Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Russian scientists began the real studies of Whole Body Vibration and fine-tuned this technology for years. They used this technology for many years to help rehabilitate their cosmonauts after returning from space to help repair muscles from atrophy and bone density due to the weightlessness of space. Many were so weak that they needed assistance in walking after emerging from the aircraft. The scientists reasoned that providing a form of therapy that focused on hyper gravitational force it could yield an effective treatment. These Russian researchers found that not only did that stop the loss, but amazingly it also increased bone density and strengthened muscle tissue. They also used this technology then to prevent injury to their Olympic athletes. In the event one of their athletes did injure themselves, they were put on a WBV plate to rehabilitate the injury.

After the fall of Communism in Russia, Whole Body Vibration technology made its way east and west. This technology continued to be studied and enhanced. It has taken both the Orient and Europe by storm. Even though there were meager beginnings in the United States, vibration exercise really has not been in the United States for very long. In the past only wealthy, sports teams, or doctor’s offices were the only places you could find a WBV unit. These units usually cost $10,000 or more. After decades of research, NASA, many professional athletes, sports teams, medical centers, spas and health clubs have embraced this technology.

It is important to realize that whole body vibration is not a machine. Whole body vibration is a technology. It is the Hertz (also called cycles per second) delivered to muscle cells, causing them to involuntarily contract and expand. This rapid movement creates the heightened gravitational field the muscles are pushing against. This technology simulated gravity for the astronauts. On earth, it adds to the force of gravity pushing against our muscles.   The Whole Body Vibration technology centers on a recurrent change of position on a vibrating platform with the specific physical factors of amplitude, frequency and time. The muscles are stimulated to work by the stretch reflex. You are probably familiar this type reflex when the doctor taps the patella tendon below the kneecap and the lower leg moves upwards without the brain being able to prevent the movement. When the muscles are activated with the stretch reflex we get a number of benefits not seen during regular exercise. Normally, we do not use all our muscles for standing or moving. With the Whole Body Vibration, the stretch reflex ensures that all muscle fibers are being stimulated at one time. The muscle responds to vibration by contracting to offset the stress it imposes and is ensured to produce effective results for your physical therapy needs.

Whole Body Vibration platforms are being used in many situations for many conditions. From building new bone, to increasing athletic performance, to rehab and injury care, the successful applications go on and on.
Some of the proven benefits are:

MUSCLE STRENGTH
• WBV exercise builds muscle mass 2X faster than traditional weight-lifting resistance exercise.
• WBV recruits 99% of our muscles during exercise and simultaneously increases flexibility.
• WBV is anaerobic and aerobic exercise.
• WBV is a low-impact workout on joints.

FITNESS
• Compliments conventional training and speeds recovery from training fatigue.
• Improves explosive strength.
• Stimulates fast-twitch muscles. Get stronger, run faster, jump higher.
• Burns fat.

BONE HEALTH
• Stronger muscles = Stronger bones.
• WBV exercise protects bone health.
• WBV exercise provides enough low gravity-magnitude resistance to increase bone density.
• A drug-free treatment addition for osteoporosis.

ENCOURAGES WEIGHT LOSS
• WBV raises resting metabolism.
• WBV exercise transforms fat to muscle, releasing energy for movement.
• Helps normalize insulin – a hormone.
• Noticeable results vary. Customers who tell us say, 1 to 4 weeks.

MOVEMENT
• Steadies posture and gait. Stand taller, longer.
• More stamina during physical exertion.
• Easier to get up and down from a sitting position.
• Increases dexterity.

WELLNESS
• WBV exercise increases blood circulation. Lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and diminishes cellulite.
• WBV exercise increases lymph circulation. Toxins are expelled at a cellular level.
• Increased oxygenation in all the cells, promoting healthy tissue regeneration, boosts energy levels.
• Stimulates neurological system.

BALANCES HORMONES
• WBV exercise raises testosterone levels in the bloodstream for men and women.
• WBV exercise increases the production of Human Growth Hormone.
• WBV exercise decreases cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is the stress hormone.

SYMPTOM RELIEF
• WBV exercise aligns ligaments and tendons. Strengthens joints, reduces swelling.
• Stimulates muscle repair, speeds injury recovering.
• Relieves most chronic pains.

Whole body vibration sessions are available by individual session, or we have a variety of packages to fit within your budget.  This is a great health tool to add to your wellness care.