Vibrotherapy - supports the treatment of paresis
Vibrotherapy treatments increase muscle strength and improve balance, reducing muscular paresis of various origins.
How does it work?
The vibration wave transmitted through the muscle activates vibration-sensitive muscle receptors, which engages a number of additional motor units in movement, contributing to the generation of a reflex response of sustained contraction of the vibration-treated muscle, while relaxing its primary antagonists. In addition, vibrotherapy increases local and systemic circulation and activates enzymes of muscle metabolism.
When and for whom?
Vibrotherapy supports the treatment of paresis in patients with multiple sclerosis, post-stroke, spasticity, hemiplegia or cerebral palsy. In addition, it can be used in prevention programmes to reduce the risk of paresis of the upper and lower limbs in people at risk of muscular atrophy, such as during prolonged clinical bed rest.
Effectiveness
Just a single session of vibration therapy (whole-body vibration) produced significant short-term increases in muscle strength in people with spinal cord injury. It was also shown that stroke patients may benefit more from 3 additional weeks of combined whole-body vibration and balance training than from comprehensive hospital treatment including a geriatric rehabilitation programme.
Bosveld R, Field-Fote EC. Single-dose effects of whole body vibration on quadriceps strength in individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med. 2015 Nov;38(6):784-91
Benefits of vibrotherapy
No side effects
Action confirmed by scientists and practitioners
Perceptible effects from 1 treatment
Long-lasting effects through systematic use
Choose the right product
We will help you select a set of modules that suits your conditions.
Paresis - definition
Paresis is a condition characterised by a reduction in voluntary movement or partial loss or impairment of movement. In neurology, the term 'paresis' is used to describe weakness. In comparison, the term 'plegia' is used to describe paralysis, in which all voluntary movement disappears. Paresis is a condition in which there is weakness of muscle strength or complete loss of muscle control. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma, neurological disease or genetic malformation. For people with paresias, therapy is often necessary to improve quality of life and restore motor function.
Spastic paresis
Paresis caused by damage to the central nervous system and associated with the development of spasticity - excessive tendon reflexes and increased muscle tone (hypertonia).Spastic paresis is often associated with damage to the nervous system, particularly to areas of the brain or spinal cord. It is characterised by excessive muscle tone, leading to difficulties in movement and maintaining correct posture. People with spastic paresis may experience muscle stiffness, spasms and difficulty controlling movements.
Treatment of paresis
Treatment of paresis usually involves a comprehensive approach, addressing different aspects, depending on the cause and severity of the paresis. Exercise is key in the treatment of paresis. Physiotherapists develop exercise programmes to strengthen weakened muscles, improve balance and motor coordination. Specialised rehabilitation programmes help patients regain mobility. They may include exercises, manipulation and learning techniques to facilitate daily functions. In some cases, medication is used to control symptoms, reduce pain or improve muscle function. There are situations, especially when the paresis is due to damage to anatomical structures, surgical treatment may be necessary. In addition, psychological support for both the patient and his or her family is very important. Coping with paresis can be emotionally difficult, so psychotherapy can be an important part of treatment Therapeutic methods such as vibration therapy are used to treat paresis often at home. It is worth emphasising that the effectiveness of treatment depends on many factors, including the cause of the paresis, its duration and the individual characteristics of the patient. Therefore, the treatment plan should be tailored to the individual case under the supervision of a team of specialists.
Paresis and vibrotherapy
Research suggests that vibrotherapy is an effective form of therapy for people with paresis. Vibrations transmitted to the muscles can stimulate them into action, which can lead to increased power and flexibility. In addition, vibrotherapy can have a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to regenerate and improve functions that control movement. Vibrotherapy is excellent for people who are unable to move independently, such as after strokes. It can be additionally helpful because the somatosensory stimuli delivered through it stimulate the cerebral cortex and help to acquire skills and speed up recovery.
The Vibration Tonic Reflex (VTR) is a type of neurological reflex that occurs in response to the action of mechanical vibration on muscles. It is a phenomenon that can be used in therapy, especially in people with certain movement disorders such as spastic paresis. It involves inducing specific muscle tension in response to mechanical vibration. In practice, this can be used with various vibration devices that generate controlled vibrations. For the treatment of spastic paresis, the tonic vibration reflex can have several beneficial effects in that mechanical vibration can help to relax the overly tense muscles characteristic of spasticity. The m stimulation can have a positive effect on muscle flexibility, which can facilitate movement. Vibration can also stimulate the neuromuscular system, which can be beneficial if control of certain movements is lost.