How Vibration Plates help with Lipoedema-Lymphoedema

Recent research has shown that vibration plates might help manage symptoms of lipoedema and also lymphoedema by enhancing lymphatic drainage and improving circulation which help to reduce lipoedema related symptoms. Here’s how they might be beneficial for both conditions.

What are Vibration plates?

A vibration plate/platform or whole-body vibration machine, is a fitness electronic device. It  produces high-frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the body.  These vibrations cause involuntary muscle contractions, stimulating lymphatic and blood flow and offering potential health benefits (reducing symptoms of lipoedema and lymphoedema). 

How Vibration Plates Work

• Technology

 Vibration plates- electronic, digital devices-operate on the principle of whole-body vibration, typically generating vibrations in the range of 20 to 50 hertz.

• Mechanism (how it works)

 When you stand, sit, or exercise on the plate, the vibrations stimulate rapid muscle contractions and relaxations. As a result, your body activates muscle fibers more effectively than traditional exercises.

Are all vibration plates the same?

No, there are different types, let’s have a look of the most common ones

• Oscillating Plates: Move in a seesaw motion, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
• Vertical Plates: Provide up-and-down vibrations for targeted muscle activation (It depends on how you position/stand on the plate).
• Tri-Planar Plates: Combine oscillating and vertical movements for multidirectional stimulation.

Vibratrion Pates:Benefits for Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a chronic vascular condition, characterised by disproportionate fat build up (specially lower body, but it may appear in arms too). It affects especially women; and some symptoms are: pain, bruises (no apparent reason), heaviness sensation, fatigue, impaired proportions of the body, stress, anxiety, isolation, mobility difficulties, etc.

How do vibration platforms help with lipoedema?

1. Improved Lymphatic Drainage. Vibration plates can stimulate and enhance lymphatic flow, reducing swelling and lipoedema´s related pain 
2. Increase circulation. These types of devices increase blood flow, leading to swelling and chronic pain reduction. In addition to increasing cardiovascular health.
3. Complementary Therapy. Vibration therapy is often used alongside other treatments like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to increase the  effectiveness of lipoedema treatment.
4. Exercise Facilitation. Advance stages of lipoedema- patients with mobility issues- can get  a low-impact way to engage in physical activity.
5. Improving Muscle Strength. They activate a higher percentage of muscle fibers, enhancing strength and tone; reducing swelling, improving lymphatic and blood flow, in addition, to reduce pain.
6. Enhancing Flexibility. Vibration plates help to increase joint mobility and range of motion.

How Vibration platforms help with lymphoedema?

1. Boost lymphatic and vascular circulation. Similar to lipoedema, the vibrations can stimulate increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may help manage lymphedema symptoms.
2. Safe complementary treatment. Vibration plates offer a non-invasive approach to help with managing lymphoedema, 
3. Improve flexibility. As swelling is reduced, your joints get more rage of motion.
4. Muscle strength and tone. Exercising on these platforms help gaining muscle tone and strength, improving lymphatic flow and reducing swelling (and other symptoms).

To keep in mind

While some studies suggest benefits, there is mixed evidence regarding the effectiveness of vibration plates for both conditions. Always look for lymphoedema/ lipoedema specialist or GP advice before starting to use these devices. In order to know how to use and combine them with your other treatments.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find usin Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847188/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34SjhPuVdg4&list=UULFTCQKg24OrarFSLw1kymxJw&index=51

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847188/