Benefits of Using a Vibration Plate for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition involving musculoskeletal pain (throughout bones, muscles, and joints). Besides long-term pain, it can result in whole-body fatigue and heightened sensitivity to touch, light, noise, and temperature changes.1,2
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can come and go. With a sudden flare-up, you might be hit with intense exhaustion and discomfort that can affect your quality of life and ability to do daily activities.
Though there's no cure for fibromyalgia, your healthcare provider can recommend certain medications and exercises to manage symptoms.3 One thing that might help is using a vibration plate for fibromyalgia.
Research has shown that vibration therapy may help patients with fibromyalgia by improving physical fitness, balance, and muscle strength. As a result, they might have less pain, more energy, and a better quality of life.4
But what is a vibration plate, and how does it work to alleviate pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia? Keep reading to find out what they can offer.
What Is a Vibration Plate & How Does It Work?
A vibration plate is a type of exercise machine or physical therapy device that generates high-frequency pulses (vibrations) to engage muscles in the core and lower body, causing them to rapidly contract and relax.5
Designs vary among brands and models. But a vibration plate is generally a small platform you step onto, placing both feet on the surface, with or without a handrail or handlebar.
By sending pulses throughout the body and rapidly contracting muscles, vibration training can5,6,7:
- Stimulating blood flow and circulation
- Activate muscles and gently engage the body in physical activity
- Reduce stiffness, alleviate muscle strain, and help minimize pain
Read on to learn how the benefits of using a vibration plate can help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Potential Benefits of Vibration Plates for Fibromyalgia
The potential benefits of vibration plates for patients with fibromyalgia include:
- Reduced muscle pain and stiffness
- Improved circulation and lymphatic flow
- Gentle movement and mobility support
- Enhanced mood and energy levels
Let's explore these benefits more.
1. Reduced Muscle Pain & Stiffness
Vibration training can help relax tight muscles, reduce stiffness, and ease body aches. Incorporating a vibration plate into your routine might help with the pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia or lessen the symptoms of a flare-up.7,8
2. Improved Circulation & Lymphatic Flow
Research has shown that whole body vibration can boost blood circulation and lymphatic flow throughout the body. This can help reduce inflammation, pain, and fatigue during a fibromyalgia flare-up while improving muscle function.11,12,13
Learn more about whole body vibration benefits in our comprehensive blog article.
3. Gentle Movement & Mobility Support
The repeated micro-pulses generated by a vibration plate are a form of low-impact physical activity. If you're low on energy due to fibromyalgia, this gentle movement can help you get a workout in without too much effort or exertion.
As balance work, just standing on a vibration plate can improve core strength and lumbar stability, helping your lower back support the rest of your spine. This can promote better mobility while making you feel less fatigued from fibromyalgia.10,11
4. Enhanced Mood & Energy
With reduced pain and fatigue, whole-body vibration can help those with fibromyalgia feel more energized and able to tackle daily tasks.10 Using a vibration plate might also reduce other symptoms of the chronic condition, such as sensitivity to light.12
Like other forms of exercise, research has shown that vibration therapy can improve mood, which can help patients with depression or anxiety (a secondary symptom of fibromyalgia).9 Learn more in our blog about vibration therapy for anxiety. All of these benefits can help elevate the quality of life for individuals with this chronic condition.13
Tips for Using a Vibration Plate Safely With Fibromyalgia
It's crucial to practice safety when using a vibration platform, particularly if it's being used for physical therapy or as part of a fibromyalgia treatment plan. If you've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or another musculoskeletal condition (such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back pain), we recommend:
- Starting slow and staying consistent
- Focusing on comfort and body awareness
- Speaking with your healthcare provider
Keep scrolling for detailed safety tips and guidance.
Start Slow & Stay Consistent
How often should you use a vibration plate? Three to four days a week is ideal, but if you're new to vibration training, you might want to start with just one or two days a week and work your way up. This will give your body time to adjust.
It's good to begin with short sessions in your exercise program—maybe five to 10 minutes to start—and gradually work up to 15 to 25 minutes. Lastly, use a lower setting at first, and as your strength and balance improve, you can increase the intensity of your whole body vibration training. Lifepro's vibration plates have multiple speed settings to accommodate people at every fitness level.
The most important thing is staying consistent with your routine—that's when you'll see the most benefits. Even if you're starting with two five-minute sessions a week, sticking with it can lead to noticeable results.
Focus on Comfort & Body Awareness
As with any type of physical activity, pay attention to how your body feels while standing on a vibration plate. If your fibromyalgia pain worsens or you experience discomfort during your session, stop the vibration and carefully step off the platform.
Some shakiness is to be expected during balance work. But if you're struggling to stay steady on the machine, pause the session. You can try a slower vibration speed or stop the workout altogether.
Designed with your safety in mind, Lifepro vibration plates all have remote controls. This makes it easy to adjust the intensity or stop a session at any time—no need to reach down to the platform or hop off.
Should you wear shoes on a vibration plate? It ultimately depends on personal preference, but check out our blog to learn more.
Speak With Your Healthcare Provider
As always, get clearance from your healthcare provider before starting vibration therapy. This is especially vital for those with chronic musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia.
Your provider can assess your unique needs and health profile and tell you if using a vibration plate for fibromyalgia is safe. They might also have clinical insight into what moves to try and what to avoid when experiencing a flare-up.
There are also some people who cannot use vibration plates. Our blog goes over who may not want to use a vibration platform, along with the possible risks and precautions of vibration therapy.
How Lifepro Vibration Plates Can Support People With Fibromyalgia
A vibration plate is a platform that produces high-frequency pulses. The low-impact, low-effort activity is meant to make muscles in the lower body and core rapidly contract and relax, which can help with circulation, muscle strength, balance, and pain reduction. These benefits can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
Here's the bottom line on using a vibration plate for fibromyalgia:
- Vibration therapy is an easy, low-impact physical activity – Compared to other exercises, standing on a vibration plate calls for minimal effort and energy expenditure, which can be good for those experiencing fibromyalgia fatigue.
- It might help reduce pain and stiffness – Regular sessions can help with muscle pain, tenderness, and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia.
- It may support better balance and mobility – Vibration therapy is a form of balance work, helping boost core strength and whole-body stability. Supporting day-to-day mobility, this can make it easier to walk and more comfortable to sit.
- Regular use might promote improved moods and quality of life – A vibration plate stimulates blood flow and engages muscles. Like other types of exercise, it can help you reap the benefits of physical activity, improving mental well-being and overall quality of life.
- Practice safety and consult a medical professional – Keep safety in mind when using a vibration plate, and ask your healthcare provider before getting started. Start slow with short sessions at a lower intensity level, and if fibromyalgia pain worsens, stop the session.
Lifepro's beginner-friendly vibration plates are ideal for fibromyalgia patients who need help managing symptoms and improving their physical fitness. Our moderately priced, premium products are easy to use, adjustable, and full of helpful features. Each machine has multiple vibration levels, a remote control, and guided programs. Some even have built-in handrails to help keep you steady. With Lifepro, you can also rely on 24/7 customer support and a lifetime warranty.
Explore Lifepro products today to see what's available, or discover more whole-body vibration benefits beyond fibromyalgia support.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic. Fibromyalgia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4832-fibromyalgia
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Fibromyalgia. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Literature Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553315/
- Healthcare (Basel). Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8226869/
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2021/02000/whole_body_vibration_stimulates_microvascular.15.aspx
- Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift. Effects of whole-body vibration therapy on pain, functionality, postural stability, and proprioception in patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10354-023-01026-4
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). Whole body vibration exercise training for fibromyalgia. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6483692/
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Safety and Effectiveness of Vibration Massage by Deep Oscillations: A Prospective Observational Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3814103/
- Journal of Rehabilitation Therapy. Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Fibromyalgia: Is There Any Evidence to Support Clinical Practice?. https://www.rehabiljournal.com/articles/effects-of-whole-body-vibration-on-fibromyalgia-is-there-any-evidence-to-support-clinical-practice.html
- Journal of Physical Therapy Science. The effects of whole body vibration on static balance, spinal curvature, pain, and disability of patients with low back pain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25931735/
- Frontiers in Neurology. The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.658383/full
- Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Effects of whole body vibration therapy in pain, function and depression of the patients with fibromyalgia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117301500
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/6/3007
- Spine. Treatment of Chronic Lower Back Pain with Lumbar Extension and Whole-Body Vibration Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/abstract/2002/09010/treatment_of_chronic_lower_back_pain_with_lumbar.3.aspx
