Power Plate Physical Therapy

Here at Longmont Spine and Physical Medicine we pride ourselves by offering the latest state of the art equipment to assist our patients in achieving maximum results. That is why we have incorporated Power Plate Vibration technology to our clinic. Our Physical therapist utilizes power plate acceleration training to speed up our patient’s healing and allow enhancement of normal muscle contraction.

Conditions treated here at Longmont Spine and Physical Medicine

The advantage of using vibration to strengthen muscles and support joints is that there is no added force on the skeletal system. When you are injured and trying to heal, the last thing you want to do is add more work for your muscles and joints. This technology prevents added stress while strengthening your peripheral and spinal muscles at an accelerated rate. During these therapy sessions you will have an increased blood flow and oxygenation to the injured tissues which will improve the healing capabilities. The end result for patients are increased muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion and bone density. Our sessions are about 30 minutes. This will be equivalent to actively lifting weights or training for an hour!

Major Benefits of the Power Plate:

Power Plate Training for Degenerative Joint Disease

by Jessica Mefferd

As people age, they seek help from fitness professionals for painful knees due to traumatic or chronic degeneration of their joints. While it is very important to develop strength and mass to cope with changes in the knee, the pain associated with using the joint in exercise makes it difficult to help the client gain strength around the joint and control through range of motion.

The challenge to the trainer is to strengthen the muscles around the joint without irritating it. Joint pain naturally leads to disuse, which causes atrophy, weakness and even more pain—a vicious cycle.

How can you get the muscle stronger knowing the client has a restricted range to work within? This is where Power Plate training comes into play. With the isokinetic benefits Power Plate training provides, the muscle receives the needed stress at the pain-free position, which leads to an increase strength and reduction of pain. These isokinetic exercises should be performed on the basic strength setting (40 Hz, 30 Sec, Low Amplitude).

With a reduction of stress in the joint, the client is able to increase physical activity which will help avoid further weakness and weight gain. It’s important to slowly integrate hip and core exercises into their routine which will help in movement control. However, be cautious not to irritate the joint which may cause regression.