Written by Morgan Hopkins, DPT, CMTPT
According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization, 30% of postmenopausal Caucasian women in the US have osteoporosis and 54% have osteopenia. That accounts for millions of Americans and creates great concern for the risk of fractures and subsequent effects on quality of life. While advances in prescription medication have improved drastically, side effects including gastrointestinal distress, headache, and muscle and joint pain have some sufferers on the hunt for alternative treatment strategies.
Weight-bearing exercise has long been known to be beneficial for bone health, however recent research is exploding in the use of vibration therapy and its potential impacts on bone mineral density. Follow along as we review the evidence and talk about our favorite vibration therapy products on the market today.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by a reduction in the density and strength of bone tissue. Over time, osteoporosis will lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. In severe cases, even mild stresses such as a sneeze or twist can cause bones to break, severely impacting day-to-day functioning. Although fractures can happen in any part of the body, they are most commonly seen in the hip and vertebral bodies of the spine. Given both the mental and physical implications of osteoporosis, it can have a significant impact on a person’s functional independence, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a silent disease as many individuals aren’t diagnosed until after an injury or fracture occurs. Being proactive about bone health is important as we age and certain measures, such as regular weight-bearing exercise, can and should be performed throughout the lifespan to mitigate risk.
Specific risk factors for osteoporosis include but are not limited to:
Even in healthy individuals, after the age of 35, bones break down faster than they build up. Supplementing your routine with calcium and vitamin D and incorporating regular exercise are all important to protect bone health.
Ongoing studies continue to be performed related to vibration therapy and its effect on bone mineral density. While some results are mixed, there is good data to support that with the correct parameters, vibration can reduce the decline of bone mineral density loss in postmenopausal women. The exact mechanisms are unknown but some propose the vibration directly stimulates bone formation while others believe the benefits are secondary to enhanced muscular tone. Besides the direct impact on bone quality, another well-defined benefit is its ability to reduce fall risk through improved balance. This is particularly important for individuals with osteoporosis who are inherently at a higher risk of bony fractures.
 | Power Plate Vibration Plate Machine with Compact Design | MOVE View Product |
When it comes to products in the vibration plate market, the Power Plate Compact Vibration Plate stands out as an industry leader. Offering 6 settings and upwards of 50 vibrations per second, it is able to challenge your balance, stability, and strength all in a compact, portable device.
Benefits of use include improved muscle activation, increased calorie burn, enhanced bone mineral density, improved circulation, and augmented muscle recovery and pain relief. For an individual with osteoporosis, it can help improve the quality of bone while increasing muscle strength and enhancing overall balance. Combined with medical management and a well-rounded diet, it can be a great adjunct to comprehensive management of the condition. Note, if the user is at an elevated risk of falling or concerned with stability while on the device, an optional stability bar is available for purchase and offers added safety and confidence.
In short, yes. Not only can the Power Plate have a positive effect on bone health but it also has been shown to improve coordination and balance, fending off fall risk and subsequent osteoporosis-related fractures.
Although not extensive, there are a number of studies and ongoing research that support its benefits. As a newer form of therapy, there will certainly be more research done in the future.
Oftentimes, no. For as serious as the condition can be, pain typically doesn’t arise until after an injury has occurred. That said, if osteoporosis leads to a fracture, say of the hip or spine, it can be extremely painful and lead to great difficulty in day-to-day functioning. Worth noting, osteoarthritis, a condition that sounds similar but is quite different, does lead to significant joint pain and is associated with degeneration of joint cartilage. Ultimately, it is extremely important to be proactive about your bone health, be aware of your risk level, and have your bone mineral density tested regularly.
For the general population, vibration therapy is safe and effective when used appropriately and in moderation. That said, vibration plates are not appropriate for individuals with heart disease, a pacemaker, metal plating or pinning, muscle injury, or those that are pregnant. It’s also recommended that treatment duration be maintained at or around 15 minutes to reduce potential long-term effects on the brain and vision.
With approximately 10 million individuals living with osteoporosis, it is essential that both proactive measures and effective treatment strategies continue to evolve. While medical and dietary management is an essential component of osteoporosis treatment, expanding research is being completed into modalities such as vibration therapy. Besides its well-supported benefits of enhanced muscle activation, improved calorie burn, and improved coordination, it can also reduce age-related bone mineral density loss and reduce fall risk in older adults.
For more information related to vibration therapy and related devices, check out our full listing of products here. While you’re there, feel free to explore our informational portal, Caregiver University, which provides expert-written buying guides, research reviews, and educational content to help you make the most informed medical device decisions.
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Morgan Hopkins is a licensed doctor of physical therapy and freelance medical writer. She practiced clinically in outpatient orthopedics for 8+ years specializing in intramuscular dry needling, dance medicine, and post-operative care. Morgan seeks to be a leader in the continued shift toward preventative healthcare, helping people optimize movement now so they can move for years to come. She is a firm believer in complementary therapies, holistic wellness, and functional fitness and is thrilled to be able to educate others through Rehabmart’s platform.
