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Tuesday 1 June 2010

Medical Conditions and the benefits of Vibration training

Using the Power Plate exercise machines at Unique fitness can have a very beneficial effect on people with certain medical conditions, especially where high impact and physically exerting exercises are not recommended or can no longer be undertaken.



Vibration exercise using Power Plate machines is becoming accepted in the medical field for the treatment of different types of illnesses and injuries. For example Power Plate machines allow people with osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's Disease to exercise while working within their personal physical limitations. In addition the vibration exercise also helps alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.



People with the following conditions may benefit significantly from vibration training on Power Plate machines at Unique Fitness;



Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Arthritis, Rheumatism and Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, Lower Back Pain, Obesity, Circulation problems, Lymph Oedema, Varicose Veins,
Arthritis, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Diabetes, Obesity



It is well known that individuals suffering from these conditions, as well as many other diseases, benefit significantly from physical activity. Unfortunately, more often than not, conventional exercise for them isn’t an option because of loss of muscular strength, co-ordination, balance, joint pain, poor circulation or embarrassment.

 Because of the low impact nature of vibration training the benefits of physical exercise are once more available for many of those no longer able to perform traditional physical activities. Also the discrete nature of our exercise rooms means that you can train and exercise privately or with just one or two other people, not a whole heaving gym full!

 Power Plate exercise machines will stimulate the body’s natural ability to increase muscular strength, balance, blood circulation, lymph system drainage, endocrine system response and bone mineral density. Sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis and other debilitating conditions are now able to fight the effects of these disabling diseases. Although sadly not a cure for these afflictions, vibration therapy can provide relief from many of the symptoms suffered and can hopefully improve quality of life.

Rheumatism and Fibromyalgia

Rheumatic afflictions are considered by some to be an auto-immune disorder in which immune complexes are formed (usually in the joints), exciting an inflammatory response. This causes pain that makes traditional training practically impossible. Patients with this kind of symptom can use the vibration training because practical experience has shown that the inflammations do not deteriorate. Many patients suffering from rheumatism or fibromyalgia can decrease the amount

Osteoporosis

Scientific research has proved that bone density increases significantly under the influence of vibration training.


Lower Back Pain

Weakened lower back muscles are often the cause of these complaints. These muscles can be strengthened using vibration therapy. Lower back pain has been found to decrease by as much as 66% in some cases.

Poor Circulation

The rhythmic contractions of the muscle encourage blood circulation. While training, your capillaries will enlarge so that blood will flow into even the smallest vessels.

Lymph Drainage

Reduction in lymph oedema is achieved by improving circulation to the lymphatic system, thereby helping remove waste and bacteria from the system more effectively than passive range of motion or electrical muscle stimulation. What’s more, most people suffering from lymph oedema are highly sensitive to physical contact on the oedema. This contact can be avoided with vibration therapy. People suffering lymph oedema will highly appreciate relaxing exercises with both calves in an elevated position on the vibrating plate!

Varicose Veins

Blood from the lower limbs is pumped back to the heart using valves in the blood vessels, which stop the blood returning to the lower extremities. Varicose veins are caused when these valves leak. As vibration training causes a huge increase in circulation it can improve the return of blood from the lower limbs if used on a regular basis, especially when performing exercises dynamically. It should be noted that it is advised that you massage around varicose veins manually before using the machines.

Severe Diabetes

As whole body vibration therapy causes a rapid decline in blood glucose levels, it is not recommended that diabetics use the machines. However, the nature of the training means that it is ideal to improve the physical condition of diabetics.

Therefore, we suggest you talk to your specialist about using this type of exercise regime and, subject to their approval, we can work with you to design an entire training schedule for you.

Sports Injuries

Athletes and sportspeople in endurance or impact sports have to deal with injuries picked up in training and competition, or with lower backaches and strains caused through excessive stress on the body. Using the vibration machines these complaints can be treated quickly and efficiently and the body’s own healing process can be greatly assisted.

Many professional sports teams have found Power Plate machines to be indispensable for rehabilitation. The ability to strengthen muscles without strain on joints and ligaments can be extremely valuable for patients with rehabilitation needs. Increased blood circulation helps bring oxygen to inflamed areas to promote healing, while improved lymphatic flow helps drain fluid build-up from injured tissue. Physiotherapists around the world have found the benefits of Power Plate machines invaluable.

Contra Indications

If you suffer from the following medical conditions you must consult your doctor before using vibration training : epilepsy, severe diabetes, severe heart and vascular diseases, hernia, discopathy, spondylitis, headache, long lasting fever, implants, kidney and gallstones, pacemaker, rheumatic athritis, recently placed metal pins or bolts, thrombosis , tumours, recent inflammations, recent wounds resulting from an operation, pregnancy, severe migraine and long term use of medicine (in particular painkillers and corticosteroides).



Do´s



Inexperienced users should always use the appropriate programme provided by your intructor/Personal Trainer

Wear comfortable footwear and sportswear.

Always remove the mat when doing exercises during which your feet are on the plate.

Always stop exercising immediately if feeling dizzy or light-headed.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after using vibration training. It is very easy to get dehydrated.

Inexperienced users should leave 48 hours between sessions.

For the best results select a vibration frequency of 30Hz, 35Hz or 40Hz for strengthening and stretching, with 40Hz or 50Hz for massage.

Dynamic exercises should be performed under control with good technique.

Always put the weight on the middle of the platform.



Dont's



Never use the vibrations training if you suffer from one or more of the contra indications without consulting your doctor.

Never sit on the platform with a straight back.

Never put your head or stomach on the platform.

The vibration platform should never carry more than 140 kg/308 lbs.

Inexperienced users should not train in the “high-amplitude” mode, until comfortable with the vibration.

Never do the stretching exercises quickly, let the tension increase slowly.



Testimonial

I have MS. I don’t have a lot of energy, and what I have needs to be conserved for the daily necessities of existence.



I used to be a professional sportsman. I am accustomed to pushing myself in training with a view to gaining positive, tangible benefits. The two seemed incompatible. If I exercised, I risked exhaustion . If I didn’t, I felt lethargic, inadequate, unfulfilled. That’s where Coach qu and  Power Plate comes in.






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