Whole Body Vibration Exercise

Whole body vibration exercise: Interview with Dr. Ken Russell

Admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:53:28 +0000

Dr. Ken Russell, a chiropractor in British Columbia, Canada discusses the effect of whole body vibration exercise on health issues such as:

osteoporosis
Parkinson’s disease
balance
flexibility
mobility
joint pain
back pain
muscle strength
bone mass density

Whole body vibration exercise and osteoporosis

Admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:49:54 +0000

Many studies have been conducted to investigate whether osteoporosis can be prevented or even reversed using whole body vibration therapy.

The general consensus is that whole body vibration exercise does increase bone mass density and it also lowers mineral reabsorption by the body.

Medical studies tend to express their findings in a very conservative manner – similar to the way that financial advisors express themselves. There are few absolute claims and many disclaimers. This is understandable given the litigious nature of our society.The result is that much of what is known about the effect of whole body vibration exercise is as a result of anecdotal case histories which have been publicized either in journals or on the internet.

While claims regarding whole body vibration exercise are often grossly exaggerated, there is some substance to some – one being the claim that this technology helps as a therapy for osteoporosis.

This article is not intended to be a medical commentary or definitive finding. It is based on some common sense observations and numerous testimonials. It explores the reasons thatwhole body vibration exercise is beneficial in building bone mass density and leads to the obvious conclusion that it is a beneficial therapy for osteoporosis.

Firstly, whole body vibration exercise was originally developed to assist Russian athletes to increase muscle strength. After being used for this purpose, Russian scientists observed that it had an effect on bone mass density. This led to it being used by Russian cosmonauts to combat the loss of both bone mass density and muscle mass experienced after prolonged exposure to zero gravity conditions.

Shortly after the iron curtain fell, the technology made its way to Europe and then to North America.The basic logic behind the claims that whole body vibration exercise is beneficial to the body, particularly the skeletal structure and muscles is fairly simple.

The vibratory action causes a muscle stretch reflex. The body simply reacts to the vibratory stimulation in an effort to maintain balance. This muscle stretch reflex exerts some stress on the bone. The bone reacts by increasing density as a strengthening mechanism.

Whole body vibration creates the same reaction that caused by resistance exercise – only vastly accelerated. Because the rate is accelerated, the effects are also accelerated. This is the basis of the claim that 10 minutes of whole body vibration exercise produces the equivalent result as 60 minutes of regular exercise.

If walking and resistance exercise is helpful in the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis, then by deduction it can been seen that whole body vibration exercise has the same effect. Only quicker.

As with any exercise, consistency and frequency is key to obtaining and maintaining results. Because of the accelerated muscle action stimulated by whole body vibration exercise, sometimes the expectation is unrealistic. Although it is only necessary to spend 10 minutes a day using whole body vibration, it is necessary to do this on a daily basis at least 5 or 6 times per week if you wish to see significant and lasting results.

General increase in flexibility, mobility and balance should begin to be seen after a few weeks of use. Increase in bone mass density has been reported after 6 – 8 weeks of use. However it is advisable to think in terms of months and years rather than days and weeks. Exercise of any kind is a lifestyle and not a short term therapy.

For further information including downloadable studies and testimonials, please visit the sites:

http://wholebodyvibrationsystem.com

http://vibetronix.com

copyright: Jackie Cooper 2010

What can I take for osteoporosis other than prescriptions medications?

Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:03:33 +0000

I have been taking prescriptions meds for osteoporosis for 5 years. My bone density tests show no improvement, slight worsening of osteoporosis. My doctor says it’s severe. I have a medical condition called gastroesophageal reflux for which I take medication and the osteoporosis meds seem to affect my reflux, also I have not felt well generally since I’ve been on the meds for osteoporosis, i.e. aching muscles and bone pain. I take Calcium with Vitamin D – I drink milk – are there any herbal or over-the-counter natural products that would be just as good as prescription medications for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis: what causes it and how whole body vibration therapy can prevent and reverse it.

Admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:25:03 +0000

Osteoporosis is becoming increasingly common. It especially plagues post-menopausal women and people who lead sedentary lives.

The primary cause of osteoporosis is the leaching of calcium from the bones by the body itself. Many people’s lifestyles and diets result in their bodies being in an acidic PH rather than a balanced PH. This means that the blood chemistry is out of whack and is too acidic.

This sets off a natural reaction. In an attempt to balance the body’s PH, tissue such as muscles and organs send out a ‘request’ for alkaline input from wherever such alkaline content is stored. The body then draws from alkaline reserves in the liver, but once this reserve is depleted, alkaline content must be found from elsewhere within the body. Calcium is alkaline and it’s stored in the bones.

The largest bones such as the hips, pelvic bones, femur, wrists and so on, then release the calcium.

The situation is exacerbated by poor diet that heightens acidity as well as lack of exercise.

Once someone has osteoporosis, doctors will often recommend dietary changes as well as lifestyle changes to include exercise. They will often also recommend medication and calcium supplements.

Osteoporosis reversal can be a long haul. Unless permanent dietary and lifestyle changes are effected, the patient runs the risk of recurring osteoporosis once they’re off medication and supplements.

The quickest and easiest way to help reverse osteoporosis is to exercise - however the degree of exercise that’s necessary may be beyond the scope of many elderly people or anyone who is not used to exercising.

Fortunately, whole body vibration exercise therapy is a safe and easy answer for such people, and has been known to combat osteoporosis without drugs. The oscillation of the platform produces an involuntary muscle contraction known as ‘stretch reflex’. The speed of the oscillation can produce up to 3,000 contractions per minute. It accelerates the natural muscle action by 3 to 5 times.

In other words if you walk or run your muscles may contract a few times per second. By standing on a Vibetronix whole body vibration exercise machine platform, your muscles will perform the same action – but a lot faster. An added advantage is that this vibration affects all the muscles in the body and you can target specific areas by varying your position on the vibration exercise machine and by varying the speed of the oscillation.

This vibration exercise provides the necessary stress on the bone that causes it to grow in density and therefore in strength.

The beauty of this natural osteoporosis therapy is that it can be done in just 10 minutes a day and results can be seen in as little as six to eight weeks. It’s ideal for those with limited mobility and it will also improve flexibility, muscle strength and stamina.

Vibetronix whole body vibration exercise machines use triangular oscillating vibration (side to side motion in a see-saw fashion) which is what has been used for all major health studies. It’s non-invasive and low impact and very safe and gentle on the joints. Some of the other vibration technologies such as the piston like (vertical up and down) action are too harsh for many users.

To find out more about how whole body vibration exercise therapy can aid in reversing and preventing osteoporosis, please email us or call 604 852 3555.

Chiropractors using whole body vibration exercise therapy

Admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:55:11 +0000

A recent article in the online journal Canadian Chiropractor outlines vibration exercise therapy and discusses the methods for evaluating a vibration exercise machine.

Dr. Jaspar Sidhu D.C. has provided some insights into the world of whole body vibration from a wellness professional’s perspective. According to Sidhu, “With its many benefits for the patient population, it’s no surprise that vibration exercise therapy is one of the fastest growing modalities in the chiropractic and physiotherapy profession.”

Sidhu’s article cites the following as some of benefits of whole body vibration exercise as:

Faster strength gains through neurological adaption
Shorter training times per session
Patient populations that have been shown to benefit include those suffering from multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injury, osteoporosis, and Parkinson’s Disease, to name a few