From Stuck to Flowing: Using a Vibration Plate to Support Your Lymphatic System
If you’ve been with Thereapivity for a while, you already know the lymphatic system is more than popular science.
This system is composed of vessels, tissues, and organs; its primary function is to absorb, filter, and transport fluid that carries waste, excess proteins, fats, and immune cells.
When it’s working well, it helps reduce swelling, infections, inflammation, and nutrient loss.
Think of it as your body’s internal filtration and defense system, except there is no mechanical structure to help it move fluid.
Your lymphatic system depends on movement to keep things flowing. When your movement is limited. lymph flow slows down
From working with clients managing lymphatic conditions, I’ve learned this: it’s not that people don’t want to move—it’s that they often have genuine concerns.
Fearing causing a flare up.
Experiencing discomfort moving in public spaces.
Worrying about doing the wrong thing and make symptoms worse.
These are valid reasons that would keep anyone from sticking with movement—even when it’s know it could help.
One effective way I’ve helped clients overcome the sedentary hurdle is by suggesting alternatives to traditional exercise. My favorite recommendation is whole-body vibration (WBV), similar to the one we have in our office.
It’s low-impact, gentle, and accessible, especially for those seeking recovery from a recent flare-up or dealing with discomfort, fatigue, soreness, or limited mobility.
WBV can stimulate lymphatic flow through the vessels and nodes, providing your body with the lymphatic support it needs without requiring an intense workout.
It’s one of the tools I trust to help clients feel safe while still making progress.
The gentle side-to-side oscillations from our vibration plate causes small, rhythmic muscle contractions, even when a person is just standing still.
This movement works like a mechanical pump, helping move lymphatic fluid through your vessels and nodes to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
I’m sure you want to know who benefits the most from…
In healthy individuals, low-frequency vibrations have been shown to enhance peripheral blood flow and lymphatic return, increasing the speed at which lymph circulates throughout the body and mimicking the effects of light exercise without physical strain.
WBV isn’t meant to replace exercise entirely. The most powerful results occur when it’s used alongside intentional movement. Think of it as a supportive tool that helps bridge the gap when traditional workouts feel like too much and not a shortcut to avoid exercising.
Those managing conditions have also experienced relief through WBV. For instance, lipedema is a condition marked by abnormal fat accumulation in the limbs.
It’s commonly said that the disease isn’t rare, but it’s widely under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed.
A 2020 study involving 30 women with lipedema found that combining manual lymphatic drainage with vibration therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms than lymphatic drainage alone.
Both groups of individuals achieved positive outcomes, despite their health differences.
Before I go any further, please consult with your physician to ensure this service is appropriate for your current health status.
Here’s a list of some conditions that are contraindicated for WBV:
- Hip or knee endoprosthesis
- Osteosynthesis with metal implant in lower body
- Acute vertebral disk herniation
- Recent fracture
- Acute soft tissue injury
- Osteoporosis with vertebral fracture
- Myocardial infarction
- Pacemaker
- Artifical heart valves
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Venous thrombois
- Epilepsy
- Migranes
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Impaired cognition that precludes exercises training
- Deep brain and/or spinal cord stimulation
- Pregnanacy
- Acute limb edema
- Impaired skin integrity
- Tumors or metastases
- Recent Surgery
- Bladder and/or bowel incontinence
.
I know, know! There’s no way you can splurge on another wellness gadget.
No worries, I’ve got you covered.
You can book sessions that include time on the Hypervibe WBV in our office. If you’re considering purchasing one for your home, there are various options available at different price points.
If you do decide to invest in one, I recommend choosing a side-alternating platform since research shows it’s more effective for circulation than vertical-alternating platform.
That said, if you’ve been using a vertical platform and it’s working well for you, let me know!
I’m always open to hearing about what’s helping you feel better. To me, real-life results carry more weight than research.
Until next time!
Here’s a blog about lymphatic drainage which I often use in conjunction with whole body vibration.
Sources:
- Parras-Moltó, A., & Ribas-Serna, J. (2019). Improvements in Pain, Well-being, Arterial Pressure, and Lower Limb Volume Following Andullation Therapy in Healthy and Unhealthy Humans.Dose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society, 17(2), 1559325819840838. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559325819840838
- Bidonde J, Busch AJ, van der Spuy I, Tupper S, Kim SY, Boden C. Whole body vibration exercise training for fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Sep 26;9(9):CD011755. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011755.pub2. PMID: 28950401; PMCID: PMC6483692.
- Dieterich, L. C., Tacconi, C., Ducoli, L., & Detmar, M. (2022). Lymphatic vessels in cancer.Physiological reviews, 102(4), 1837–1879. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00039.2021
- Lohman EB 3rd, Sackiriyas KS, Bains GS, Calandra G, Lobo C, Nakhro D, Malthankar G, Paul S. A comparison of whole body vibration and moist heat on lower extremity skin temperature and skin blood flow in healthy older individuals. Med Sci Monit. 2012 Jul;18(7):CR415-24. doi: 10.12659/msm.883209. PMID: 22739731; PMCID: PMC3560772.
- Games KE, Sefton JM, Wilson AE. Whole-body vibration and blood flow and muscle oxygenation: a meta-analysis. J Athl Train. 2015 May;50(5):542-9. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-50.2.09. PMID: 25974682; PMCID: PMC4560014.
- Schneider R. (2020). Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial.Physiotherapy theory and practice, 36(1), 63–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1479474
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232161368_The_Use_of_Vibration_Exercise_in_Clinical_Populations