Vibration healing is an alternative therapy that involves using a mechanical vibration (administered through specialized equipment) to treat certain health problems or injuries. Also known as vibrational therapy or vibration training, vibration healing is used in a variety of health-care settings (including physical therapy, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine).

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Overview

There are different types of vibration healing, including localized vibration therapy (in which vibration is delivered only to the area of the body in need of treatment) and whole-body vibration (in which treatment is administered through the use of a machine or chair that vibrates the entire body at once).

The vibrations used in vibration healing provide mechanical signals to bone and muscle that may help stimulate various growth factors and jumpstart previously inactive muscle fibers and nerve pathways



A number of health professionals use vibration healing in their practices. While massage therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and practitioners of bodywork are all known to practice vibration therapy, there is no licensure program for this modality.

Uses

In alternative medicine, vibration healing is said to aid in the treatment of these and other health conditions:

• Arthritis
• Cerebral palsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Pain
• Parkinson's disease
• Sports injuries
• Tinnitus

In addition, vibration healing is said to fight osteoporosis by protecting against loss of bone mineral density. Some proponents suggest that vibration healing can also help stimulate the lymphatic system, increase metabolism, regulate blood sugar, improve sports performance, aid in stroke recovery, and promote wound healing.

Benefits 

Although few large-scale clinical trials have tested the health effects of vibration healing, a number of studies suggest that it may offer a range of benefits. Here's a look at several study findings on vibration healing:

Bone Health

So far, research on the use of vibration healing in treatment or prevention of osteoporosis has yielded mixed results. In a 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a 12-month-long clinical trial involving 202 postmenopausal women found that whole-body vibration failed to improve bone mineral density or bone structure.

Meanwhile, a number of small studies (including a 2013 clinical trial published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, which involved 28 postmenopausal women and a six-month treatment period) have found that whole-body vibration may help improve bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and other areas of the body.

Fibromyalgia

A number of small studies have shown that vibration healing may aid in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2008, patients who underwent a six-week treatment program that included both whole-body vibration and exercise therapy had significantly greater improvements in pain and fatigue (compared to those whose treatment program solely consisted of exercise therapy). The study involved a total of 36 women with fibromyalgia.

Multiple Sclerosis

Vibration healing may benefit people with multiple sclerosis, according to a pilot study published in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2005. In a trial involving 12 patients with multiple sclerosis, those treated with whole-body vibration showed greater improvements in postural control and mobility (compared to patients assigned to a placebo treatment).

Parkinson's Disease

A small study published in NeuroRehabilitation in 2009 indicates that vibration healing may be helpful to people with Parkinson's disease. In an experiment involving 40 patients with Parkinson's disease, researchers observed that whole-body vibration helped to improve motor control and functioning, as well as reduce rigidity and tremors.

Tinnitus

In a small study published in the International Tinnitus Journal in 2005, 15 patients with tinnitus experienced long-term improvements in their symptoms after undergoing vibration healing.

Although the long-term health effects of vibration healing are unknown (due to a lack of research), there's some concern that repeatedly undergoing vibration healing may lead to very small tears in muscles or fractures in bones.