As a follow up to the review of how Whole Body Vibration works, below is a summary of the 3 types of WBV:

Vertical
• Ideal for accelerated training, muscle toning, and osteoporosis.
• The platform moves straight up and down with minimal horizontal movement.
• You can feel vibrations through the top of your head when standing straight. Imagine jumping on a trampoline 20-50 times a second.
• Power Vibe Pro II

Oscillating
• Ideal for fat loss and core strengthening.
• One side of the platform elevates up, while the other side lowers down, alternating like a “teeter-totter”.
• You feel a “back and forth” movement focused on your hips and pelvic region. It feels like you are taking 25 steps a second.
• Power Vibe Motion I

Elliptical
• Ideal for balance, stability, and rehabilitation.
• Elliptical platforms move similarly to vertical units but with more horizontal and less vertical movement.
• You feel the vibration massage mostly in your legs and feet. It’s comparable to a foot massager that’s made for your whole body.
• Power Vibe Balance I

In Whole Body Vibration (WVB) training the entire body is exposed to vibration, just as the name suggests. It is implemented through a vibrating platform for the user to utilize during stretching, weight lifting, yoga, pilates, physical therapy or just simply standing. This controlled motion is transferred up through the body causing all of the tissues to react to the stimulus. WBV can be used to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage, improve flexibility, bone density and muscle tone and strength, as well as to promote fat loss.
The way you position your body on the vibrating platform determines what tissues are affected. You have complete control over the body part you want to target and how challenging the workout is. Varying degrees of intensity can be utilized to suit the individual user’s needs.
Vibration training falls into 3 different categories. The types of platform used, and the direction of the vibrations, are used as a moderator of the effect and result of the training or therapy performed. Different machines will be utilized to achieve various results and health benefits.

Up next: a review of the 3 types of vibration training.

Practice Benefits

66% say that “patient satisfaction with care has increased”.

47% report that patients enjoy the experience and have referred others as a result.

13% say reputation in the community has been enhanced.

WBV treatment is pain free and drug free.

Patient Benefits

87% – DC’s successfully address musculoskeletal complaints;

55% – Muscular strengthening/relaxation;

23% – Increased bone density;

12% – Overweight and obesity.

WBV is helping with increased circulation, pain relief from peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, fibromyalgia, parkinsons, paralysis and we have DC’s healing broken bones in record time.

What Else

93% of DC respondents would recommend other DC’s add vibration equipment to their practice.

66% say that using vibration equipment is a very effective part of treatment strategy.

64% are considering adding vibration equipment to their practice.

33% of respondents currently use vibration equipment in their practice.

White Predator X-18 Off Road Racer - photo courtesy of Dirt Wheels Mag

Dr. William C. Eriksen and his daughter Teddi Eriksen are slated to start in the 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 tomorrow, November 20, 2009. Unlike many of their competitor contestants, the chiropractic doctor and Teddi, who will be graduating from Palmer chiropractic school in 2010, are in it not for their personal benefit of potential success. The hobby rallye racers are looking to spread awareness about chiropractic health. This won’t be their first time, the funds due to be raised at the Baja 1000 as well as from previous races by the duo are used to highlight the importance of chiropractic research and education.

As the doctor himself sets somewhat high expectations for the big day tomorrow: “We’re just excited about the race, win or lose, it’s going to be a rush”. Sure enough it will be. How could it not for the roundabout 350 racers and 300,000 race fanatics the Baja 1000 draws from across the globe? The Eriksens are only two such avid racers as well as enthusiasts. The enthusiastic pilot he is, the doc surely is looking forward to be steering a red Predator X-18, which is a Baja Class 2 vehicle. Together with daughter and co-pilot Teddi he is starting on behalf of the non-profit Racing for Chiropractic, an organization founded by Eriksen.

Any doubts if they’re going to make it all the way, the entire 672.85 miles beginning and ending in Ensenada, Mexico? Only 65 per cent of racers are usually successful in reaching the finish line, how much the doc and daughter Teddi anticipate to be seeing that line, we don’t know but the rallye will show.

(Click here to read the original post on this subject)

This year’s annual SuperConference 2009 was a “home run” according to the exhibitors in attendance. Many were in awe by the quality and caliber of attendees, while others commented on the high energy and results they received.

Join The Masters Circle during 2010 at their Three United States National Seminars:

March 4-6, 2010 – Chicago, IL

June 3-5, 2010 – Phoenix, AZ

September 23-25, 2010 – Superconference – Orlando, FL

Below are comments made by some of the exhibitors in attendance at SUPERCONFERENCE 2009. Take a look for yourself and see what the buzz is all about!

“There were plenty of good vibrations felt at this year’s SuperConference in Orlando! The PowerVibe team had a chance to re-connect with many old friends as well as welcome a few new Masters Circle DC’s to the PowerVibe family!”

Matt Gigliotti

PowerVibe

(888) 608-8423

“Wow! What a great show! This is the second time we’ve participated at a Masters Circle event and I have to say, the results far exceeded the first one and, my expectations as well. The energy throughout the event was “Electric” and the feeling of “Family” from within The Masters Circle itself was wonderful. Thanks for helping make this a great and successful show!”

Dr. Barry Silbers

BioAllergenix

877-229-3000

“Super Conference was a fantastic seminar – filled with hundreds of great doctors and CAs! The speakers were incredible, the topics were incredible and the exhibit area was incredible. Our booth had a steady stream of doctors interested throughout the weekend. Thank you Bob, Dennis and the entire Masters Circle team for putting together such a world class weekend for Chiropractors!”

Dr. Robert Moberg

ChiroTouch

800-852-1771

“UAS Laboratories had an exceptional experience at the 2009 Masters Circle Conference. The attendees along with the coaches and staff gave us ample time to discuss Multi-Flora Probiotics with them. We are looking forward to the 2010 conferences.”

Justin Krahl

UAS Laboratories

(952) 935-1707

“Having been in chiropractic sales for over twenty years, I can tell you that The Masters Circle seminars are simply the best. From the caliber of doctors in attendance to the exhibitor friendly environment, you will find no better place to invest your time and money. We just got back from their Super Conference in Orlando and the energy and attendance there was awesome and beyond our expectations. Absolutely the best seminar that we attended all year! Thank you to Dr. Bob and Dr. Dennis and the entire TMC team. The Masters Circle is in a class by themselves. “

DeDe Van Riper

NeuroInfiniti

877-233-0022

“SuperConference was a great event! It was fun being around a group of such positive people, the energy was terrific and the results were excellent. Looking forward to seeing you again next year. “

Michael “Vita-Mix” Aronin

Vita-Mix

(440) 235-4840

“As we unwind from our trip to SuperConference 09, I want to take a moment to say thank you once again. After our team debriefed from Super Conference we all came to the same positive conclusion. Being a vendor since the inception of The Masters Circle, we have seen huge variations in attendance over the years and while this conference was somewhat smaller than recent years, those in attendance were far more qualified and far more interested in learning about what will help their practice become more profitable. We all agreed that they were more receptive and excited than ever before. Therefore, we are preparing for a far greater return on our investment than in previous years. With that in mind, please find our registration form for the entire next year’s events. We thank you and your team and appreciate all you do for the profession. “

Glenn David

Davlen Design

(631) 924-8686

(Click here to visit The Masters Circle website)

WBV is a form of exercise that allows you the gain all of the physiological benefits of exercise in a condensed time frame.  The muscles are forced to contract anywhere from 6-50 times every second, and every contraction recruits nearly 100% of the muscle fibers.  This allows the user to get a whole body workout in only 10 minutes a day.  Whichever body tissue is put in line and “loaded” on the vibration platform is where the effect of vibration will be felt.  Any exercise that can be done normally can be performed on a WBV platform except it will be more of a static exercise where the user holds the position and the machine does all the work.

Who invented WBV?

The Russians originally invented WBV for use on their cosmonauts who suffered muscle atrophy and bone mineral deterioration while in zero gravity.  They wanted to be able to rehab the cosmonauts in the shortest amount of time so they could send them back into space.  WBV allows a weight bearing load on the body and bone structure and therefore helps to build muscles and bone minerals.

Which form of WBV is best?

Vertical is best used for muscle strengthening, flexibility and accelerated training.  It is also best for combating osteoporosis because it puts a weight bearing load vertically on the bone structure from head to toe.  Because the platform recruits 20-50 muscles contractions every second, the stimulus placed on the body fatigues the muscles much faster than conventional exercise, thus decreasing the total time required.

Oscillating vibration is best for weight loss, mobilization, range of motion and core strengthening.  This was the technology that Russians first invented WBV with.  Due to the movement of an oscillating platform it operates at a lower frequency than vertical vibration, between 5-30 Hz usually.  Again a whole body workout can be achieved in 10 minutes and this equipment has been proven to literally melt away fat.

Elliptical vibration is best for proprioceptive response (balance), rehabbing lower extremity injuries, and use with elderly.  It is the most benign form of WBV and most similar to vertical vibration.  A major difference being that the vibration effect is not felt above the waist even when standing straight up and down.

Can 1 machine do all 3 types of WBV?

One machine cannot do all three types of WBV.  Because of the way the each platform moves it would require a very large machine with a transmission and other complex parts to make this possible.  Doing that would drive the price of the machine up considerably and would most likely be very noisy. This would defeat the purpose of having equipment with a small foot print that runs quietly and is affordable for doctors and their patients to use.

Is this similar to the vibrating belt they used to have in the 1950’s & 60’s

Not at all, in fact those vibrating belts we more of a hoax than anything else and were never show to have any significant results.  The major difference is that with WBV your body weight is being used as a weight bearing load.  As the platform rapidly accelerates your body tissues, gravity forces rapid deceleration.  This is how user are able to gain the same physiological benefits as exercise because WBV creates a weight bearing load on the body tissues and bone structure.

Our western society has forgotten that this longing for a change needs to be followed up with appropriate action in order to become reality. Likewise we forget that often there is a time factor involved.

This thinking is particularly pervasive in health care. It has even infiltrated our profession of chiropractic, where we have been taught to identify a subluxation, then adjust and fix it.

Yet, for hundreds of years, many health practice and health care systems have shown us that the appropriate treatment needs to be followed up with the appropriate self care by the patient.

As far eastern modalities are concerned, there was a wonderful article recently written by Lama Somananda Tantrapa of Chi Dao tradition. Thousands of years ago, Chi Gong formed the foundation of oriental medicine.

All styles of Chi Gong work with Chi, the universal energy or what is considered to be the basis of life; therefore, energy awareness offers us the key to health, happiness and longevity. Most styles of Chi Gong use movements, breathing, meditation and visualization for the purpose of cultivating Chi. They are often taught through doing forms, or choreographed movements, that are to be memorized and repeated on a regular basis.

The Tibetan Shamanic form of Chi Gong, ”Chi Dao”, encourages its practitioners to stay true to the universality of this energy art, exploring the ways to apply energy awareness to all spheres of life, from fighting to healing to daily life application. In contrast to doing any repetitive Chi Gong or Tai Chi forms, Qi Dao teaches us how to feel the flow of energy and how to be in the flow. The practice of Chi Dao includes no routines of repetitive movements that are supposed to manipulate or cultivate Chi.

Unlike acupuncturists, Chi Dao practitioners have no need for memorizing the myriad of acupuncture points and meridians; instead, they learn to navigate the energetic pathways by feeling the flow of Chi, using their personal observation and intuition. Free of any methods of manipulating others energy or directing it, Chi Dao teaches us that there is an abundant source of energy within everybody that can be tapped into by paying attention to the existing flow of Chi without any judgments. Empowering others to embody such an attitude became the hallmark of the new discipline is called Chi Dao Coaching. The flow of things, traditionally referred to as the Dao, makes no mistakes; therefore, Chi always flows as it should. Even if the energy doesn’t appear to flow as expected, it still flows somewhere as long as we are alive.”

Does this not sound similar to what we do in chiropractic: could this be compared to mobilizing the innate?

Having been in practice for nearly 30 years, I have come to the conclusion that there is a multitude of ways of enhancing this flow of energy.  I also realize that there is something that needs to be done on a daily basis as part of proper action to follow it up.

Yet I know people’s lives get busy and people are just overwhelmed. This is where Whole Body Vibration comes in. Not only does this modality have all the Health and Wellness Benefits from Exercise, it makes these changes accessible very quickly. Standing for 5-10 minutes a day, while doing a few movements to transfer the vibration of the machine into various body regions, increases the flow of freshly oxygenated blood into the tissues, enhances the lymphatic drainage and generally loosens things up. In other words, the body undergoes the stimulating changes of rapid acceleration/ deceleration, similar to running or being on a trampoline. More advanced users can even do resistive training on a WBV platform and stimulate the proprioceptive input into the vestibular system. It is very similar to doing Chi Gong or Tai Chi,

Even a year ago these type of units were so pricey, that they were of reach for most practitioners’ offices. Having this modality available for the broad consumer market was just unthinkable!

That is why I have decided to make a line of reasonably priced units. I wanted to make this technology available to chiropractors and their patients. Imagine that you have a WBV unit in your office and have every patient free up the flow their “Innate” or Qi before an adjustment! I do that in my office and the patients love it! Not only do they loosen up before the adjustment, but they love coming in a few minutes early to step onto the machine and get “going”

I know that when patients have access to that feeling in their home on a daily basis, it enhances what I do with the adjustments in my office? I have seen phenomenal changes in many of my patients! Not just in their physical pains- but in their willingness to commit to doing something on a daily basis to improving their lives! WBV is fast, effective, safe and best of all, it has now become affordable.

Author: Dr. Christian Reichardt

Date: September 23, 2009

As more and more researchers, scientists, and marketers from all over the globe have discovered the benefits of vibration technologies for people from all walks of life, dozens of systems have been designed to provide support and therapies for bone density and muscular strength challenges.  Many of these systems are highly complex, difficult to use and marginally reliable.  This is not the case with PowerVibe Whole Body Vibration systems.

The PowerVibe product line has been designed with two things in mind. We want it to be effective for the medical challenges it is designed to meet, and we want it to be simply reliable for a long service life with minimal repairs.  With careful attention to engineering, we feel we have hit that mark.  Our systems are simple to use, easy to understand, and reliable as a we make them available at a cost almost anyone can afford.

Come and visit our website for details.  You will find a great deal of specific information there about our philosophies and machine designs.  If you have more questions after visiting the site, contact us for more details.  Find it at: http://www.powervibeusa.com/

It is worth noting at this point, that there are various mechanical ways to produce the vibrating effect. Each and every mode of vibration has its own advantage and purpose. Yet some companies are claiming their particular technology as the only “True” form of WBV technology. They make disparaging remarks about the other forms, often without understanding a competitors reasoning for developing a particular product and for utilizing a particular technology.

This article shall serve as a guideline for the consumer to determine which type of unit is best suited for their own particular need or purpose.

Over the last 40 years, research on WBV has been done with various technologies, and all of them have shown their validity. When looking at purchasing WBV, the user must take various points under consideration.

For example, a 120lbs geriatric patient, who suffers for osteoporosis and would like a unit for her home, needs a very different form of vibration training than a 260 lbs linebacker, who is looking to work on his flexibility and stamina during training sessions! WBV will be beneficial in both scenarios, but each application has its own requirements.

Matching up the type of machine with the environment in which it is going to be used becomes an important point in making a purchase or treatment decision.

Matching the patient/customer with the appropriate type of vibration should be an integral part of customer service for WBV manufacturers and distributors. Helping the customer to make the correct decision for them by explaining the great spread in price points helps the consumer to better understand WBV as a whole

When purchasing a WBV it is important to remember that, just like with many technologically driven products, the more expensive one is not necessarily the better product! Choose the right kind of unit for your need and you will be getting the most out of your investment of time and money!

Here are the 3 primary questions that will help to making the right choice:

-Will the unit be used for home or institutional use?

-What is the range of the weight of the users?

-What health/fitness issue do the users have?

I will lay out the 3 most common forms of Vibration and assign to each mode its potential benefit based on physiologic, anatomical and neurologic principles.

It serves to remember, that by the time a therapy finds its place in the clinical application, it has gone through a period of trial and error – an evolution.  As time progresses and as more research is done, the technology may divert into different branches as effects on different patient groups are realized.

For example, CT- Scanners of today are very different than 25 years ago. They are stronger, more compact, some are even “open” to accommodate the claustrophobic patient and make the examination more pleasant!  All of this does not make the older units useless.

After years of working with a modality we recognize and are able to discern certain advantages and disadvantages and then integrate these findings into the development of newer and better units. The same holds true for the field of WBV!

There are 3 basic types of mechanical Vibration units out on the market.

1-Vertical Vibration – the motion is straight up and down

2-Oscillating Vibration – the motion is up and down in a Toggle motion

3-Elliptical Vibration – the motion is in a tri-planar fashion.

It is important to realize that the type of Vibration that is produced is fundamentally accomplished by the position and the direction of motion of the motor. Equally important is the fact that different types of vibration stimulate different tissues more than others.

Vertical Vibration:

The complete platform is moving up and down, Therefore the stimulus goes straight up, through the body in a vertical fashion. This is typically the best type of vibration for athletes and stronger and active users.

Physiologically, as long as the user position places muscle fibers, osseous and ligamentous fibers directly in line with the direction of the vibration, this version exercises the tissues the most. The user’s whole bodyweight is being mobilized; lymphatic fluids are being circulated well.

This tends to be the most expensive way of manufacture, simply by design. These platforms tend to be well made, often with a steel housing, to withstand the rigors of this type of vibration. They are often used in a clinical setting where they experience significant usage. These units are typically rather powerful and often seem harsh for the user under 150 lbs or the non athlete. Our PowerVibe Pro falls within this category, yet is surprisingly smooth. Expect to pay anywhere from $2500 to $5000.

Oscillating Vibration:

Interestingly enough, most osteoporosis studies were done with this technology in Germany approximately 20 years ago. At that time, these were the golden standard of Whole Body Vibration. This type of vibration was found to be very helpful for that condition. Here typically the motor drives a toggle mechanism that elevates one side of the platform, then the other side, sometimes described as a teeter-totter motion. Slow motion filming of in the thigh, hip and abdominal areas show the incredible wave motion of subcutaneous fat, lending credence to the weight-loss/trimming ability of this modality.

The home versions of these units often have fewer functions and are typically quiet easy to use! They are relatively inexpensive and are the perfect units for the user at home, who wants to get their system stimulated, start exercising, get moving. Also great for increasing the metabolism! It is the perfect type of vibration for the baby boomer and not-so athletic user who is interested in getting started. An excellent entry level type of machine.

As in the other types of WBV, oscillating units come in various strengths and sizes. There are several institutional units available, which are commonly used in clinical settings involving weight loss. These tend to more expensive since they are built to withstand frequent use by a heavier set of patients.

Elliptical Vibration:

This is a relatively benign form of vibration that lends itself likely to be the best modality to stimulate the proprioceptive system. This is our innate balance system, which stabilizes the body and helps us orient ourselves in the 3 dimensional room. It helps us to find balance and equilibrium. Elliptical Vibration works great for the elderly user with balance issues and circulation problems and who wants to increase their daily activities, but is a bit timid and nervous about where and how to start! Many of these users have been sedentary for a number of years and are often frightened by the intensity of vertical or oscillating units. This is also the preferred type of unit for stroke patients or other CNS issues.

In these units, the motion is created by a vertical placed motor that has uneven centrifugal plates attached to it. Thus it produces the elliptical motion of the plate into the various directions since it is the kindest form of vibration; it is the perfect type of WBV for the senior or user under 150 lbs body weight!

It is also a very economically sound choice for the home use. Many of these units retail for around $1000.

3 different types of vibration for the various target groups.  Looking at the above information, it becomes clear that certain user groups will benefit the more from one form of vibration than from another: Please utilize this information to make the right decision as to which type of vibration is right for you or your customer/patient!

Whole Body Vibration is here to stay and, like so many modalities, when used appropriately can help numerous patients with a variety of conditions!

Author: Dr. Christian Reichardt

Date: 9/2/2009

]]> http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/09/02/various-forms-of-mechanical-whole-body-vibration-wbv-therapy/feed/ 0 http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/08/11/success-from-hfb-in-denver-last-week/ http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/2009/08/11/success-from-hfb-in-denver-last-week/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:51:06 +0000 Tricia http://www.mywholebodyvibration.com/?p=82 The Health & Fitness Business show was an excellent venue last week.  With people from all facets of the fitness industry and companies with every type of equipment imaginable all converging in the same location, it’s a recipe for success.  PowerVibe had a nice booth right next to Street Strider and across from First Degree Fitness.

The purpose of the show is to provide a place where retailers and fitness facilities can see new product and find vendors to supply goods.  Much of the time is spent explaining your products and what differentiates you from the competition.

We met all types of business owners and soon will have a larger reach into the specialty fitness industry.  Also we were offered a spot on The Price Is Right for the upcoming December/January air time.  Be on the look out for PowerVibe on CBS as we get ready to go nationwide with this great exposure.

Also a lady from Shop NBC came by our booth to discuss the opportunity to carry our product in her online and television stores.  This is another great opportunity for us to gain national exposure and reach a market we have not had the chance to thus far.

The WAVE and PowerVibe had a good chance to catch up since first meeting at the Parker Show back in January of this year.  They are a great group of guys and we will most likely be pursuing some industry initiatives in the near future.  The WAVE makes great WBV equipment and because they target a different demographic than we do, it seems they would be a excellent partner.

Look for the HFB Expo next year to most likely be in Las Vegas, that is if President Obama gives the ok to have trade shows there again.