Vibration Exercise Therapy

Choosing the right vibration platform is not as easy as one might think. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had a lot of fellow chiropractors ask about which vibration platform I recommend for their practice. The answer really depends on several factors, and not all include specifics on the platform itself. The following are some things to look at when considering a vibration platform for your office:

First thing to note is the amount of space you have available. Some chiropractors have rehabilitation space while others may only have limited space in their treatment rooms. Both locations are effective. We have seen chiropractors place a vibration platform in a treatment room and utilized it as a modality. Others have placed several in their rehabilitation area and utilized it as a modality or something that can be utilized post discharge from chiropractor care. Platform sizes vary in size and can get to taking up as much as 10 square feet of space (includes vibration platform area AND exercise area).

On the other side of the coin, one has to be aware that a larger platform size will give you more flexibility in the types of exercises you can provide your patients. Remember that patients are not just going to stand and do squats. They should have the ability to do lunges, push ups, or lie their extremities on the platform to receive mobilization or deep tissue massage. We have patients with Multiple Sclerosis doing walking patterns to help with proper gait and balance, so size of the platform is an important consideration, especially if you have special populations that you are treating.

Ask about the company’s training and support. Since vibration exercise therapy may be something new for some, it’s essential that you get the support to answer any questions regarding protocols. There’s always the simple exercises, charts, posters and videos that one gets in the mail, but ensure that follow up support is there.

Price. Price seems to be an issue for a lot of chiropractors, and since this technology is steadily being adopted, there are many different companies out there trying to pitch on price. Don’t let price be the factor in your buying decision. I’ve been to an office that used a relatively cheap machine. However, that machine didn’t last long once the doctor started putting their overweight or athletic patients on it. There are machines on the market place that capitalize on the success of vibration therapy but when you look into it, their quality, durability and reliability comes into question. Only way to compare this is to jump on a treadmill that you see in your local gym, and then buy one at a discount store and try to use that at home. Always remember that you are placing patients on these machines and not fit and healthy people. The quality is critical.

Quality is not only critical for your patients, but also for your bottom line. If you are buying for your practice, always ensure that you ask for ‘commercial use’ devices. These devices are meant to be used in a high volume environment, day in and day out.

Ask about translation forces. This basically means a platform’s direction of vibration should be as close to vertical as possible. Any horizontal translation forces leads to shearing forces on the joints and should be avoided. Remember that we are treating patients with health conditions. Therefore minimizing shearing forces is critical.

For those looking at purchasing, make sure you do your research and feel comfortable with the company you are dealing with. The more information you have and the more support you get from the company, the better outcomes you will get with your patients.