Whole Body Vibration and Improvement of Bone Density/Osteoporosis
Whole Body Vibration and Improvement of Bone Density/Osteoporosis
By Dr. J Hartley
Patients all over the globe are seeking a non-pharmaceutical way to increase bone density. Many are concerned with side effects on prescription drugs. Specifically, spontaneous destruction of the jaw with use of Osteoporosis Medication. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820581/
Some have already tried taking Calcium supplements, weight training, increasing consumption of leafy greens, avoiding coffee, tea and soda. Even with these measures their Bone Density or Osteoporosis has either not improved or has gotten worse.
Whole Body Vibration Therapy or WBV, which is recommended by the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute in conjunction with rehabilitation of scoliosis may also provide answers for Osteoporosis patients. WBV performed three times per week for 20 minutes has been shown to improve bone density. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5114342/ It was also noted that this patient had an increase in body muscle mass.
Vibration therapy involves a mechanical vibrating plate upon which an individual stands on. When the plate is adjusted to the right frequency, simply standing on it will cause the body’s postural muscles to contract anywhere from 30 to 50 times a second. 30 Hertz has been shown to get the best results in improving Osteoporosis.
As the body ever so slightly shifts back and forth, the muscles must contract and relax with each shift. In just 20 minutes, the muscles get a tremendous workout, resulting in increased strength, stability, and tone. Blood flow also increases throughout the body, and joints become stronger and more flexible. Also, studies have shown that levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol decrease, while levels of other hormones, such as growth hormone and testosterone, which are important for regeneration and repair processes, actually increase. NFL players, professional soccer players and professional rugby players commonly use WBV prior to competing to take advantage of this increase in body performance.
Many patients suffering from Osteoporosis have also had knee surgery, hip replacements, spinal surgery and spinal vertebrae compression fractures. Because WBV is a passive modalities these patient may tolerate WBC better than active exercise. Passive modalities do not require any work by the patient. The patient is simply standing on the WBV plate for 20 minutes.
In conclusion WBV may provide patients all over the world with a drug free alternative to Osteoporosis prevention, management and improvement.
