Are you wondering how to improve osteoporosis without medication? Patients all over the globe are seeking a non-pharmaceutical way to increase bone density, and Whole Body Vibration therapy could be a good fit.
In some cases, patients are concerned with side effects of prescription drugs, specifically, spontaneous destruction of the jaw with use of osteoporosis medication. Others have already tried taking calcium supplements, weight training, increasing consumption of leafy greens, and avoiding coffee, tea or soda. Even with these measures, your bone density or osteoporosis has either not improved or has gotten worse.
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) treatment involves a mechanical vibrating plate upon which an individual stands. When the plate is adjusted to the right frequency, simply standing on it will cause the body’s postural muscles to contract anywhere from 30 to 50 times per second. To improve osteoporosis, 30 Hertz has been shown to get the best results.
The CLEAR Scoliosis Institute also recommends Whole Body Vibration therapy as part of our scoliosis treatments. Vibration therapy is provided during a typical treatment session for scoliosis because it can alleviate neck and back pain as it improves your spine’s flexibility.
As the body ever so slightly shifts back and forth, the muscles must contract and relax with each shift. In just 20 minutes, muscles get a tremendous workout, resulting in increased strength, stability, and tone. Blood flow also increases throughout the body, and joints become stronger and more flexible.
In addition, studies have shown that levels of cortisol, also called the “stress hormone,” decrease during Whole Body Vibration therapy. At the same time, levels of growth hormone and testosterone, which are important for regeneration and repair processes, actually increase. NFL players, professional soccer players and professional rugby players commonly use WBV prior to competing to take advantage of this increase in body performance.
Many patients suffering from osteoporosis have also had knee surgery, hip replacements, spinal surgery and spinal vertebrae compression fractures. Because WBV is a passive modality, these patients may tolerate therapy better than active exercise. Passive modalities do not require any work by the patient, and in the case of WBV, they only need to be able to stand for short periods of time. Research has shown that 20 minutes of Whole Body Vibration three times a week can improve bone density—and even increase body muscle mass!
No matter where you live, WBV has incredible potential to be an accessible, drug-free alternative to osteoporosis prevention, management and improvement. What would you like to know about Whole Body Vibration for osteoporosis? Have you tried vibration therapy for your scoliosis?
This post was submitted by Dr. J. Hartley of Florida’s Hartley Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center. Dr. Hartley has been CLEAR-certified since 2015 and offers both Standard Treatment and Intensive Care in addition to Whole Body Vibration therapy.
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What speed should you have it on to start with and how long should you stay on.
Research suggests the optimal frequency for bone remodeling is 30 Hertz. Depending upon the patient, we usually recommend up to three sessions per day of up to 20 minutes each.
Is there a specific vibration platform that you recommend?
Yes, we recommend The Vibe, which is available at http://www.VibeForHealth.com. It is fixed at the ideal frequency for building healthy bones.
I am 85 yrs old and was just told I have scoliosis and in my forty’s I was told I had a lumbar problem and have been in treatment for that since I was in my forties. Why didn’t s omeone find out I had scoliosis back then. I had pain since then and it is real bad. I am very discouraged I have been very active till now. What can I do?
Hello,
Most people know that scoliosis can get worse during puberty, but few people realize that scoliosis can also get worse during menopause. There is also a type of scoliosis, called degenerative or "de novo" scoliosis, which actually begins in the 40's or 50's. It's possible that you did not have scoliosis back then, and that it developed as a consequence of disc degeneration or other problems with the spine or hips.
Fortunately, there are many more options available today than there were forty years ago. In addition to all of the CLEAR Doctors around the world, you can find numerous scoliosis-specific exercise technique schools in Europe, including Schroth, SEAS, Scoliosis SOS (formerly ScolioGold), and DoboMed. There are movement-based approaches to help with pain, such as Yoga For Scoliosis by Elise Miller, and ScolioPilates by Karena Thek. Your best first step is to schedule a few consultations (over the phone or in person) with scoliosis specialists of various techniques. Make copies of your medical records & x-rays, and share them with the clinics prior to the consultation. They will provide you with perspective on your various treatment options. For some help, check out our List of Questions to Ask Your Doctor.
If there is anything else we can do, please feel free to e-mail us at [email protected], or call us at (866) 663-7030. I wish you the best of health and happiness!
is there a prescription for Whole Body Vibration therapy to clear other body complications.
Hello, Russell,
I am not sure what you are asking. Please elaborate.
Hello - I have a cervicle fusion and a compression fracture of T12. Is it safe to use a vibration machine with these? Thanks
Hello, Diane,
It would depend upon what type of vibration machine(s) you use. The vibration machines our CLEAR Scoliosis Doctors use would be safe for your situation as they are patented at a specific frequency that is not detrimental to your history. However, certain machines that have different vibration frequencies actually may be harmful for you based on your history. I would suggest contacting the nearest CLEAR Scoliosis Center to you to determine if you would be a candidate for their care. To find the nearest center, visit our website and click on Find a Doctor. Best of luck.
Should we be concerned about the 2019 study that shows Whole Body Vibration can worsen scoliosis?
Hello, Gary,
Different frequencies of vibration can cause damage, so you should be very hesitant to use some types of equipment that provide vibration. The vibration that has been patented by CLEAR Scoliosis Institute has been shown to improve bone capacity. If this is a concern of yours, I would suggest a consultation with one of our CLEAR Scoliosis Institute certified clinics. To find the nearest clinic, please visit our website under Find a Doctor.