Vibration plates are one of the most cherished machines by people worldwide who wish to stay healthy but suffer from a lack of time to visit a gym.
It is indeed clearly observed that the advantages of using these plates are visible across the fitness world.
But, the main question that lingers on the top of the mind of many individuals is whether or not vibration therapy is suitable for all.
Though a low-impact machine, it must be understood that individuals must exercise caution before starting to use it.
Not many have failed to notice that professionals and celebrities worldwide use the vibration plates regularly during their workout schedule.
Don’t be overwhelmed by this and immediately get hold of a vibration plate but read further to understand whether making use of this machine would be advantageous or affect your health in the years to come.
Below is a detailed insight into vibration platforms, the best ones that can be used, and many of the benefits of using them.
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Science behinds the Vibration Plates
Let’s first understand the mechanism behind the operation of vibration plates.
‘Stretch flex’ is the principle on which these plates operate, when such an external stimulation is imposed on the body, the muscles contract, resulting in involuntary reactions.
For example, let’s assume that the doctor gives a gentle tap on the knee with a hammer. When done, the leg automatically gives a soft kick as a reaction to this action.
Likewise, when an individual stands or does any movement on the vibration plate, various muscles throughout the body make an involuntary movement. There are almost 3000 movements done in a minute.
When such movements occur, there are signals sent to the brain that the body might be in an unstable position. Hence, the muscles in the body try to balance and help stay on the plate without falling.
The activation of twitch fibers in the muscles determines the intensity at which the body moves on the plate.
Who Can Use Vibration Platforms?
Now the very big question is, “Who are the individuals allowed to use the vibration plate?” Given below is the list of individuals who can use vibration platforms without concern.
Athletes worldwide make use of vibration plates to stabilize ligaments, improve joints, and enhance muscle health.
Many individuals use the plates to improve bone density, balance, and blood circulation.
Women in the post-natal period can use vibration therapy to strengthen and tone their pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
The following is the list of benefits acquired by individuals who use a vibration plate. I hope this is inspirational for you to pick your vibration machine for exercising daily.
- Ability to accelerate weight loss and reduce cellulite
- Enhance bone density and blood circulation
- Ease the muscle tension that results due to immobility
- Core muscle toning and strengthening
- Better balance, thereby reducing the risk of falling down
Who Can’t Use Vibration Platforms?
As given above, vibration therapy is useful for some individuals who focus on strengthening bone density, relax muscles, and burn fat.
But, the same cannot be used by some individuals, and the list below elaborates on the groups of people who are better off without using the vibration platform:
Individuals suffering from cardiovascular conditions: Any individual with a history of heart disease or currently having any heart-related problems must avoid the vibration platform.
That’s because the vibrations from the machine can worsen the condition and even increase the stress on the cardiovascular system.
While it’s a strict ‘NO’ for individuals with deep vein thrombosis and blood clotting disorders, those with a pacemaker can discuss using a vibration plate with the physician before concluding.
Individuals with Orthopedic Injuries: Have you recently sprained or strained the leg, undergone orthopedic surgery, or suffering from a tear?
If the answer is ‘Yes,’ using a vibration plate can be dangerous and unsafe to you.
As the machine sends muscle twitches all through the body, standing on the plate might aggravate the injury, reflexive muscle contraction, or scarring.
In individuals just out of the surgery, the vibration might dislodge the stitching. Hence, people with any of these conditions are advised to get in touch with the physician to use vibration machines for exercises.
Individuals wearing pins, plating, bolts, and fasteners: individuals with any of these objects are suggested to refrain from using vibration plates as the vibration movement during therapy can dislodge the fittings, thereby changing the positions for the worse.
Such results might even require the need for another procedure to repair the fittings.
In some cases, performing light exercises using the vibration plates is allowed. But it is better to consult the physician before making any decisions.
Individuals suffering from epilepsy: Individuals with epilepsy are advised against stepping over vibration machines as using them might result in fainting or epileptic seizures.
When such individuals use the machine, get affected by a seizure, and fall over it, then these individuals are in even greater danger.
Pregnant Women: Whoa! The fetus inside the womb might become scared of all the vibrations that are happening to its mother. There are even chances that long vibration sessions can result in miscarriage or some disability to the fetus.
So, when physicians advise against taking bumpy rides, the same rule applies to vibration plates, which have a similar effect on the body.
Though we don’t have research evidence backing this theory, logic warns us against using vibration therapy during pregnancy.
Individuals with Acute Joint Disease: People with acute joint diseases such as arthrosis or rheumatoid arthritis should stay away from using vibration plates during the workout routine.
As rapid vibrations generate heat, these worsen the inflammation and intensify pain levels.
Other conditions: Besides the individuals mentioned above, those suffering from diabetes, acute hernia, cancer, tumors, recent infections, retinal conditions, and neurological conditions must not use vibration plates in their everyday fitness routine.
Generally, if there is an underlying health condition, the best approach is to consult the physician, get to know about the effect of using the plates on the body, and finally, make a decision.
Always Consult Your GP
Every medical condition is different, and these conditions have different effects on the human body. The groups of individuals mentioned above are strictly not permitted to use the vibration plates.
But, individuals with certain body conditions can use vibration plates under a physician’s supervision.
So, the wisest way is to consult the general physician, give your medical history, and get detailed advice.
It is generally known that certain health conditions might trigger individuals to avoid using certain fitness equipment completely.
But as vibration therapy offers ample benefits, including better blood circulation, muscle toning, and more, giving a shot with the doctor before concluding is recommended.
Though we are now aware of the individuals who can and cannot use vibration therapy, it is always better to meet the physicians and receive professional advice before including it in your daily exercise routine.
