2012年4月17日 星期二

Whole Body Vibration and Scoliosis Treatment


Over the last century, they have come up with a variety of protocols for some of the milder forms of scoliosis as well as a number of stabilization therapies to prevent some of the catastrophic outcomes of severe scoliosis.

This article will not concern itself with the discussion of the more severe form of the disorder, nor with the philosophical reasoning of whether chiropractic is the treatment of choice. However, I shall outline how Whole Body Vibration can assist the practitioner in the field and their patients in their efforts to treat scoliosis. Most doctors today agree that Sensible Scoliosis treatment protocols are clearly geared towards mobilization, correction and stabilization.

Treatment Concepts

The concave side of the scoliosis pattern typically presents itself with shortened, soft and connective fibers, decreased ROM, osseous fixation and hypo-mobility, often leading to chronic pain.

The convex side, alternatively, often presents itself as hyper-mobile, with fibers which are overstretched and lack integrity or strength, often causing the acute pain cycles.

The primary goal of treatment, thus, should be to increase motion first in the fixated areas, then stabilize the hyper mobile areas.

Research by Prof. Vladimir Janda, MD, showed that a patient's awareness of their position in the 3 dimensional room is of great importance in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This falls under the category of proprioceptive training and falls under the stabilization phase.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

WBV is a modality in which a mechanical stimulation characterized by an oscillatory motion of a platform. The user is then placed on the platform. The motion of the platform creates a rapid acceleration/deceleration motion of the body part aligned with the stroke motion of the platform. Any tissue directly in line with the motion of the platform is now exposed to a rapid loading and unloading. This creates a physiologic response in those tissues equivalent to exercising. Basically, WBV produces an adaptive response in tissues and this response is both morphological as well as neurophysiological.

Forty years of research has clearly demonstrated that these adaptive responses can be utilized to either loosen tissues by lengthening muscle fibers or to strengthen muscles. This is how WBV drastically reduces the time required to achieve these physiological outcomes; a proper WBV work out routine requires as little as 12-15 minutes training per session, at 2 to 3 times per week intervals.

Physics of WBV

The intensity of the vibrations is determined by 3 factors: amplitude, frequency and magnitude of the motion. The height of each movement determines the amplitude, generally expressed in mm.

The rate of oscillation per second determines the frequency, which is usually listed as Hertz (Hz); i.e., 10 Hz represent 10 oscillations per second.

The rise of each oscillation determines the magnitude, typically expressed in g-forces.

Most research studies have focused on ranges from 10 to 50 Hz, which is considered low frequency, low amplitude vibration.

Mechanical platforms tend to displace anywhere from 3 to 10 mm and produce acceleration factors of 1.8 to 15g, depending on the manufacturer.

WBV and Scoliosis Treatment

A number of doctors around the country have already created specialized protocols incorporating various combination's of WBV, traction, rehab exercises in the treatment of scoliosis.1

As mentioned above, the purpose of scoliosis treatment is to:

a) Improve the pliability in the areas which are too rigid and

b) Then to repositioning of the osseous structures via manipulation.

c) Then improve strength and power in the tissues which lack strength.

d) To stabilize the structures, and

e) Finally, improve the patient's proprioceptive abilities.

WBV can help limbering and loosening tight tissues. The vibrating impulses stimulate the Golgi tendon apparatus in muscles that have become tight and constricted. This activates a stretch and release reflex similar to the mechanisms used in the PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique), resulting in a high measure of muscular relaxation.

Secondly, WBV helps to strengthen tissues.

Vibration stimulates innate muscle spindle activation by increasing the load on the tissue. This rapid continual firing is known as the Tonic Vibratory Reflex. It is regulated via spinal reflex arc not unlike the Knee Jerk Reflex. Years of research of WBV have shown marked improvements in static, dynamic and explosive strength and power.3

Finally, the body responds to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) by activating involuntary postural muscles and increasing proprioceptive (balance) input into the brain. Thus performing ROM and spinal neuromuscular reeducation exercises while on a vibrational platform serves the function of increasing spinal stabilization via improving postural and spatial awareness. It is important to note that vibration is equally perceived by skin, joints and others secondary endings, resulting in rapid improvements in flexibility, joint stabilization, sensory motor feedback (proprioception) and body awareness.

I believe that WBV falls very nicely into the category of adjunctive therapy that enhances what our body innately wants to accomplish-move freely through the 3 dimensional room without pain or restrictions!




Dr. Christian H. Reichardt, DC, CCSP, (drreichardt@powervibeusa.com) has been a practicing doctor of chiropractic since 1983. He was a disability evaluator for the State of California, but then turned his attention from work-related injuries to sports injuries due to his own involvement in sports. Dr. Reichardt has been using Whole Body Vibration technology for the past 15 years and is an owner and President of PowerVibe LLC - a leading company in quality yet affordable Whole Body Vibration equipment in the United States. Check out PowerVibe at http://www.powervibeusa.com





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