Are Vibration Plates Safe? *GET THE FACTS* See Deb's Vibration Plate Contra"Indications" & Safety Tips

There is no absolute list of who can and who cannot use a vibration plate, no list of symptoms or conditions that should avoid use. I wish it was that simple…

They’re called contra-INDICATIONS, not contra-absolutes, not contra-don'ts, they are simply an "indication" to seek further clarity from your doctor or care provider - like you should with any new activity/therapy.

If you have an injury or a medical concern it's more a matter of whether you should be active, and to what degree. What kinds of activity or therapies are appropriate for your needs is best discussed between you and your care provider. If they are unfamiliar with vibration plates seek out someone that has a clue about USING these devices, can demonstrate how safe they really are and offer you guidance.

A vibration plate is simply a tool that makes exercise poses or stretches more effective and less strenuous to perform in less time and with less impact than more traditional means. Like walking... in fact its been proven it's have less impact that walking. If you are able to bear your weight, or partially bear weight there is likely a way you can benefit by using vibration plate.

See my most recent video (10 mins) Vibration Plates - Contra”indications”.

HELP ME SPREAD FACTS OVER FEAR as this is a tactic being used by companies selling machine. Please watch and share Are Vibration Plates Safe clip (3 mins).

Vibration Plate – User Safety Precautions and Advise

In general, using proper positioning and durations for your current level of health, whole body vibration (WBV) exercise or therapy has been shown to be a safe, low impact activity (1) that almost anyone can benefit from even in non weight bearing applications to expedite recovery and improve overall health.

Healing vs Hurtful Vibes

Due to similar terminology, there can be a misunderstanding between the “good” health and exercise benefits you get from vibration platforms/plates and what is known as “bad” effects referred to as “whole body vibration exposure” through occupational vibration in a workplace.

Those lacking experience/knowledge about “vibration exercise” or “vibration therapy” make assumptions, or businesses selling competing equipment make claims of potential harm - you must understanding the two are just not the same. This has created a lot of debate over the years yet to date, there have been no ill effects known to be associated with the use of a proper vibration plate other than what over exercising, or fatigue may present. Just like ANY activity.

Occupational Vibration Exposure is linked to exposure during a task or in a workplace setting where vibration from vehicles, equipment or tools transfers to the arms, hands or other areas of the body often for long durations and may cause harmful health effects (2). Tools like jackhammers and tampers can create high frequencies (over 100 hz) that can affect the hands, arms and shoulders while drivers/operators that remain seated in heavy equipment or trucks for long periods may suffer effects in the back, neck, hips and legs. These industries and manufacturers are regulated and must comply to safety and operational requirements outlined in ISO Guidelines.

Vibration Exercise or Therapy performed on a vibration plate is generally short in duration and lower in frequencies (up to 100 hz). Weight bearing exercises or slightly modified positions are performed on the plate surface while small micromovements stimulate the body and its systems to balance & stabilize itself. Exercise positions can be static, and muscle groups will fatigue quickly under these rapid, low impact movements significantly reducing time spent doing an exercise or overall routine.

General daily use is recommended to be no more than 30 mins total (build up to this please don’t start here!) Try shorter sessions more often throughout the day for self care, to manage symptoms, boost recovery, if you suffer with pain, or fatigue easily.

Adjustments can be made to accommodate poor mobility, fatigue, or instability. Talk to your trainer or therapist about a appropriate routine of positions for your goals.

Precautions to Consider

Poor Stability/Fatigue- If you are at a high risk of falling or easily fatigue, use a stool or chair and begin use in a seated position with feet on the plate until you feel confident in progressing to standing.

Pregnancy- It is not typically recommended you start any new or strenuous exercise if you are pregnant. If you are a seasoned vibration plate user, your body has to a degree become used to this activity and may be fine to continue use or vary your use depending on your current level of health. If you were an active jogger, you likely would not stop running but you may modify how you run and your routine as your condition progresses.

Contra”INDICATIONS” (See on Deb’s site here)

Please Seek clarity prior to starting a vibration plate program and discuss suitability with your doctor or care provider (or me) if you are dealing with any of the following:

Severe DVT or Blood Clots – Blot clots can be a symptom of an underlying issue, and all factors need to be considered if undergoing any new activity. Do not use a vibration plate if you have known or suspect you may have clots without first discussing associated risks with your care provider.

Seizures - if you are prone to seizures, experience them as triggered if you perform exercise/massage activities or take medication where this is a potential side effect use as guided by an experienced WBV or medical professional.

Recent Surgery/Injury/Implants (Fractures, Joint Replacements, Screws, Rods, Fusions, Pacemakers, Lenses, IUDs, Mesh Inserts et) – For recent implants (including pacemakers, joint replacements etc) or fracture of any kind ensure your doctor or care provider has given you the ok to resume weight bearing activities. Adhere to the recovery period and activities or specific positions or activities they may have advised you not perform. If you have had any recent injuries, a new medical diagnosis or a procedure, using a machine and when you are able to is dictated by your own recovery related to the type of procedure. It is also related to your experience and whether you have any in using a machine. You can use a machine in many cases even the same day but understand there will be modifications to what you can do and qualified guidance is recommend.

Gall or kidney stones – if you currently have stones passing, pain may result from any form of exercise. As such we do not recommend using standing positions or using your device at all if pain is severe until they have passed, and you are able to perform your daily activity without pain or limitations.

Severe/Chronic inflammation – Vibration plates can offer symptom relief while being a viable low impact form of exercise. As every individual is unique, it can affect inflammation in different ways. Seek qualified guidance to assess the best approach for your condition.

As use and experience grows with these devices, I look forward to a better understanding about the advantages and potential applications vibration plates can offer so many seeking alternatives.

Stay consistent in your self care routine and use your plate regularly.

Debby Pelletier

Vibration Plate Coach/Specialist

P.S. If you are on the fence about Black Friday deals, there is still a great selection on many of my fave self care tools. See my special Black Friday post from earlier this week or reach out if you have any questions about what’s best for your situation.

^{(1) Bergmann G, Kutzner I, Bender A, Dymke J, Trepczynski A, Duda GN, Felsenberg D, Damm P. Loading of the hip and knee joints during whole body vibration training. PLoS One. 2018 Dec 12;13(12):e0207014. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207014. PMID: 30540775; PMCID: PMC6291191.}

^{(2) Krajnak K. Health effects associated with occupational exposure to hand-arm or whole body vibration. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2018;21(5):320-334. doi: 10.1080/10937404.2018.1557576. Epub 2018 Dec 25. PMID: 30583715; PMCID: PMC6415671.}