Vibration therapy may help strengthen bones, relieve pain, prevent falls, and improve strength, quality of life, and balance in people living with osteoporosis.
Vibration therapy is a type of therapy that enables muscles to contract and relax many times per second through mechanical vibrations delivered by standing on an oscillating platform.
Muscle contractions, due to their attachment to bone, inherently place good stress on the bone, forcing it to respond and grow.
Scientists began experimenting with vibration therapy when they discovered that astronauts experienced bone loss while in space for long periods. These results initiated numerous studies to examine whether vibration therapy is a viable option for people living with osteoporosis.
Keep reading to learn more about the types, benefits, and possible risks of vibration therapy for osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that causes bones to weaken, making them fragile and brittle. This fragility can result in fractures with life altering, and even life threatening, outcomes.
There are two main types of vibration therapy, according to the Royal Osteoporosis Society:
- Whole body vibration (WBV): This type focuses on higher frequency vibrations throughout the whole body. WBV machines, like PowerPlate, are typically seen in gyms and fitness studios. They can create a wide range of intensity, measured by the amplitude (height) and speed (frequency) of the vibration.
- Low intensity vibration (LIV): This type sends lower intensity signals. LIV machines tend to look like bathroom scales and send tiny vibrations upward from the feet and up to the lower spine. The force from these machines is less aggressive than what’s provided by WBV machines.
Local muscle vibration (LMV) has also been used and
Vibration therapy may have several benefits for people living with osteoporosis, although research is still ongoing.
According to a 2024 review, vibration therapy may help:
- increase bone density
- prevent falls in older adults
- improve balance and coordination
- relieve joint pain
- increase muscle activation, strength, power, and flexibility
- relieve chronic back pain
- improve lung function and exercise capacity
- improve quality of life
Fall prevention is especially important for people with osteoporosis. According to the
Researchers have examined how different levels of intensity may benefit osteoporosis, whether WBV or LIV is more suitable, and how long treatments should last.
A 2016 review found that the most promising and consistent results regarding vibration therapy for osteoporosis stem from LIV.
However, the 2024 review highlighted above found many benefits for WBV. The authors also found that vibration therapy may have more general benefits, both in clinical and fitness settings. These may include:
- slowing down bone deterioration
- improving cardiovascular and metabolic function
- boosting the immune system
- promoting weight loss and fat reduction
If you’re considering vibration therapy, speak with a healthcare professional. They could recommend the best therapy plan for you or connect you with a specialist.
There are currently no guidelines on how to use vibration therapy for osteoporosis, and researchers are still examining its short- and long-term effects.
The authors of a 2024 review concluded that low-amplitude WBV is a safe and effective therapy for osteoporosis, as no adverse effects have so far been reported. However, this means that vibration plates at the gym or studio may be too aggressive.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying vibration therapy for osteoporosis.
Certain types of vibration therapy, the frequency used, and the amplitude of the vibrations should all be carefully considered when using vibration therapy for aging or brittle bones.
Although researchers suggest that low-amplitude vibration therapy is generally safe, it may not be for everyone.
According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, you may want to consider limiting vibration therapy if you:
- have a history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
- have a pacemaker
- are pregnant
- have ear problems or wear hearing aids
- have a joint replacement, such as a knee or hip
- experience dizziness
A healthcare professional could help determine whether vibration therapy may be beneficial for you based on your individual circumstances.
Vibration therapy has many benefits and may also help prevent the deterioration of bone, which is useful in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Vibration therapy may be a viable adjunct treatment option for those living with osteoporosis, especially for maintaining balance, increasing muscle mass, and preventing falls.
If you are curious about vibration therapy, talk with your medical care team. They can help you with assessing your unique health profile and the potential benefits of vibration therapy.
