The Benefits & Risks of using Vibration Plates with Lymphedema, Lipedema, Dercum's Disease and other Related Conditions - and Yes, it's Black Friday.

How have you been? Using your machine regularly I hope? Sorry I haven’t checked in sooner, I know it helps some of you with the motivation and accountability piece.

I can hardly believe it’s the end of November. Thanksgiving this weekend for some of you and the madness of Black Friday Shopping is in full swing, my inbox full of related messages. Don’t rush, you have lots of time, ensure you’re making an informed decision. If looking at plates, often basic is all you need! Read through this article FIRST, I have a related video later on and I’ve highlighted some deals at the end of this article.

I’ve had many new subscribers this month here and in my groups - Hello and Welcome!

Today’s article may be old news to my seasoned users, many know the benefits, how to use/modify and how to find support (my groups or reply here!). To my new users and those doing research, allow me to shorten the learning curve.

I hope this overview on how a plate works and the benefits and risks of using one answers any questions and resolves any uncertainty.

I would like give credit for this wonderful description to Yael Malekan of the Israeli Association for Lymphedema & Lipedema whom I had the recent good fortune to meet. Yael was so generous in her time talking with me about the benefits specific to this community and allowed me to share a vibration plate presentation with her group.

What Is a Vibration Plate (whole body vibration platform)

A vibration plate is not just another piece of exercise equipment, a vibration plate can be considered an activity like a treadmill or going for a walk, but brings benefits faster, with less time and effort. They can be an effective therapy, as a warm up, for boosting recovery and can be used by almost anyone.

They offer an easy way to get moving - even to those with limited or no mobility. Positions and machine settings can be modified to your ability, sensitivities and tolerance. It can be used while seated on a stool starting with just feet on the plate (reduces joint pressure) or standing/squatting to strengthen muscles and bones.

How Does a Vibration Plate Work?

They create a low impact environment, using different types of micro-movements that activate muscle groups and more muscle fiber - while accelerating blood and lymph flow, reducing swelling, and helping our body clear inflammatory waste from tissues.

You can improve your fitness level, reduce that “heaviness”, and ease other symptoms like pain, fatigue, or sensitivity common to Lymphedema, Lipedema, Dercum’s and related conditions. Vibration stimulates sensory receptors in our skin and muscles; these signals “compete” with pain signals in the brain helping to reduce pain, burning, or tingling.

Consistent use, even short, low intensity sessions, will help strengthen postural and movement-supporting muscles. It’s ideal for people unable to exercise conventionally.

Benefits Specific to Lymphedema and Lipedema

• Improved lymph flow and reduced swelling

• Relief of pain, tingling, and heaviness

• Stronger muscles and bones; better posture and balance

• Enhanced metabolism, mood, and energy

• Possible use while sitting or partially sitting

• Complement existing treatments – MLD, compression garments, and gentle exercise

Benefits of Interest to Everyone

• Prepares the central nervous system, more responsive to activity, therapy etc.

• Improves balance/stability and overall mobility/function

• Enhanced muscle activation, helps build muscles and bones

• Low Impact and short in duration/dosage

• Convenient, simple and enjoyable! Helps you be consistent.

Let’s now address the concerns - the stigmas, rumors and quite honestly - ill informed opinions. Even some of the top medical minds have added to the fear and confusion - until they knew better… they too made assumptions - Just like so many researching do, even AI and I have had a few go rounds and we end up at the same conclusions;

You must read beyond the article title, or just look for a protocol to follow. It’s not that simple and neither is your body. Let dispel a few myths about vibration plates..

Any warnings or horror stories you’ve heard/read about originate from 1 of 3 places and has nothing to do with the plate in itself. I have yet to see evidence otherwise.

1) Incorrectly Linked Terminology Vibration plates are often misclassified as harmful due to the shared term whole-body vibration, creating a misleading association with occupational vibration exposure. Exposure to vibration in a workplace setting (tools/equipment) varies greatly from a vibration exercise plate, in the type of vibration, the frequency and time exposed (hours/days/years).

Don't get sold on false facts! Due to this similar terminology, there’s misunderstanding and in some cases outright false information being offered to consumers. See my short info video for more insight - Are Vibration Plates Safe?

2) Improper or Over Use - (This will be a bit of a rant but I am due) Jumping on blindly and following general use guidelines when you have poor health or a chronic issues makes no sense. New users often go too long and/or with too much intensity.

We all need to be active, its to what degree that varies for each of us and should be outlined with your care provider. If using a vibration plate educate yourself about how to use one - BEFORE you use one. Invest just 6 mins - watch my starting video to help establish a realistic starting point for your current level of health and avoid overdoing it.

To those that have had a poor experience with a plate, I’m so sorry, please don’t give up on it if you still have it. Do you feel that how you used the plate was appropriate for your needs? Remember - I’m here to you with a more comfortable approach to use.

I beg those sharing horror stories online, how a machine hurt them, even warning others of the potential “side effects” to BE HONEST. Was it possibly over-exercise effects -perhaps the way YOU used? Did you reach out for support or seek clarity at all?

3) Other Influencing Factors - Effects potentially related to other current treatments, therapies, activities or in combination. If currently under medical or therapeutic care, be aware of any possible side effects and synergistic effects.

You must adhere to any activity guidelines or restrictions as discussed and with your doc or care-provider (IE, no lifting, low intensity, reduce body weight etc).

Let’s talk now about an important related topic, contra”indications”.

Contraindications aren’t “contra-can’t do’s.” They are an "indication" you should seek clarity. If you have something on “my list” or any manufacturers list, it often means simply taking a different approach to use, making modifications to accommodate a appropriate starting point for you and YOUR body. See my brief Contra”indications” video for common sense insight and what to be cautious of when using a vibration plate.

Don’t think “start slow” think starting appropriately for your system. The risk isn’t the vibration plate itself - it’s taking on more than you’re ready for (time/intensity). You must consider where you are at physically - symptoms, current capacity, and a realistic starting point. Be honest with yourself, and please be conservative starting out.

It’s a new activity, and as it can be used passively, it’s so easy do too much, and many new users do - moving TOO much fluid, too much muscular activity, too much “because it’s just feels so good” time.

Going for max run time (way too long) and with wide feet (max intensity/impact) is not a starting point. As good as it feels at the time, don’t blame the machine when symptoms increase. Overuse and jumping ahead of your body’s readiness may leave you sore, swollen and exhausted just like if you had overdone any other activity.

If you have a machine at home, use it more often, in short 2-3 min sessions for symptoms as they present. Build up to longer duration and/or more fitness type use once your body get used to it a bit and you have a little confidence to start experimenting.

Give it an honest chance, you’d give a medication at least a couple weeks. Do the same here, give it a week or two before adjusting time/intensity. If mobility or weight bearing is a concern, seated on a stool with your feet on the plate is a great starting point.

So what’s the best vibration plate for You? I recommend a basic oscillating moving machine, all of the sessions I share are on this movement style. Here are some common sense points to consider see Selecting the Right Vibration Plate. 

For those shopping deals are everywhere so shop around, check used sales too if looking to save a few bucks. If you are in the USA get an Extra 20% Off with Lifepro in the USA. Use code DEBBY20 at the checkout on products site wide.

Also some products via Amazon in other Countries. Up to 30% off some plate models, more on other gear compare not just price, but warranty and after support if comparing other brands. I recommend Lifepro where available for a reason. If unable to access in your area, drop me an email with where you are located and I’ll see what’s comparable.

Shop Amazon by Country for Lifepro vibration plates and other great self care tools.

Amazon USA Amazon UK Amazon Canada

I’m LIVE for Black Friday - tomorrow on Lifepro’s Facebook pages at 4:30pm EST. I invite you to join me live and are welcome bring any questions you may have.

To those celebrating have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, I am based in Canada many of you know and celebrated ours last month. I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to be in this space with you, know how much I appreciate you for staying curious and seeking answers.

Debby Pelletier

Vibration Plate Coach/Specialist

GET HELP USING YOUR PLATE AND ANSWERS TO MANY COMMON QUESTIONS Check out my RECOMMENDED VIBRATION PLATE VIDEOS

You should not need to pay for training or support (unless you choose) if you follow the guidance offered in my coaching and information videos above.

P.S. For transparency although training/healing is my PASSION, when you use or share my suggested product links, book a session or a class, or offer a donation you allow me to support my family/ life while continuing my work here.

• Book a call, this is the ideal as you are supporting me and I get to help you directly. There is no cost upfront, I will send a PayPal invoice after our call. Here is a link to my calendar https://debbypelletier.as.me/ If you need a specific time/day DM me and I will do my best to accommodate you.

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 Thank you everyone for your continued support.