Vibration Therapy for Neuropathy Pain: Can It Help?

Peripheral neuropathy pain can be debilitating and reduce quality of life for those suffering from the disease.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, and as a result, many try various treatments to relieve neuropathy pain. Vibration therapy is a novel, non-invasive treatment that is gaining traction.

Here is how it works:

Vibration therapy for neuropathy delivers gentle vibrations to the feet, which are believed to stimulate the damaged nerves (potentially triggering regrowth), boost circulation and blood flood in the extremities, and may even reduce pain signals. And there’s a growing body of evidence that vibration therapy may help with neuropathy pain.

For example, a 2021 study found that localized vibration therapy reduced neuropathy pain by 62.5% after just five sessions [1].

Should you try vibration treatments for neuropathy pain? Although the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, vibration therapy serves as a non-invasive adjunct that may complement traditional neuropathy treatments.

Let’s take a closer look:

• What vibration therapy is
• An overview of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• How vibration treatments help neuropathy
• Key benefits of vibration therapy for neuropathy
• How to use a vibration platform for neuropathy pain
• Risks and potential side effects
• Our pick: Best vibration plate for neuropathy

What Is Vibration Therapy?

Vibration therapy delivers gentle, pulsing vibrations to areas with pain. With neuropathy treatments, vibration is typically delivered to the foot. These vibrations naturally stimulate circulation (like a low-impact workout), relieve tension in the muscles, stimulate nerves, and may even disrupt pain signals.

There are two main types of vibration therapy used in neuropathy treatment: Localized and whole-body vibration. Here’s an overview:

• Localized vibration – Localized vibration therapy focuses on delivering vibrations to a specific part of the body for pain relief, typically the bottom or side of the foot for neuropathy. This type of therapy uses a handheld massage gun to deliver rapid gentle pulsations to the foot.
• Whole-body vibration – Whole-body vibration therapy involves standing or resting the feet (while sitting) on a vibration plate. The intensity and frequency of the vibrations can be adjusted, and this wave energy is believed to travel up into the feet and legs to target damaged nerves.

Ultimately, research has explored both types of vibration therapy for neuropathy, and both methods have shown promising results in neuropathy pain management.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy, one of the most common types, is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the body and brain. Many conditions can damage the peripheral nerves, including diabetes and cancer.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common causes. According to statistics, DPN affects up to 51% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes.

The most common symptom of DNP is pain, particularly in the feet and lower legs, and this pain may materialize as:

• Tingling and burning sensations
• Stabbing or burning discomfort
• Coordination issues, such as loss of balance
• Weakness and muscle numbness, usually in the feet
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting

What causes diabetic neuropathy? Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is caused by chronically high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar damages the small blood vessels that nourish nerves with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to nerve dysfunction and a cascade of effects. The damaged nerves struggle to transmit signals properly, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

How Does Vibration Therapy Help Neuropathy?

Vibration therapy shows promise for neuropathy by potentially acting on multiple fronts. The low-frequency vibrations are thought to improve blood circulation, which can nourish damaged nerves and provide a supply of oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, vibration may stimulate nerve pathways and even reduce pain perception.

Let’s explore these potential benefits of vibration treatments for neuropathy in more detail:

1. Improved Blood Circulation

Research shows that vibration plates and massage guns immediately improve acute blood flow. A 2021 study, for example, found that whole-body vibration therapy increased blood flow in the femoral artery four-fold [2].

How does this help neuropathy pain? Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves and impairs blood vessel function in the extremities. Improved circulation, therefore, may help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves, potentially aiding repair and reducing pain signals.

2. Reduced Pain Signaling (Gate Control Theory)

Vibration therapy introduces non-painful sensations that can outcompete pain signals. This aligns with the gate control theory of pain and offers a distinct approach to pain mitigation. In short, vibration helps modulate how the brain interprets and processes pain signals.

How does this help neuropathy pain? Gate Control Therapy suggests the body has a “gate” in the spinal cord that controls pain signals traveling to the brain. Therefore, strong non-painful stimuli like vibration can close or partially close the gate, limiting pain signals from the damaged nerves. By competing with pain signals, the vibrations essentially “trick” the brain into receiving less pain information, leading to a reduced perception of pain.

Several studies suggest vibration therapy provides acute pain relief. One case study found that pain relief lasted for an average of three hours, and that the level of pain that returned was reduced compared to the original pain level [3].

3. Nerve Stimulation

Vibration therapy might directly stimulate nerves in neuropathy through two main mechanisms. First, the pulsations may activate special channels in nerves that respond to pressure, potentially “waking them up” and improving their function. Second, vibration could trigger neuroplastic changes in the brain and spinal cord, fostering communication between healthy nerves and potentially reducing pain perception over time.

How does this help neuropathy pain? By waking up and stimulating the nerves, vibration therapy helps to improve signaling. Here’s a great overview from Alpha Chiropractic & Physical Therapy:

Other Potential Benefits of Vibration Treatments

Helping to manage neuropathy pain is the biggest benefit of vibration therapy. However, this form of adjunct treatment can also provide some complementary benefits, including:

1. Neurological Effects

In an in-depth review of research, researchers concluded that whole-body vibration has the potential to positively impact cognitive function. This could lead to greater clarity, improved sleep quality, and enhance mood.

Consideration: Neuropathy can cause a variety of cognitive issues, including increased stress, poor sleep quality, mood disorders, and attention issues. Vibration may help to alleviate some of these cognitive symptoms.

2. Balance and Gait Improvement

NCBI research papers that have explored WBV’s effects on neuropathy have mentioned its potential abilities to enhance balance , improve gait, and reduce spasticity in individuals with neuropathy.

Consideration: Due to numbness, neuropathy can impair balance and gait and make it difficult to feel the ground and maintain proper balance. It may also weaken the muscles in the legs and feet. Vibration therapy helps to strengthen the muscles and improve nerve function.

3. Muscle Strength and Stability

WBV may contribute to increased muscle strength and stability. It’s been reported that even 15 minutes of WBV therapy can help with flexibility, blood flow, and body strength.

Consideration: This treatment can be beneficial as increased body strength can support decreased injuries and better body stability.

How to Use Foot Vibration for Neuropathy

If you’re considering using a vibration platform for neuropathy, first consult with your doctor to ensure it’s safe. Although vibration is a non-invasive treatment, it’s always best to discuss to see how it will fit in your neuropathy treatment plan.

Next, you’ll need a vibration therapy device for neuropathy. We recommend a vibration plate, due to its ease of use. (See our guide to the best vibration plates for some options.)

I. Treatment Protocol

Here are some guides for vibration platforms and massage guns:

• Massage gun – Move the massage gun slowly in circular motions over affected areas like the sole, arch, and toes. Pay attention to comfort and avoid any painful sensations. You can gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated.
• Vibration platform – Start on a low-intensity setting and stand directly on the vibration platform. Choose one with handlebars for stability. Another option: Sit in a chair near the device and place your feet on the platform. If you experience pain, stop treatment.

II. Treatment Intensity

Always start with a low intensity. This would be the lowest setting on your massage gun. One benefit of the Sonix Sonicwave Vibration Machine: Our plate offers very low intensity vibrations (as low as 3 Hz), handlebars for stability, and allow you to gradually increase intensity during the course of treatment.

III. Session Duration & Frequency

Typically start with shorter sessions on low-intensity settings. A session of about 15-20 minutes on the Sonix is recommended. You can also use a vibration machine for neuropathy 1-2 times per day.

NOTE: Always listen to your body and avoid discomfort.

Risks and Side Effects of Vibration Therapy for Neuropathy

Vibration therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive. However, it’s important that you start slowly and stop treatment if you feel discomfort. There are also concerns about vibration therapy when used unsupervised or for prolonged hours.

Some of the potential side effects of overexposure include:

• Chronic pain in the back and neck (due to the constant vibrations)
• Headaches
• Risk of cardiovascular diseases
• May cause damage to the body or increase pain
• Bone or muscle injury

Safety Precautions

Make sure you follow this checklist to avoid any mishaps:

• As a practice, use only for 15-20 mins per session
• Check and note down if you feel any discomfort during the sessions
• Take regular breaks and limit to 2 sessions per day
• Wear comfortable clothing to avoid any accident
• Don’t take a session if you are already in pain
• Consult your physician on how to begin your sessions
• Maintain your footing and have a firm grip to avoid misbalancing or falls
• Hydrate yourself and maintain a time gap after water consumption

Who Should Avoid Whole-Body Vibration Therapy?

Individuals who fall under the below list should avoid whole-body vibration therapy:

• Heart diseases or previous history of heart conditions
• Pregnant women
• Weak stomach or having stomach ailments
• Kidney stones

Why The Sonix Sonicwave Is the Best Vibration Plate for Neuropathy

The Sonix is a state-of-the-art vibration device. Whereas most vibration plates use mechanical motors to generate vibration, the Sonix uses a sonicwave generator. This results in smoother, less-jarring vibrations, which are ideal for physical therapy applications and neuropathy treatments.

Some other key benefits include:

• Full frequency range (from 3-70 Hz) – This offers users a full range of low-intensity vibrations ideal for treating neuropathy symptoms, typically from 3 to 20 Hz.
• Versatility – The Sonix provides gentle vibrations for pain management treatments, up to more intense vibrations for high-impact workouts.
• Handlebars & Large Base – The Sonix comes standard with handlebars, much needed for user stability. Plus, the platform base offers a comfortable, spacious platform for treatments.

Final Thoughts

Vibration therapy is a beacon of potential in peripheral neuropathic pain. This form of therapy offers numerous benefits that may help to modulate symptoms.

However, although the research shows promise, always check with your doctor before beginning protocols. If your doctor gives the green light, there are many options for at-home devices that you can try and use daily.

Hue Light USA offers state-of-the-art vibration therapy machines. Our Sonix vibration therapy machine provides full-body vibration and other BAHI Therapy treatments.

Sources:

1. Sabziparvar M, Naghdi S, Ansari NN, Fateh HR, Nakhostin-Ansari A. Local plantar vibration for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy: a case report. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2021 Jul 24;20(2):2115-2119.

2. BETIK, ANDREW C.; PARKER, LEWAN; KAUR, GUNVEEN; WADLEY, GLENN D.; KESKE, MICHELLE A.. Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 53(2):p 375-383, February 2021.

3. Hong J, Barnes M, Kessler N. Case study: use of vibration therapy in the treatment of diabetic peripheral small fiber neuropathy. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Apr;17(2):235-8.