Could a vibration machine help reduce fibromyalgia pain?

There’s no known cure for fibromyalgia, but studies have shown that exercising on a vibration machine could help in reducing the pain and providing temporary relief from the unpleasant symptoms. Unlike classical exercises, which are often of high impact, movements done on a vibrating machine require less effort from the patient, making them a better solution for people with musculoskeletal disorders.

How fibromyalgia manifests

Signs of fibromyalgia often appear for the first time after a physical trauma or surgery, but infectious processes and psychological stress can also trigger this painful and disturbing condition. In most people, it’s a series of events and not a single factor that contribute to the occurrence of this ailment, so in order to minimize the symptoms a complex approach is required.

Fibromyalgia often causes tension headaches, digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue and irritability, as well as pain in joints and surrounding areas. In some people this disorder is accompanied by memory problems and poor concentration, or by sleep issues.

Given the continuous pain and the physical and psychical tiredness induced by this condition, it’s difficult for a patient to practice conventional exercises, but stepping on a vibrating machine and allowing the device to send energy waves through the muscles can help in temporary relieving the symptoms.

What a vibration machine can do

The effectiveness of exercises performed on a vibration machine in fibro sufferers has been proven by more studies, this form of training and therapy being known to improve circulation and muscle strength, flexibility and balance, and to contribute to stronger bones. When set on a lower frequency, a vibrating machine can be used for massage, rehabilitation, recovery and relaxation purposes, while at higher frequencies the WBV platform can be used for training purposes.

A vibration machine allows one to perform low-impact exercises, and this is critical for people dealing with fibromyalgia, as intense workouts and activities like running or weight lifting can put unnecessary stress on their already suffering joints, muscles and bones. With WBV, the patient stands or sits on the device, and the machine does all the work, so the level of effort is minimal.

Researchers at the University of Barcelona found that WBV can reduce both pain and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia, while a study conducted at the University of Extremadura in Caceres showed that a vibrating machine can improve the coordination and balance in women dealing with this disorder.

These results show that whole body vibration therapy can be an alternative to conventional physiotherapy for people suffering from fibromyalgia or similar conditions.