Can I Use a Vibration Plate After a Hysterectomy?

Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy involves standing on a vibrating platform (called a vibration plate) that sends rapid pulses up through the feet and throughout the rest of the body. It engages multiple muscle groups, improves balance, boosts circulation, and supports lymphatic drainage—to name just a few benefits.^1,2

If you're planning to get a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) or are already recovering from the procedure, you might wonder, Can I use a vibration plate after a hysterectomy? A vibration plate can be used for gentle rehabilitation and post-op physical therapy following certain types of surgery, but it's not safe or approved for everyone.³

You should always check with your healthcare provider before using a vibration plate or any other exercise or rehab tool, especially following a surgery. Having said that, we'll explore whether vibration plates are generally safe after a hysterectomy and why they can be beneficial.

Why Medical Clearance Comes First

Your provider can tell you whether using a vibration plate after a hysterectomy is safe or recommended based on your unique situation, including how you're healing and whether you're facing any complications from the procedure.⁴ So be sure to get medical clearance from your care team before starting WBV therapy.

Recovery Varies by Hysterectomy Type

The type of hysterectomy you get can affect recovery—total hysterectomy (removing the entire uterus and cervix), partial (removing just the uterus), or radical (removing the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina).⁵ Beyond that, there are a few approaches to the surgery (laparoscopic, vaginal, or abdominal), which can impact healing.⁴

These are just a couple of the many variables at play. Your personal health profile and aftercare routine matter too.

Hysterectomy Healing Time Guidelines (Typically 6–8 Weeks)

On average, the recovery timeline for hysterectomies is six to eight weeks. But depending on the type you get and the size of your incision (among other factors), it can be as short as two weeks or as long as 12 weeks.⁵

Ask your provider what they anticipate your healing timeline will look like and how soon you can or should do physical activity.

Risks of Using a Vibration Plate Too Early

Though you'll likely be encouraged to walk around within the first few days, using a vibration plate or doing other types of exercise too soon after a hysterectomy—before you've fully healed internally and at the incision site—could elevate the risks of complications.⁴ This might include bleeding, disrupted stitches, pain, swelling, infection, or hernia.⁵

Who Should Avoid Vibration Plates Entirely

Outside of recovering from surgical procedures, vibration plates aren't suitable for everyone. Generally speaking, you should avoid whole-body vibration if you have cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease, a blood-clotting disorder, or a past heart attack or stroke. Learn more about who cannot use vibration plates in our blog.

WBV is also not recommended for people with medical implants (pacemakers, electronic devices, etc.), those who are pregnant, and folks with muscle or bone injuries. When in doubt, check with your healthcare provider.

How to Safely Use a Vibration Plate Once Cleared by a Doctor   

If and when you do get the stamp of approval from your medical team, here's how you can safely begin using a vibration plate after a hysterectomy.

Begin Slowly with Low-Intensity Settings

Start slowly with short sessions on the lowest intensity setting. You can do just five minutes the first time, then add a minute or two each day, gradually working up to longer sessions with higher intensities. Learn more about how often you should use a vibration plate in our guide.

A vibration plate with an attached handlebar (like the TrimLite) can be good for beginners and those returning to physical activity after surgery, as it helps you stay securely on the platform. We also recommend wearing shoes for maximum stability.

Watch for Warning Signs

When using a vibration plate, look out for bleeding, pain, or swelling. If you notice any of these warning signs—or anything else looks or feels off—stop immediately and get in touch with your provider.⁶

Potential Benefits of Vibration Plates Post-Recovery

With all those precautions in mind, let's look at the potential benefits of whole-body vibration therapy post-recovery from a hysterectomy.

Circulation & Lymphatic Support

Gentle vibration can help stimulate circulation, helping blood flow throughout the body and sending oxygen and nutrients where they need to go.^7<WBV might also support lymphatic drainage, helping reduce swelling by removing excess fluid buildup in bodily tissues and returning it to the heart.⁸ These are some of the most well-documented whole body vibration benefits.

Muscle Activation & Rehab Support

Even after you've healed from the surgery, you'll want to continue with physical therapy and supportive exercises to maintain strength and mobility. A vibration plate can be a beneficial part of your ongoing routine. Whether you're simply standing on the platform or doing basic moves like squats, WBV therapy can engage your muscles, activate your pelvic floor, improve your balance, help you feel more stable, and boost your range of motion.^2,9 Whole-body vibration therapy delivers the mechanical stimulation necessary to activate muscles without considerable exertion. This type of training can be especially supportive for women post-hysterectomy, as it encourages gentle strengthening while limiting strain on healing tissues.

Limited Evidence—Use with Caution

There's a long list of reasons to use a vibration plate, but research on the long-term effects of using a vibration plate after a hysterectomy is still limited. Still, while anecdotal reports and emerging evidence are promising, more research is needed on the possible advantages (and potential risks) of WBV following a hysterectomy.¹⁰

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Consult your surgeon or care team before using a vibration plate.

Vibration Plates & Wellness Products from Lifepro

Wherever you are in your fitness, health, or healing journey, Lifepro is here to support you. As a trusted resource for physical well-being and recovery tools you can use in the comfort of your home, we offer a range of adjustable, beginner-friendly, and recovery-focused vibration plates and other wellness products, such as red light therapy devices, infrared saunas, and more.

With approval from your medical provider, explore our offerings to see what might complement your return-to-wellness plan. Not sure which WBV platform to get? The Lifepro vibration plate comparison can help you decide.

Sources:

1. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Beyond physiology: Acute effects of side-alternating whole-body vibration on well-being, flexibility, balance, and cognition using a light and portable platform: A randomized controlled trial. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1090119/full
2. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Impacts of Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Strength, Power, and Endurance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/13/4467
3. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. Whole-Body Vibration and Rehabilitation of Chronic Diseases: A Review of the Literature. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3737877/
4. Cleveland Clinic. Hysterectomy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/hysterectomy
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hysterectomy. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hysterectomy
6. Peptide Sciences. Hysterectomy & Whole Body Vibration: Recovery Guide. https://studylib.net/doc/5863175/abdominal-hysterectomy-and-whole-body-vibration
7. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Health. Whole body vibration, an alternative for exercise to improve recovery from surgery?. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9531049/
8. Medical Science Monitor Basic Research. Effects of Multidirectional Vibrations Delivered in a Horizontal Position (Andullation®) on Blood Microcirculation in Laboratory Animals: A Preliminary Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5077302/
9. Translational Andrology and Urology. Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in the pelvic floor muscles of healthy and unhealthy individuals: a narrative review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6732087/
10. Physiotherapy. Effect of 4 weeks of whole-body vibration training in treating stress urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery: a randomised controlled trial. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031940618302591
11. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Whole Body Vibration Exercise for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999319302412