Posts Tagged ‘rehabilitation’

Using Whole Body Vibration with Traction

March 9th, 2010

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 » Read more: Using Whole Body Vibration with Traction

Whole Body Vibration shown to benefit Stroke Recovery

March 4th, 2010

A stroke can critically impair motor function, including manipulative abilities in the upper extremities and balance and gait in the lower extremities. There is a well-established relationship between the reduction in voluntary strength in the affected muscles of the lower extremities and the ability to execute activities of daily living.  Plus, decrease in voluntary strength of the knee extensors in the affected limb is closely linked to reductions in walking speed, impaired stability and increased postural sway. 

There is growing support for the use of resistance training in stroke rehabilitation, but there are several factors that still limit the use in a rehabilitation program.  After a stroke many patients have » Read more: Whole Body Vibration shown to benefit Stroke Recovery

Effects of Whole Body Vibration in females with Osteoarthritis of the knee

March 3rd, 2010

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes the cushion layer between your bones (aka: cartilage) to wear away. It is also called degenerative joint disease.  It is not known what causes joint cartilage to wear away. But it is known that osteoarthritis is more common as you get older or if you are very overweight. Sometimes a serious knee injury can bring on arthritis after a few years.  Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, and it is the most common type of arthritis.

A doctor may recommend therapies to help relieve your pain. For example:

  • Rest your knee or avoid activities that make your pain worse.
  • Put ice on your knee for 20 to 30 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
  • Take an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Do physical therapy or certain exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the joint.

For physical therapy and strengthening exercises of the knee Whole Body Vibration is a great option.   A study was completed to assess the effects of WBV exercise on » Read more: Effects of Whole Body Vibration in females with Osteoarthritis of the knee

Whole Body Vibration Machines- Two Motors vs. One

February 26th, 2010

All vibration machines produce vibration in 3 different directions, the most safe and effective platforms produce sufficient vertical vibration while limiting horizontal vibration.  Research has shown that significant vertical amplitude is required to generate adequate loading of the muscular and skeletal systems.  This can be achieved with one motor whole body vibration machines as well as dual motor types. 

A dual motor machine can » Read more: Whole Body Vibration Machines- Two Motors vs. One

Positive Effects of Whole Body Vibration for Rehabilitation

February 24th, 2010

Physical therapy clinicians strive to choose the most effective, economical and beneficial treatment regimens for their patients.  Whole Body Vibration therapy may be the answer to these needs. 

Whole Body Vibration exercises primarily rely on the involuntary stretch reflex of mechanoreceptors creating greater communication between the brain and contracting muscles. This concept is important during neuromuscular re-education because the increase in involuntary muscle response creates a jump-start effect on the muscle spindles.  The response is called a tonic vibration reflex. The reflex amplifies the neuromuscular efficiency by stimulating 100 percent of muscle spindles at the same frequency of the vibration.

Current research on WBV reveals » Read more: Positive Effects of Whole Body Vibration for Rehabilitation

Healing Faster with Whole Body Vibration

February 23rd, 2010

An injury to your body can be very difficult to overcome.  By adding Whole Body Vibration to your rehabilitation you can make the most of your physical therapy and rehab program to allow you to get back to life without pain and with full ability faster. 

Whole Body Vibration increases circulation very quickly. The increased blood flow to an injury helps it to heal much quicker.  Whole Body Vibration can be used » Read more: Healing Faster with Whole Body Vibration

A Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis- Whole Body Vibration

February 19th, 2010

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures.  These fractures are most common in the hip, spine, and wrist, although any bone can be affected. 

Osteoporosis is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans.  In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are already estimated to have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass placing them at an increased risk for Osteoporosis.   Osteoporosis is thought of to be an older person’s disease, but it can happen at any age. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends » Read more: A Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis- Whole Body Vibration

Maximizing Lower Body Power with Whole Body Vibration

February 18th, 2010

Studies have shown that Whole Body Vibration increases lower body strength.  But what are the best frequency, displacement, and duration to use to accomplish the best acute response?  A study was completed to determine a protocol to obtain the greatest improvement in power from the use of Whole Body Vibration. 

For this study, 40 men and women participated.  They used 8 different combinations of 30, 35, 40 and 50 HZ with 2mm and 5 mm displacements over a period of 3 days.  For all protocols subjects underwent » Read more: Maximizing Lower Body Power with Whole Body Vibration

Whole Body Vibration- Future Applications

February 16th, 2010

Whole Body Vibration is an active form of exercise that has already demonstrated its enormous potential to improve bone density, balance responses, arterial circulation, and muscle strength.  These benefits have been described in many studies that have been conducted throughout the world.  We have seen new and exciting potential for Whole Body Vibration technology » Read more: Whole Body Vibration- Future Applications

Treating Chronic Lower Back Pain with Whole Body Vibration

February 13th, 2010

Chronic lower back pain is a major healthcare problem that affects millions.  It is believed that chronic lower back pain emerges from acute pain of the muscles and connective tissues which persists and becomes chronic.  Besides pain, people with chronic lower back pain have reduced flexibility, reduced flexion-relaxation and static balance.

Whole Body Vibration can be used in the acute phase of treatment to increase circulation, blood flow and oxygen intake.  This can help speed up the healing process.   WBV assists by » Read more: Treating Chronic Lower Back Pain with Whole Body Vibration