Vibration therapy proves effective

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A new form of physical therapy is showing benefits for David Held, of Lafayette, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease ten years ago.  He has experienced speech problems, memory loss, and a lack of balance.  For the last few weeks, his therapy has included use of a whole body vibration machine at Miracles Rehabilitation.

"It's exciting. It's called the WAVE. You ride it like a surfboard," said Held.

David's wife, Sharon, said the results are amazing.

"Bigtime improvement, as far as I'm concerned. We have had friends and other acquaintances that don't even know him very well but have seen him walking, say that he's taking bigger steps and he seems to be more sure on his feet. And that's a big thing," she explained.

"Whole body vibration has really been around for a number of years. But recently it's become more of the hot button in physical therapy," said David Cobb, Miracles Rehabilitation Owner.

Cobb said the plate on the machine vibrates up to 50 times per second, which causes your muscles to contract rapidly. He said many patients have benefitted from the machine.

"It means enhancement of their ability to perform exercises, improving their strength, their power, and their endurance. Research has also proven that it benefits bone density. It also helps improve balance," said Cobb.

"It's comforting. It's given stability where I had none before," added Held.

The Helds are not sure if David will continue to progress with this treatment, but for now they are grateful for the benefits they see.