Whole Body Vibration can help make the entire traction process more physically tolerable and enhance patient’s remodeling during postural/structural corrective traction. This happens as a result of WBV’s ability to relax musculoligamentous structures and enhance flexibility.
This can allow the patient to perform traction with higher loads for longer periods of time. The physical effects of prolonged vibration may be very beneficial in 10-20 minute intervals for postural/structural corrective traction procedures.
When the body is stimulated by vibration, muscle activity is necessary for dampening the vibratory waves. This is called the “tonic vibration reflex” where the muscle tension linearly increases with the frequency of the vibration. Frequencies of vibration between 20-50 Hz spread well through contracted or stretched muscles. Using WBV will also create more circulation of the blood in the muscles creating a thermal effect that enhances flexibility. Stretching exercises are enhanced if done on a vibrating platform. Not only because of the increased blood flow already mentioned, but because vibration appears to inhibit activation of antagonist muscles, improve neuromuscular coordination and produce a pronounced analgesic effect.
Doctors have reported seeing fast results while combining WBV with traction over an entire treatment cycle. Often, the patient’s posture along with overall extension and flexion will be greatly improved.
