Whole body vibration helps build bone, muscle

Whole body vibration therapy machines aren’t anything new in Russia, Poland, Germany and Canada, but they are in the United States.

Paula Bishop, owner of Vibrate ’n Sun Plus, now offers this therapy in Green Valley and said U.S. sports teams have used the machines for years. But it’s only within the past five years that it’s been introduced to the public.

“A naturopathic doctor I worked for started talking about it. I studied it, tried it and it felt good so I decided to buy my own,” Bishop said.

Bishop said Russian cosmonauts had it first. They were out in space 420 days and came back in good shape because they used the whole body vibrating therapy in space.

In comparison, Bishop said when U.S. astronauts returned to Earth after having been in space for 120 days, they were weak and had to do physical therapy to get back in shape.

Jonathan Hyams, owner of Phoenix-based NitroFit Deluxe whole body vibration machines, is partnering with the University of Arizona to conduct a research study about the effects of his product and its effect on muscle strength and bone density.

Hyams will be working with Dr. Rita Tom‡s, a physiology professor, and Dr. Scott Going, Ph.D. who is the director of the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at UA. The study will test results of whole body vibration on exercise and muscle functional capacity.

The study began in late January and will last for 12 weeks.

Getting started

How does it work? It’s easy. A person steps onto the machine, which resembles an oversized doctor’s-office scale that has two bars to hold on to and a computerized program sets the pace and time.

Clients are said to get good results rebuilding bone and muscle when using the machine three times a week for 10 minutes per session. A person gets faster results if they use it five times a week.

“One client uses the whole body vibration machine because she wants to feel better but can’t exercise. Another is working to rebuild bone due to bone loss. It also helps improve balance,” Bishop said.

“You don’t have to do anything; the machine does the work,” Bishop said.

Vibrate ’n Sun Plus also includes one tanning bed and Bishop said the rays used are within the 633 nanometers range, which are far less damaging and are superior to the often-outdated equipment found in tanning salons.

Additionally, she said ultraviolet rays help produce essential Vitamin D.

“The purpose of the whole body vibrating machine is simply to enjoy better health. You’re not working hard but you’re reaping the benefits,” Bishop said.

“For anyone having health issues and who can’t exercise, this is an ideal way to rebuild bone and muscle while improving balance.

Vibrate ’n Sun Plus is in the Progressive Physical Therapy Building at 155 W. Duval Road in Green Valley. For further information: 403-8220 or www.vibratensunplus.com.

Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.