Lymphedema and Full Body Vibration Plate.

Happyflowerlady

Happyflowerlady

Vagabond Flowerchild
Location
Northern Alabama
I have a lot of edema in my legs and feet from the CHF, and I was reading about a therapy device called a Vibration Plate. It is a little box shaped device that you stand on and it gives you a strong vibration over your whole body. It is helpful for people with foot neuropathy. diabetes, poor circulation, MS, arthritis, and quite a few other ailments.

I found one on Amazon that was on sale, and it was covered by my Medicare Advantage plan, so I ordered it. There are a lot of different ones , at varying prices, and with what they can do. Some even have electrical impulses, along with the vibration.
People use these devices and do exercises on them, but my balance is not up for any of that; however, even just sitting in a chair and putting your feet on the machine is helpful for legs and feet.

This is how I started wit mine. I sat and put my feet on it and afterwards (5-10 min), my legs felt much better. I have been doing that, and even Marco Poodle likes it. He climbed right on the machine and put his little paws up in my lap and vibrated right along with me. It is supposed to be great therapy for animals, too.

Yesterday, I talked with my cardiologist about it and asked if it was a good thing. He said it was very beneficial, and to keep using it. So, today, I moved it where I could hang on to something for support and balance and did the standing up full body vibration, and I am amazed at how much better I feel already !

I am going to start with short therapy times, 2-3 times a day, and gradually use it longer, as I build up strength. It is supposed to help circulation, and also bone density, which is important for us older folks, especially ladies.
This video is by Dr. Terry Wahls, the MS doctor, so she focuses on that, but it also talks about other ailments that this therapy can help.

 
Happyflowerlady said:
I have a lot of edema in my legs and feet from the CHF, and I was reading about a therapy device called a Vibration Plate. It is a little box shaped device that you stand on and it gives you a strong vibration over your whole body. It is helpful for people with foot neuropathy. diabetes, poor circulation, MS, arthritis, and quite a few other ailments.

I found one on Amazon that was on sale, and it was covered by my Medicare Advantage plan, so I ordered it. There are a lot of different ones , at varying prices, and with what they can do. Some even have electrical impulses, along with the vibration.
People use these devices and do exercises on them, but my balance is not up for any of that; however, even just sitting in a chair and putting your feet on the machine is helpful for legs and feet.

This is how I started wit mine. I sat and put my feet on it and afterwards (5-10 min), my legs felt much better. I have been doing that, and even Marco Poodle likes it. He climbed right on the machine and put his little paws up in my lap and vibrated right along with me. It is supposed to be great therapy for animals, too.

Yesterday, I talked with my cardiologist about it and asked if it was a good thing. He said it was very beneficial, and to keep using it. So, today, I moved it where I could hang on to something for support and balance and did the standing up full body vibration, and I am amazed at how much better I feel already !

I am going to start with short therapy times, 2-3 times a day, and gradually use it longer, as I build up strength. It is supposed to help circulation, and also bone density, which is important for us older folks, especially ladies.
This video is by Dr. Terry Wahls, the MS doctor, so she focuses on that, but it also talks about other ailments that this therapy can help.

Click to expand...
Thank you so much for this information. I could probably benefit from it. I will check with my cardiologist and hope my plan covers it. Funny but when you don't have family and most of your friends are gone you can miss a lot. Senior Forums is helping to fill the void.
 
I remember trying a larger version of that at the state fair years ago. They were touting them as the answer to everything.

I agreed to try one and the salesman told me to touch my toes. Touch my toes? Only if they're attached to my knees.....and I couldn't get much further than that.

Then I stood on one for about 90 seconds and he said, try now. Man, I went down smoothly and touched them! Of course, later, I was back to my old ways, but I can say it really worked right then.

If the price hadn't been so prohibitive, I might have considered getting one. I'm sure the smaller versions are much more reasonable. I'm going to look into that.
 
The Whole Body Vibration does not take long to help you feel better, but you have to keep using it to keep having the benefits, @jujube . There are some books about WBV and I am just now reading one about WBV for Seniors by Becky Chambers, who has several books out on this topic.
She says that the vibration helps the mind as well as the body, and helps with serotonin production, so it can help with depression, and possibly even with early dementia.

All of her books are on Kindle Unlimited, so easy to read them if you have that subscription, and YouTube has a lot of videos about WBV.
It looks like it has been used for quite a few years by athletes, but seniors are just now discovering the benefits; so many of the YouTube videos focus on doing workout exercises on the vibration plate.
Becky said that is fine for athletes, but for seniors, just standing on one, is sufficient, and even just 1-2 minutes at a time to start is good.

The one I have is a Merach, and it was on sale for around $100 on Amazon. I just looked, and there are some even cheaper than that, so they come in a wide range of prices.
My Advantage plan has an allowance of $150 each year for fitness, and it covers things like activity trackers, exercise equipment, and even classes on health or fitness. When I called and asked if the vibration plate was covered, she said it was; so I ordered it, and they sent me a check to reimburse the cost.

When you first do a full body vibration standing on the machine, it can make your head feel a little weird , but once I got used to the feeling, I discovered that I feel really, really good after I spend several minutes standing on the machine.
Before bed, I sit and put my feet on it just to relax everything before sleeping.

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I think that Life Pro is one of the best ones, @katlupe , and I am sure you are going to love it once you start using it. Mine has little foot massage knobs that fit on it, and can go on and off easily.
I just tried those last night for a foot massage before i went to bed, and you can really feel your feet vibrating and getting a deep massage with these. Afterwards, I had more awareness of feeling in my toes, and all over the bottoms of my feet.

I started out just sitting and putting my feet on the vibration plate to get used to using it, and now I do a combination of both. When you are standing , you can really feel that the muscles in your legs have exercised, so I do not want to overdo that right at first.
The info says that 10 minutes is like a half hour of walking or swimming; so it is no wonder that my calf muscles feel it afterwards.
When you lean, even just a little, you can feel different muscle groups working, and I especially like neck leaning, and feeling it in my head differently.
This is my vibration plate.

IMG_0128.jpeg
 
Thank you for this info Yvonne, it looks very helpful. I will look into this. BTW, I can touch my toes without it. I'm amazingly flexible for a person who has trouble walking, maybe it's balance. There are almost no yoga poses I can't do, for example. Seeing me in this type workout one would definitely assume I have no problems, but boy, do I ever!
 
I was looking at those a year ago thinking that would be good to do, but by the time I read through all the contraindications it just felt too worrisome.

Most manufacturers caution that people with the following diagnosis should NOT USE A VIBRATION PLATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES:​
​
  • Recent Inflammations, infections and/or fever
  • Recent arthritis flare
  • Recent migraine
  • New or severe epilepsy (i.e., needs to be controlled with medication and with physician approval)
  • Retinal detachment (or a high risk of retinal detachment)
  • Recent hernia
  • Recent injury
  • Fresh (surgical) Wounds, recent surgery of any type.
  • Recent fractures (Always check with physician after minimum 6-8 weeks of healing for physician approval regarding timing of beginning or resuming use)
  • Implants of the spine
  • Recent or chronic deep vein thromboses or other thrombotic disorder
  • Recent spine or disc related problems, spondylolysis (a stress fracture of the vertebrae), gliding spondylolisthesis (misalignment of the vertebrae from front to back) or fractures
  • Severe osteoporosis or low bone density with BMD < 70mg/ml
  • Spasticity (after stroke/ spinal cord lesion…)
  • Tumors with metastases in the musculoskeletal system
  • Vertigo or positional dizziness
  • Recent myocardial infarction
  • Organ failure
  • Recent Joint replacements (check with surgeon minimum of six months post-surgery for approval before beginning or resuming use)
Manufacturers, as would be expected, are very conservative and caution that people diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions should check with their physician before beginning or continuing, an exercise program with a vibration plate:​
​
  • Kidney or bladder stones
  • Pregnancy
  • Epilepsy
  • Seizures
  • Cancer or tumors
  • A pacemaker
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Metal or synthetic implants (including: some types of pacemakers, artificial cardiac valves, recent stents, intrauterine device, joint replacements, spine implants/plates/screws, implanted contraceptive device, or brain implants), cochlear implants.
  • Heart failure
  • Irregular heart rate or arrhythmias
  • Untreated orthostatic hypotension.
  • Gallstones, kidney stones, or bladder stones
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis from autoimmune diseases
  • Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis
  • Recent surgery
  • Recent thrombosis or hernia
  • Serious cardiovascular disease
  • Severe diabetes
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Movement disorders or Parkinson’s
  • Migraines
  • Chondromalacia of the joints of the lower extremities, osteonecrosis, and chondrosis
  • Arterial circulation disorders
  • Venous insufficiency, especially with skin ulcer
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome / Morbus Sudeck Stadium II (CRPS)
  • Lymphatic edema
  • Postoperative wound
  • Joint replacements — no use of vibration plate for minimum six months after joint replacement surgery, after that, check with surgeon regarding whether the device can help strengthen the bone to implant bonding
  • History of spine disorder including fracture, disc disorders, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or spondylosis
  • History of spinal cord injury
  • Osteoporosis or low bone density
  • Inner ear problems including: dizziness, headache, lower-limb spasticity
  • Hardware loosening (plates, rods or screws as a result of previous surgery)
  • Currently taking blood thinner medication such as anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications
Other than that, you’re good to go! ​
 
That is a really long list, for sure; and as I already mentioned, I did check with my cardiologist before doing anything except sitting in a chair and vibrating my feet and legs. My doctor said they are great and it would be good for me to use it. I was concerned about having the pacemaker, so I asked the doctor who checked my pacemaker as well as my cardiologist, and he said it was fine for me also.
Nothing is the perfect answer for everything or everybody, so if you have a medical condition, it is good to check with your doctor before starting any new kind of health program.
I am just sharing my experiences with the vibration plate, in the hopes it can also help others here.

IMG_0134.jpegIMG_0133.jpeg
 
My vibration plate is mostly square, where a lot of them are rectangular, I have noticed. This means I can stand on mine facing any direction, and it really makes a difference in the vibrations you get.
Standing facing the power buttons, I get a sideways vibration, and i can shift my weight from one leg to the other. If I turn sideways to the controls, then it is a forwards-backwards motion, which is much more strenuous on my body. I have been experimenting with all of it, while holding on to my exercise bike handles for balance support.

I have the machine set for 5 minute workouts, but I still have to figure out how to change the vibration intensity. I use it 2-3 times during the day, and right before bed, I do the foot massage.
Today, I noticed that the skin on my legs is not stretched tight, and the color is good , with no purple discoloration around my feet and ankles. No skin weeping anymore, either.
Walking is easier, and even my balance feels better.
I discovered when I was reading through my doctor’s notes from the visit last week, that when he wrote about my leg edema, he mentioned that I had gotten a vibration plate to help with lymph drainage.
 
I have been using my Vibration Plate for almost a month now, and I have really noticed a difference in how well I can walk, and even my balance is better. I try to stand on it, listen to music and sing along, for 10 minutes 1-2 a day, and then I sit on my chair with my feet vibrating before going to bed at night.
It seems like my leg muscles are improving, and I can walk with strides, instead of the usual shuffle I have developed .

In the morning, before I have breakfast, I do my first 10 minutes, and that helps limber me up all over. I read that singing and humming helps stimulate the thyroid, and when I sing, I can feel the throat vibration (and not so much when I am not singing); so I just choose a Pandora playlist of old 60‘s songs that i can sing along with, and give it my best vibrato.

On days that I swim, I usually only stand on the machine once, plus the nighttime foot vibration session. On other days, I try for another late afternoon standing session. I am able to swim and be less tired now, too.
 
My feet and lower legs are barely swelling at all anymore, since I started using the vibration plate. What really amazes me is how much better I am walking, even on inclines, which I used to have to hang on to my husband to manage if the ground was not level.
I always feel so energized after my 10-15 minutes on the vibration plate, too !
I have just been bouncing around today, and getting things done in good fashion (for me), and still have lots of energy. Of course, I know that I am going to have up-energy days and down-energy days, and this is definitely an up-energy one.

We went to the fitness center yesterday and i swam for my hour, so today should be a recuperation day, but I am not feeling the need for resting, like usual.
 
I'm so glad you're finding it helpful Happyflowerlady. I'm hoping this diabetic neuropathy stays mild or completely at bay. Sometimes I feel I have it, sometimes not. I've seen those machines advertised. As I was reading your OP, I wondered if I could use something like that if I sat while using it. Then reading @HoneyNut's post about who shouldn't use it or consult with doctor first, I saw arrythmia listed.

I suffered with atrial fibrillation for decades. I remember I had to get out of my BFF's jacuzzi and get in the pool instead because the bubbling water disturbed my heart. I also can't use those vibrating chairs. Hopefully, I'll never need such a device. But if I do and find I can't tolerate it, at least Amazon is good with returns.
 
Happyflowerlady said:
I have a lot of edema in my legs and feet from the CHF, and I was reading about a therapy device called a Vibration Plate. It is a little box shaped device that you stand on and it gives you a strong vibration over your whole body. It is helpful for people with foot neuropathy. diabetes, poor circulation, MS, arthritis, and quite a few other ailments.

I found one on Amazon that was on sale, and it was covered by my Medicare Advantage plan, so I ordered it. There are a lot of different ones , at varying prices, and with what they can do. Some even have electrical impulses, along with the vibration.
People use these devices and do exercises on them, but my balance is not up for any of that; however, even just sitting in a chair and putting your feet on the machine is helpful for legs and feet.

This is how I started wit mine. I sat and put my feet on it and afterwards (5-10 min), my legs felt much better. I have been doing that, and even Marco Poodle likes it. He climbed right on the machine and put his little paws up in my lap and vibrated right along with me. It is supposed to be great therapy for animals, too.

Yesterday, I talked with my cardiologist about it and asked if it was a good thing. He said it was very beneficial, and to keep using it. So, today, I moved it where I could hang on to something for support and balance and did the standing up full body vibration, and I am amazed at how much better I feel already !

I am going to start with short therapy times, 2-3 times a day, and gradually use it longer, as I build up strength. It is supposed to help circulation, and also bone density, which is important for us older folks, especially ladies.
This video is by Dr. Terry Wahls, the MS doctor, so she focuses on that, but it also talks about other ailments that this therapy can help.

Click to expand...
I need to get one of those for edema and circulation and neuropathy. I have diabetes type 2 but it's still not too bad in numbers but my feet bother me with swelling and weird sensations. Thanks for sharing that information!💓
 
Before i got my vibration plate, I looked at the list of people who should not use it, but not such a huge list as Honey Nut posted. I was concerned becasue I have a-fib and heart failure, plus a pacemaker.
I talked with both the pacemaker doctor and my cardiologist about whether it was safe for me to use, and both of them said it was not only safe for me, but would probably be a big help , and it has been.

I think that it is always a good idea to ask your doctor, if you have a health condition you are concerned about. There are things that are not safe for me because of the pacemaker, that most people can use, like a TENS machine. My husband uses one all the time for muscle pain, but I can’t use it because the electrical current can affect the pacemaker.

I do not know what amlodipine even is, @RedAlert76 ? As far as i know, I do not use anything like that, just my heart meds and my Armour thyroid.
I have had the leg and foot swelling for years, and I take furosemide for it sometimes. It is from the CHF.
The vibration plate helps with my leg circulation, and I can feel the difference in my legs when I use it. It is also supposed to help drain lymph, because the vibration activates all of our muscles when we use it.
 
I have the EMS pad type, I did not feel like I was getting much from it [my concerns are mostly neuropathy] . I used it for about two months and no change but, after doing some additional research it [might]be that I used it on too high a setting, and for too long as well ? I am going to start again at lower intensity and see if it changes anything ??
 
Thank you to the OP for telling us about a device that I'd never heard of, and others who posted their opinions and information about it. I just ordered one (after having checked with my doctor(s). I'm excited to try it out.
 
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