Vibration Therapy
Vibration Therapy
What are the health benefits of vibration therapy?
Advocates claim that whole-body and localized vibration therapy have a range of health benefits. For example, some people claim vibration therapy can help:
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increase bone density
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increase muscle mass
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improve circulation
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reduce joint pain
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reduce back pain
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alleviate stress
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boost metabolism
More research on vibration therapy is needed. But early findings suggest it may have some benefits for treating certain conditions.
Bone density and muscle strength
An article published in the journal Clinical RehabilitationTrusted Source 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. They found no significant evidence that it improves bone density in older adults.
More recent research described in Current Osteoporosis ReportsTrusted Source and Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and ObesityTrusted Source has been more promising. The findings suggest that vibration therapy may help stimulate bone formation and improve bone strength. The intensity of vibrations may affect whether or not it’s effective. More studies are needed.
Muscle pain
According to research published in the Journal of Athletic TrainingTrusted Source, whole-body vibration therapy may help prevent muscle soreness after exercise. The authors note that more research is needed.
Parkinson’s disease
A study reported in NeuroRehabilitationTrusted Source suggests that vibration therapy may have short-term benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease. For example, it may help decrease muscle tremors and rigidity. More research is needed to assess the long-term effects.
The takeaway
Vibration therapy may have some benefits for treating certain conditions, such as muscle weakness, muscle soreness, or Parkinson’s disease. It may also be helpful for older people who are unable to exercise regularly. More research is needed to assess its potential benefits, including whether or not it can increase bone density.
Talk to our doctor before trying vibration therapy. They can help you assess the potential benefits and risks.
Make an appointment to talk to our doctor about how we may be able to help you.