My Story of Achillies Tendonitis Due To Flip Flops:
Being a Florida girl, I love to be barefoot as much as possible. That means I also love to wear flip flops everywhere I go. I hate dealing with shoelaces, and the feeling of shoes pushing in on my feet. If you have received a massage from me, you have probably noticed that I prefer to massage while barefoot.
I eventually learned the hard way that my feet need some form of support, and the flip flops I was using wasn't going to cut it. While I was walking in downtown Salt Lake City, UT, my right heel slammed into a piece of raised concrete. I was wearing a thin pair of flip flops that day, so there wasn't any protection to absorb the shock of the concrete hitting my foot. Ever since that moment, I have suffered with achillies tendonitis in my right foot. As I got older, it developed in my left foot! Later, I was experiencing general foot pain in both feet.
When I started acupuncture school, I learned about the point Kidney 1 and it was my go-to for all things foot pain. It really helped the general pain and in some occasions, the pain went away instantly. The pain did eventually return after a few days. It also did not help the tendonitis.
After graduating, and still in pain, I started working again as a massage therapist and I was tired of dealing with the foot pain. I knew a lack of circulation to my feet was a big part of my problem, but I wasn't sure exactly how to make it better because exercises made the pain worse. I remembered a run-in I had at Costco (AGES ago) with the rep of a foot massage tool that was a vibrating plate that you rest your feet on. The rep told me about how it helps enhance circulation of the legs and feet without any exercise or effort on the user's part. I did put my feet on one and was instantly impressed with how different my legs and feet felt after that brief session. I forgot the company name, so I decided to go on amazon and see if I might find something similar.
I found all sorts of different kinds of vibration devices for feet, and it was really confusing to know what to buy. There were many different models at varying price points. I wanted to be sure that I invested in a product that would help relieve my foot pain and last a good while.
I decided to purchase the LifePro Vibration Plate Exercise Machine. I am glad it was the product I bought because their customer service is absolutely amazing. When I got my vibration plate machine, there was a power issue, and they were very quick to send me another one that worked just fine. I experienced relief of the general foot pain after using my vibration plate exercise machine for a couple of days.
The one drawback was the vibration plate exercise machine did seem to make the achillies tendonitis worse, due to how the machine was hitting my heel. Even with shoes, the pain did get worse, so I cut up a piece of an old shock absorbing floor tile to the shape of my plate. This made it possible for me to use my vibration plate exercise machine without heel pain, even barefoot.
Now that the vibration plate exercise machine was no longer hurting my heel, after using it for 3 days, twice a day, my heel pain was completely gone! The circulation in my legs had improved enough that my tendon was no longer sore.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Vibration Plate Exercise Machine?
The vibration plate exercise machine is very beneficial to almost everyone, especially to those who cannot do traditional exercises. I recommend it to my veterans and elderly clients who have poor circulation in their legs. Some signs I look for that suggest a vibration plate exercise machine may be helpful are:
chronically cold feet and knees
chronically tight leg muscles that quickly tighten back up after a massage session
clients with a history of diabetes
swelling in the lower legs
discoloration in the skin of the feet
abundance of spider and/or varicose veins in the legs and feet
Here are some of the other benefits (besides pain relief) that a vibration plate exercise machine can provide:
Strengthens Muscles: One of the primary benefits of vibration plate exercise machines is their ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The vibrations cause muscle contractions, similar to what occurs during traditional resistance training exercises. This can lead to improvements in muscle strength and tone over time, making it an excellent addition to any strength training regimen.
Enhances Flexibility and Range of Motion: Regular use of a vibration plate can help improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints. The vibrations stimulate the muscles and connective tissues, promoting increased blood flow and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to improve their athletic performance or recover from injuries.
Boosts Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage: The rhythmic vibrations produced by the machine stimulate blood flow throughout the body, which can help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. This, in turn, may aid in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body, promoting overall detoxification and improved immune function.
Aids in Weight Loss and Fat Reduction: While vibration plate exercise machines alone may not be sufficient for significant weight loss, they can complement a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. The vibrations increase metabolic rate and calorie expenditure, potentially assisting in weight management goals. Additionally, some studies suggest that vibration therapy may target stubborn fat deposits, particularly in the abdominal area.
Improves Bone Density: Another notable benefit of vibration plate exercise machines is their potential to improve bone density. The mechanical stress placed on the bones during vibration stimulates bone remodeling and may help prevent age-related bone loss or osteoporosis. This makes it a valuable tool for individuals at risk of bone fractures or those looking to maintain bone health as they age.
Reduces Stress and Improves Relaxation: The gentle vibrations produced by the machine can have a relaxing effect on the body, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with high-stress lifestyles or those struggling with anxiety or tension-related disorders.
Enhances Balance and Stability: Regular use of a vibration plate exercise machine can improve balance and stability by challenging the body's proprioceptive system. The vibrations create an unstable surface, forcing the muscles to continuously adjust and adapt to maintain equilibrium. This can be especially beneficial for older adults or individuals recovering from injuries who may be at risk of falls.
There are two different models that are for very specific kinds of uses. You have the Lifepro Waver Vibration Plate that you can stand on or sit down and place your feet on top. You can also lay down and rest your calves on the plate to massage tight calf muscles. This one is useful to incorporate different exercises to promote muscle strength, balance, and increase bone density. I do not recommend this one to anyone who may have had knee replacement surgery or joint weakness without consulting with your doctor first.
The other model, the Lifepro Foot Massager, is best for those who cannot use the Waver Vibration Plate model. This allows you to get the benefits of the vibration while remained seated. It can be adjusted to massage the back of the calves as well. If you are someone that has to remain seated at a desk for prolonged periods of time, this may be the model for you. The waver model also can work under a desk, but it requires more space than the foot massager.
If you are a veteran, you may be able to have a vibration plate paid for through the VA. You can talk with your primary care provider about this.
In conclusion, vibration plate exercise machines offer a multitude of health benefits, ranging from pain relief, improved muscle strength and flexibility to enhanced circulation and stress reduction. One of the goals of Happy Cat Pain Relief is to share with you all products that I know work and can help you reduce your pain levels. This product has been a HUGE help in reducing my own pain and that is why I am sharing this with you. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health concerns or medical conditions.
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