmonauts that have lived in space for more than a year (420 days) without suffering the serious health effects of weightlessness. Their American rivals, who did not use WBV conditioning were able to live in space for only 120 days due to muscle weakness and lowered bone density.

Whole Body Vibration at Southwest Spine and Sport

WBV is now being used in the medical field for the prevention and treatment of many injuries, illnesses and adverse health conditions.

Increased Bone Mineral Density
One of the benefits of whole body vibration is the potential to increase bone mineral density. According to the journal "Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine," young adult women who used whole body vibration machines for exercise increased their bone mineral density over time. An increase in bone mineral density can help to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis, according to "Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine."

Improved Strength and Balance
Dr. Edward Laskowski of the Mayo Clinic states that whole body vibration can improve muscular strength and balance over time. He explains that these benefits are especially helpful in elderly women, who are at a greater risk of falling and getting injured. Elderly women who have regular exposure to whole body vibration, through their work or the use of a vibration machine may even recovery from conditions like knee osteoarthritis faster, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Lower Back Pain:
WBV strengthens the weakened lower back muscles that cause back pain. If you have an acute back herniation, you should consult with a physician before using WBV Therapy.

Stress:
In times of stress, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. This can throw the immune system out of balance and destroy brain cells. WBV increases serotonin (the “healthy, stress-free hormone”) secretion, lowers cortisol and epinephrine secretion by 31%, and enhances circulation. This all counteracts the effects of stress on the body and spirit.

Emphysema:
Due to this condition, patients generally can not do any kind of strenuous exercise because of the constant shortness of breath. WBV enables patients to exercise in ways they’ve never been able to before. This will help them achieve the type of results that cardio-fitness training such as walking or even running does.

Arthritis and Rheumatism:
WBV increases blood circulation in the joints and improves the flexibility and range of motion as well as reduce pain.

Multiple Sclerosis/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
Normally, messages are sent through our Central Nervous System to our muscles as we exercise. Patients of MS/ALS have lost the ability to control their muscles. WBV activates the muscles directly without relying on the nervous system. This helps patients feel better, have more energy and experience less pain.

 Knee Osteoporosis:
A disease that affects mostly women, hormonal imbalances cause bones to become fragile from decalcification. WBV can increase bone density, which will reverse the effects of osteoporosis.  A study was completed to assess the effects of Whole Body Vibration exercise on muscle strength and proprioception in female patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: WBV-on a stable platform, WBV-on a balance board, or a control group. The WBV groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks with an intensity gradually increasing. The WBV groups performed unloaded static WBV exercise. The following were measured: knee muscle strength (extension/flexion) and proprioception (threshold for detection of passive movement (TDPM). It was found that muscle strength increased significantly in the WBV-stable platform compared to the control group. TDPM was also significantly improved in the WBV-balance board group compared to the control group. This study showed that the WBV-exercise regime on a stable platform yielded increased muscle strength, while the WBV-exercise on a balance board showed improved threshold for detection of passive movement. This study shows that WBV exercise is a safe, fast, and effective method for rehabilitation of women with knee Osteoarthritis.

WBV can also be used to help with cellulite and weight loss.The results are documented and amazing. When combined with traditional chiropractic techniques, the opportunity for many patients to have a lifestyle they never thought would be possible again, is right at their finger tips.