Conservative therapy for lipedema involves manual lymphatic drainage, but this modality is not always effective, depending upon on the severity and history of the disease. — In view of the reports on the positive effect of vibrotherapy in reducing edema, scientists from RECON (Research and Consulting; Germany) decided to investigate the effect of MLD treatment combined with vibrotherapy on lipedema and quality of life compared to the effects of MLD alone.
After MLD treatment, there was only a slight reduction in lipoedema (changes ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 cm), while after combined treatment (MLD + vibration), lipoedema was significantly reduced (changes ranged from 0.6 to 2.6 cm).
The magnitude of the change in thigh lipoedema due to vibration indicated a 99% advantage of the combination therapy compared to the MLD treatment alone.
Patients receiving combination therapy reported a higher health-related quality of life score (23% improvement) than patients receiving MLD alone (8% improvement).
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.
Wibroterapia. (2021). Vibrotherapy significantly improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in women with lipedema.
Potential Benefits of Vibration Therapy
Research on vibration therapy has suggested a range of potential benefits, including:
Improved muscle strength and power. Vibration therapy may enhance muscle strength and power by stimulating muscle contractions as well as increasing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal activation.
Enhanced flexibility and mobility. The mechanical stimulation provided by vibration therapy can promote increased blood flow and tissue extensibility, leading to improved flexibility and joint mobility.
Pain relief. Clinical trials and controlled studies alike show that vibration therapy can reduce pain perception by stimulating the release of endorphins and disrupting pain signals in the nervous system.
Accelerated recovery and rehabilitation. Common effects of vibration therapy include increasing blood flow and promoting muscle activation, which can aid in reducing muscle soreness and accelerating the recovery process.
Improved bone density. Studies suggest that whole-body vibration therapy may have positive effects on bone mineral density, making it a potential treatment option for postmenopausal women experiencing osteoporosis and wanting to prevent further bone loss and potentially improve bone strength.
Weight loss. One systematic review of studies (including randomized controlled trials) from PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL found that WBV may result in fat reduction. (Note that results varied widely based on factors like amplitude and type of vibration plate used, and longer trials are needed to confirm these results.)
SEE Contraindications for Whole Body Vibration
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Research
Abercromby, A., Amonette, W., Layne, C., et al. (2007). Variation in neuromuscular responses during acute whole-body vibration exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
Cochrane, D. (2011). Vibration exercise: The potential benefits. International Journal of Sports Medicine.
Johnson, P., Feland, J., Johnson, A., et al. (2014). Effect of whole body vibration on skin blood flow and nitric oxide production. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.
Marín, P., & Rhea, M. (2010). Effects of vibration training on muscle strength: A meta-analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Milanese, C., Cavedon, V., Sandri, M., et al. (2018). Metabolic effect of bodyweight whole-body vibration in a 20-min exercise session: A crossover study using verified vibration stimulus. PLoS One.
Mitchell, U., & Johnson, P. (2014). Vibration and skin blood flow changes in subjects with restless legs syndrome. Research and Reviews in Parkinsonism.
Omidvar, M., Alavinia, S., & Craven, B. (2019). The effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions.
Ostasevicius, V., Jurenas, V., Venslauskas, M., et al. (2025). Vibrational activation of blood flow. Noninvasive Therapeutic Technologies. Synthesis Lectures on Biomedical Engineering.
Rittweger, J. (2010). Vibration as an exercise modality: How it may work, and what its potential might be. European Journal of Applied Physiology.
Schneider, R. (2018). 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.
Additional Information
The 13 best vibration plates of 2026 for intensifying your home workouts | Verywell Fit
Can vibration help your lymphatic flow? | Northwell Health
Vibration plate benefits for lymphatic drainage: Yay or nay? | Cancer Rehab PT
Vibration therapy: Uses, benefits, and side effects | Healthline