Varicose Veins and Whole Body Vibration
I was recently asked if Whole Body Vibration (WBV) can aid in the management of varicose veins.
I asked our Executive Vice President, and Director of Healthcare & Wellness, Zak Lerner and here’s what he had to say:
While no high-quality research has been published specifically examining the use of WBV for management of varicose veins, clinically proven outcomes in areas such as inflammation and cardiovascular health provide a solid basis for suggesting its potential therapeutic value.
Let's begin with the basics: what are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins typically presenting in the legs and feet. These veins become deformed when weakened or damaged valves are unable to effectively move the blood within them. This restriction in flow creates blood pooling. It is this pooling, and ensuing enlargement, that causes the silhouette of the deformed vein to become visible on the skin. This condition is also accompanied by swelling, as well as feelings of heaviness and pain in the legs that can impact quality of life.
There is no cure for varicose veins. While surgical procedures aimed at correcting vein disfunction do exist, they are highly invasive and often unable to achieve desired results. Therefore, care planning for varicose veins largely focuses non-invasive interventions that can reduce both inflammation and pain and aid blood flow.
Exercise is one of the most commonly prescribed interventions for varicose veins. However, for those with obesity and movement disorders, adherence to traditional forms of exercise such as running, biking or even walking can be particularly difficult.
This is where the unique value of WBV comes into focus. As a low impact and low intensity modality, WBV can facilitate many of the physiological benefits of exercise without heavy impact on joints and high exertion.
So, which of the proven outcomes of WBV make it a potentially beneficial therapeutic for varicose veins?
Improved Circulation:
WBV can enhance blood flow by stimulating muscle contractions, which helps to move blood through the veins more effectively.1 Improved circulation may reduce the pooling of blood in varicose veins.
Muscle Strengthening:
Regular use of WBV can strengthen the muscles in the legs, which can support vein health and reduce the pressure on veins.2
Reduction in Swelling:
WBV can help reduce localized inflammation that is common amongst those with varicose veins, which can support physical function.3
Pain Relief:
WBV has been shown to alleviate the discomfort and pain in lower extremities, making it a potentially beneficial modality for those with pain associated with varicose veins.4
Lymphatic Drainage:
WBV enhance the function of the lymphatic system, through activation of skeletal muscles pump function, which can facilitate the removal of waste products and excess fluid, potentially reducing the severity of varicose veins.5
Therefore, be it for those with preexisting conditions that make exercise difficult or those simply looking for ways to get the benefits of exercise more efficiently, clinically validated outcomes of WBV strongly suggest its value as a supportive therapy for the symptoms of varicose veins.
