Do Vibration Plates Help Varicose Veins?
Written by: Joel Gottehrer

Do Vibration Plates Help Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins affect roughly 24% of adults in the U.S. Many seek treatment for the condition to help with not only the appearance but also the various symptoms, such as swelling, throbbing, tenderness, pain, and itching.1

Though it's not a first-line treatment for varicose veins, vibration therapy can be beneficial. Here's what to know about vibration plates and varicose veins, including why they can help, what the research says, how to use them, and other exercises to do in combination with whole-body vibration.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that are visible through the skin. They usually show up in the legs, but some people have them in their ankles or feet.

The condition happens when vein walls (called venous walls, the structure of a vein) and valves that direct blood flow toward the heart aren't working properly.2 When blood gets backed up in a vein, you might see purple or blue bulges under the skin.3

Who Gets Varicose Veins & Why?

Varicose veins can develop as part of the natural aging process. They can also be due to hormonal issues, carrying excess body weight, or standing for extended periods.3

Women are more likely to get varicose veins than men, and they can happen during pregnancy when there's more blood volume in the body.4 The condition might have a genetic component, so if close family members have varicose veins, your chance of getting them is higher.2

Some people don't have symptoms other than being able to see the bulging veins. But others might experience swelling, tenderness, pain, itching, achiness, or a heavy feeling in their legs.2,4


How Vibration Plates Help Manage Varicose Veins

Several treatments, including clinical procedures and home remedies, have shown promise for eliminating, closing off, or minimizing varicose veins. 5One thing you can do at home is whole-body vibration (WBV) or local vibration therapy.

So, what is a vibration plate? A vibration plate is a platform that sends high-frequency pulses (vibrations) throughout the body. It stimulates continuous muscle contractions without you having to actively think about engaging your muscles.6

The many benefits of vibration plates can help with varicose veins. Here's how.

Improving Circulation with Vibration Therapy

Whole-body vibration (standing on a vibration plate) promotes circulation. By boosting blood flow throughout the body, this can reduce the pooling of blood (when blood gets backed up) in varicose veins.7

WBV might also help reduce varicose veins by stimulating the skeletal muscle pump. This is when muscle contractions help send blood from the limbs (in this case, the legs) to the heart.8

Strengthening Muscles & Enhancing Vein Health

Standing on a vibration plate causes muscles in the lower body to repeatedly contract and release. With regular use, this can help strengthen muscles.6

Building muscle in the legs improves the calf muscle pump (sometimes referred to as the "second heart"). This pumping action supports healthy venous pressure, helping move blood upward through the body and allowing it to return to the heart.9

Scientific Evidence Supporting Vibration Therapy for Varicose Veins

What does the research say about vibration plates and varicose veins? Let's take a look.

Blood Flow & Circulation-Improvement Studies

One study looked at the effects of vibration therapy on skin blood flow (how blood vessels in the skin circulate blood). While the research only examined smaller veins, it found that standing on a vibrational platform for just 10 minutes can boost circulation.10

In research from 2023, varicose vein patients were given local vibration therapy—when vibrational pulses are applied directly to the area in need. The participants experienced better blood flow and minimized accumulation of blood in their legs.11

Reduced Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Studies on patients with varicose veins have shown that the condition can be managed with treatments that help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and increase blood perfusion (when blood flows properly throughout the body).12 Vibration therapy has been shown to help with all of the above.13,14

By lowering inflammation and promoting healthy blood flow, vibration therapy can lessen the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins, like pain, tenderness, and swelling.14,15

Woman training on the vibration plate

Recommended Vibration Plate Exercises for Varicose Veins

There are a number of approaches you can take when using a vibration plate for varicose veins. It's best to check with your healthcare provider before getting started, but once they give you the stamp of approval, you can start with basic standing, knee bends, calf raises, and massage techniques for whole body vibration benefits.

Basic Standing Exercise

Simply standing on a vibrating platform can offer more benefits than you may think. The vibrations and oscillations (when the platform moves side to side, back and forth, or up and down) make your leg muscles contract as you hold your balance and your lower body works on stabilizing itself.

Stand on the vibration plate with your feet hip-width apart or slightly wider. Keep your feet flat on the platform with your toes pointed forward. If needed, hold on to the handrail, a wall, or another sturdy surface within reach.

Knee Bends

With knee bends, you'll start in the same position as the basic standing exercise. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then slowly bend your knees and move your hips backward. It's like a regular squat, but you may not go as deep on a vibration plate. Try 10 reps, then repeat the set one or two times.

Keep your arms out in front of you, elbows slightly bent, for balance. Or place your hands on the handlebar or on your hips.

Calf Raises

Calf raises can help stimulate the calf muscle pump we mentioned. For this move, you'll start flat-footed on the vibration plate, feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift your heels to rise onto your toes, then carefully lower back down.

Begin with 10 to 20 reps. You can add more reps or repeat the set as you get more comfortable, build muscle strength, and improve your balance.

Massage Techniques

Massage has been shown to not only reduce pain and other symptoms of varicose veins but also to treat them by enhancing circulation and preventing blood from pooling in the legs.16,17

You can use a vibration plate for localized massage techniques. One option is to sit on the floor with the vibration plate in front of you. Then carefully place one leg on the platform so your calf is on the surface. Slowly roll your calf from side to side to gently massage the muscle. Repeat with the other leg.

Safety Considerations & Precautions 

Safety should always be a top priority when using a vibration plate, starting a new form of exercise, or attempting any at-home therapy. Here's what we recommend.

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

Always consult a medical professional before beginning a treatment for varicose veins. They can go over your symptoms and health history, let you know if it's safe, and suggest other treatments that might complement vibration therapy.

Contraindications & Special Considerations

Whole-body vibration might not be safe for everyone. People with active blood clots, hypertension (high blood pressure), epilepsy, severe cardiovascular issues, nerve damage, and neurological disorders should avoid using a vibration plate before checking with a healthcare provider. It's also generally not recommended for those with pacemakers or metal plates and during pregnancy.18

Woman setting up a vibration plate

Limitations & Considerations of Vibration Therapy for Varicose Veins 

While vibration therapy isn't a first-line treatment for varicose veins, it can be helpful in reducing the appearance and minimizing symptoms.

Not a Cure for Varicose Veins

Remember, WBV training isn't a cure for varicose veins. This type of therapy can strengthen leg muscles, boost circulation, and help blood get where it needs to go. That said, instead of a standalone treatment, a vibration plate is best used with other therapies (like wearing compression socks or elevating the legs daily) to treat the issue.

Individual Variations in Effectiveness

The results achieved from whole-body and local vibration therapy vary from person to person. Some people might respond well to a few minutes a day of muscle engagement and enhanced blood circulation, while others may need a clinical intervention (such as ablations or injections) to see any noticeable reduction in their varicose veins.

Still, generally speaking, you'll get the most benefits from WBV training with consistent, long-term use. This might look like 15 to 30 minutes a day, with three to five sessions a week, and keeping this up for several months or more.

Lifepro Vibration Plates for Varicose Vein Management  

Vibration therapy can help with varicose veins by activating muscles, building lower-body strength, stimulating whole-body circulation, and encouraging blood to flow back to the heart. 

Lifepro carries a variety of vibration plates you can use for standing exercises, calf raises, knee bends, and massage techniques. The Rumblex Plus 4D is designed to improve circulation and engage muscles efficiently with pulsating, oscillating, and lateral vibrations. Plus, it's totally adjustable with 60 speeds and seven auto-modes.

Lifepro's Commitment to Quality & Effectiveness

Lifepro is dedicated to supporting daily well-being and lifelong wellness. We offer premium products at competitive prices, all backed by lifetime support and self-help resources. 

Explore our vibration therapy collection, and compare Lifepro vibration plates to see which model suits your goals, needs, and budget.

 

Sources:

  1. American Health & Drug Benefits. Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Patients with Varicose Veins. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5394556/
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Varicose Veins. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Varicose Veins. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4722-varicose-veins
  4. Mayo Clinic. Varicose Veins. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
  5. New England Journal of Medicine. Five-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of Treatments for Varicose Veins. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1805186
  6. 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/
  7. Journal of Athletic Training. Whole-Body Vibration and Blood Flow and Muscle Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4560014/
  8. NPJ Microgravity. Effects of whole-body vibration or resistive-vibration exercise on blood clotting and related biomarkers: a systematic review. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00338-4
  9. Jornal Vascular Brasileiro. The impact of exercise training on calf pump function, muscle strength, ankle range of motion, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency at different stages of severity: a systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8147883/
  10. Medical Science Monitor. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17261985/
  11. International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management. Non-Invasive Therapy System with Temperature Detection of Varicose Veins. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370299567_Non-Invasive_Therapy_System_with_Temperature_Detection_of_Varicose_Veins
  12. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Factors Influencing Venous Remodeling in the Development of Varicose Veins of the Lower Limbs. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/3/1560
  13. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. Effect of vibration on muscle perfusion: A systematic review. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233874890_Effect_of_vibration_on_muscle_perfusion_A_systematic_review
  14. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9690844/
  15. International Conference on Computing Communication and Networking Technologies. Varicoease – A Soothebelt for Varicose Veins. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10307650
  16. Social and Behavioral Sciences. Study Concerning the Efficiency of the Reflex Massage in the Treatment of Varicose Veins. https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/277811/1-s2.0-S1877042814X0011X/1-s2.0-S1877042814017923/main.pdf
  17. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. Detection and Prevention for Varicose Vein Using Hydrotherapy Massager in Healthcare. https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/digital-library/volume-12-issue-5/431-436.pdf
  18. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. Vibration Therapy – A Clinical Commentary. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9528696/
  19. TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin. The Health Effects and Keep Down of Whole Body Vibration. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274763090_The_health_effects_and_keep_down_of_whole_body_vibration
  20. Journal of Vascular Surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatments of varicose veins. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0741521411003296
Joel Gottehrer

AUTHOR

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.