Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of passive exercise, forcing the body’s muscles to contract and relax, by the use of machines or platforms to transmit energy to the body.
WBV is not safe for everyone. Absolute contraindications include pregnancy, pacemakers or implanted devices, acute thrombosis (blood clots), recent surgery or fresh wounds, and severe cardiovascular disease. People with these conditions should avoid vibration plates entirely unless explicitly cleared by a doctor.
Pregnancy. Mechanical vibrations may trigger uterine contractions or premature labor.
Pacemakers or other implants. Vibrations can interfere with electronic device signals or displace healing surgical pins and joint replacements.
Blood clots. WBV increases blood and lymphatic flow, which can dislodge an acute thrombus.
Recent wounds (trauma) or postoperative wounds (surgery). The mechanical stress can disrupt healing tissue and cause wound reopening.
Studies on the effects of occupational hazards (sources of vibration), such as jackhammers, delivery vehicles (including tractors, forklifts, and earthmoving equipment), and other machinery suggest that repeated or long-term exposure to vibrations may be linked to negative health effects, such as injury to musculoskeletal, circulatory, or nervous systems, spinal degeneration, hearing impairment, or visual impairment.
There’s been some recent talk about cautions and contraindications to whole-body vibration, so I’ve searched research papers and reputable sites to compile a list. Please use caution with the following:
— acute inflammation or infection
— acute limb swelling
— acute rheumatoid arthritis
— acute soft tissue injury
— acute hernia
— acute migraine
— acute thrombosis
— aortic aneurysm
— arrhythmia
— artificial heart valve or stent
— bladder or bowel incontinence
— brain or spinal cord stimulators
— cellulitis
— chronic back pain or disc disorder
— corneal/cochlear implants
— dizziness
— epilepsy/seizures
— eye disease
— fever
— gallstone
— headache
— heart disease, dysrhythmia, or failure
— hip, knee, or joint implant
— impaired sensation or cognition
— inner ear issues
— intrauterine device (IUD)
— kidney or bladder stone
— metal implant (screws, plates, nails, pins or wires)
— neurological epilepsy
— organ failure
— osteoporosis with vertebral fracture
— peripheral neuropathy
— peripheral vascular disease
— recent fracture (especially among those with severe osteoporosis)
— recent heart attack or history of heart attack
— recent infection
— recent joint injury (sprain)
— recent muscle injury (strain)
— retinal detachment
— severe diabetes mellitus or diabetic neuropathy
— spasticity
— stroke or history of stroke
— tumors or metastases
— uncontrolled high blood pressure
— use in young children
— untreated orthostatic hypotension
— venous insufficiency
— venous thrombosis
— vertebral herniation or stress fracture
— vibratory urticaria
Gottehrer, J. (2024). Who cannot use vibration plates? Risks and precautions. Lifepro Fitness.
Lupowitz, L. (2022). Vibration therapy — A clinical commentary. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
Maloney, L. (n.d.). Fitness vibration plate dangers. Livestrong.
Martin, L. (2024). What to know about vibration plates and weight loss. Medical News Today.
Memon, N. (n.d.). Can whole body vibration be harmful? MedicineNet.
Pilch, W., et al. (2019). The impact of vibration therapy interventions on skin condition and skin temperature changes in young women with lipodystrophy: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Vibration therapy. (n.d.). Physiopedia.
Vibration therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects. (n.d.). Healthline.
Yetman, D. (2024). Do vibration machines work for weight loss? Healthline.
Research
Lupowitz, L. (2022). Vibration therapy — A clinical commentary. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
Pilch, W., Czerwinska-Ledwig O, Chitryniewicz-Rostek J, (2019).
The impact of vibration therapy interventions on skin condition and skin temperature changes in young women with lipodystrophy: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Additional Information
Can whole body vibration be harmful? | MedicineNet
Can you use a vibration plate with a medical condition? | MedicineNet
Do vibration machines work for weight loss? | Healthline
Fitness vibration plate dangers | Livestrong
Vibration therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects | Healthline
Vibratory urticaria | DermNet NZ
Vibratory urticaria | Medline Plus
What to know about vibration plates and weight loss | Medical News Today
Who cannot use vibration plates? Risks and precautions | Lifepro Fitness