Vibratory plate

Modality Overview

Vibrating Plate Therapy (VPT) uses the concept of Total Body Vibrotonia (TBV) which allows low-frequency vibrations to be transmitted to the whole body when standing on the plate. The vibrations stimulate the reflex tonic vibration, which is a neuromuscular response that trains the muscles to contract and relax very quickly. These contractions caused by the vibratory reflex tonic reflex bring benefits to different systems of the human body.

The vibratory plates used at the Stadium Clinic offer a variety of modes. The plate can only emit vibrations, but it can also oscillate from left to right and from front to back to work on the patient's balance. The vibrations are typically between 5 Hz and 40 Hz, which means that the plate will vibrate between 5 and 40 times per second, depending on the purpose of the treatment.

At a VPT appointment, you can expect to discuss your treatment goals and condition with your therapist. Afterwards, you will board the vibrating plate. Your therapist will adjust the frequency of vibration and oscillations according to the goals of your treatment. You will remain static on the plate or perform balance or muscle strengthening exercises. The duration of a vibrating plate therapy session usually varies between 10 and 30 minutes

Indications and Situations Where the Modality May Be Beneficial

Vibrating plate therapy can help:

• Maintaining or increasing bone density and muscle mass for conditions such as osteoporosis (Ruan, 2008).
• Several studies demonstrate its effectiveness in increasing muscle mass and bone density in postmenopausal women (Verschueren, 2004).
• To work on balance, proprioception and stability (Rogan, 2011).
• Preventing falls in the elderly,
• For rehabilitation following an injury.
• Activation of the muscle pump. This activation helps to improve lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. These effects can decrease swelling and promote better recovery after exercise (Yin, 2022).

Contrindications

• > 150kg load
• Pregnancy
• Cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Epilepsy
• Fractures, implants, injuries and recent operations
• Pacemakers
• Conditions of vertigo or dizziness