The Amazing (un-seen) Benefits of Whole Body Vibration...

By maximizing fast and slow muscle fiber engagement throughout the body, Whole Body Vibration (WBV) delivers all the cardio benefits of conventional exercise and is able to accomplish this without raising blood pressure or heart rate. Fast-twitch muscle fiber produces strong bursts of power that boost agility, speed, jump height, throwing power and so forth. Slow-twitch muscle fiber is responsible for endurance. WBV recruits nearly 100% of muscle fibers, including those at the joints, ligaments and other connective tissues.

By stimulating near-total muscle recruitment, WBV pushes blood through even the smallest capillaries by means of a process called micro-circulation. This promotes tissue oxygenation, cell hydration, and the distribution of nutrients - such as endorphins, serotonin, epinephrine, HGH (Human Growth Hormone), and other beneficial hormones and proteins throughout the entire body.

The improved circulation also helps hydrate and nourish skin cells and hair follicles as it reduces congestion in fat and cellulite, making fat cells accessible for breakdown. WBV aids in the removal of toxins from cells throughout the body, prompting intestinal movement (peristalsis) that speeds digestion and loosens waste material for release, allowing these toxins to be eliminated with ease.

WBV increases HGH secretion, which plays a crucial role in lipolysis, or the further breakdown of fat cells, thereby aiding the eradication of cellulite. HGH also stimulates cell growth and reproduction in almost every organ, including skin. Its anti-aging qualities slow the appearance of wrinkles and cell deterioration.

WBV stimulates production of collagen, which, along with keratin, is responsible for skin strength and elasticity. Collagen is the primary component of tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue. Collagen aids in flexibility and balance and also gives bones the elastic quality that improves fracture resistance. Furthermore, collagen strengthens blood vessels and improves venous return, both of which help prevent spider veins and varicose veins.

In addition, WBV stimulates drainage in the lymphatic system, as well as the removal of excess water (edema). This combats the fluid retention, heavy legs, swollen ankles and/or the bloated sensation many women experience as part of PMS. Stimulation of the lymphatic system facilitates the absorption of fatty acids, transports fat to the circulatory system, and produces immune cells such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody-producing plasma cells.

Whole Body Vibration Therapy: an important asset to Chiropractors

A growing amount of interest is now focused on Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training and therapy as studies continue to indicate promising results. Various findings include increase in muscle strength, enhancing balance and co-ordination, improved flexibility, increase in bone mass density therefore decreasing osteoporosis, stimulating the lymphatic system, massage effect on muscles and providing low joint impact. These encouraging conclusions should make every Chiropractor excited enough to inquire further into WBV therapy, subsequently finding that it would be ideal to include with most of their Chiropractic treatments.

Research has shown the positive benefits of Whole Body Vibration to be a suitable training method to increase the range of motion beyond that of static stretching alone. The underlying mechanism with WBV is the stimulation of muscular activity via stretch reflexes. When considering the many positive aspects of Whole Body Vibration on the neuromusculoskeletal system it is interesting to note its effects when employed as part of a Chiropractic treatment.

When information from current research findings was used to see if Whole Body Vibration therapy could enhance Chiropractic treatments it was generally agreed that using a WBV machine for 5 minutes at a cycle of only 10 oscillations would help the muscles relax, increase forward flexion of cervical spine and greatly served the ease in the delivery of spinal manipulative treatments.

Using a Whole Body Vibration machine before Chiropractic treatments, revealed considerably reduced areas of tension on the spine along with large muscle groups being more relaxed. Therefore, overall it was easier to execute the spinal manipulative treatments because the muscles were more relaxed. Any special need to apply soft tissue therapy was also decreased.

These findings should be utilized by Chiropractors to improve upon their current treatments by either implementing Whole Body Vibration therapy in their clinics or conducting further research as a service to their patients.