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Plantar Fasciitis and Whole Body Vibration
Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia, which is the large thick band of tissue that runs
from the heel to the front of the foot. It helps to create the natural arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is
thought to be due to the degeneration of collagen fibres in the fascia tissue rather than an inflammatory
process, especially in chronic cases. Heel spurs, which are abnormal areas of bone growth in the heel,
are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis. Symptoms develop gradually and are usually worse first
thing in the morning. It is usually a sharp stabbing pain in the heel that worsens with prolonged weight
bearing activities. Individuals with plantar fasciitis often have difficulty with plantar flexion of the ankle
(moving toes towards the shin). It is a common condition in athletes and in individuals that are obese or
have had a recent weight gain. Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes rest, ice, physical therapy,
massage therapy, stretching, night splints, orthotics, adequate footwear, anti-inflammatory medication,
corticosteroids, and surgery as a last option.
Rest and ice are recommended during the acute onset of plantar fasciitis symptoms. Athletes should
temporarily discontinue or modify their exercise regime until the pain has improved. A slow return to
regular activities is important, along with addressing the underlying causes of the fasciitis. Scientific
literature supports stretches specific to the plantar fascia for chronic suffers1. Seventy seven percent of
the individuals in the study had no recreational limitations and 94% reported a decrease in pain by using
stretching exercises targeted specifically to the plantar fascia1.
Research examining the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on plantar fasciitis has yet to be
performed. As with other types of exercise, WBV should not be done during the acute stage of plantar
fasciitis. WBV has been found to be effective at increasing mean blood flow velocity and reducing the
resistive index in lower extremity blood vessels2. Increases in blood flow may aid in tissue healing.
Research has also shown improvements in muscle strength and flexibility in lower extremity muscles
following WBV3. Improvements have also been shown for proprioception and postural stability in
individuals following anterior cruciate ligament repair4. While the health benefits of WBV are well
documented in certain populations, it is unknown if the benefits will translate to other populations.
While benefits may be found in improving strength, flexibility, blood flow, proprioception and postural
stability, the use of WBV for individuals with plantar fasciitis will be dependent on their specific
symptoms. WBV may aid some individuals with plantar fasciitis with stretching and strengthening of the
plantar fascia and calf muscles. However, for some individuals, symptoms may worsen with the use of
the machine. It is important that before using the WBV platform that every individual ensures he/she
have no medical issues that may be contraindicated to use of the machine. If unsure, it is beneficial for
an individual to discuss the use of WBV with his/her physician. WBV should be initiated at a lower
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com
-2intensity and duration to allow the individual to adjust to the machine and monitor any symptoms of
plantar fasciitis closely. WBV should be discontinued if any symptoms related to the plantar fasciitis
become worse, and those symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate health care provider.
Once an individual has become comfortable with the machine, and no changes in symptoms occur, the
intensity of exercises can be increased and other exercises at the appropriate level may be added. In
general, if an individual experiences shortness of breath, pain or dizziness when using WBV, it should be
discontinued immediately.
References
1. Digiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Malay DP, Graci PA, Williams TT, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF.
2006. Plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise improves outcomes in patients with chronic
plantar fasciitis. A prospective clinical trial with two-year follow-up, Journal of Bone and Joint
Surgery in America, 88(8), 1775-81.
2. Imhof H. 2001. Whole-body vibration exercise leads to alterations in muscle blood volume.
Clinical Physiology, 21(3), 377-82.
3. Fagnani F, Giombini A, Di Cesare A, Pigozzi F, Di Salvo V. 2006. The effects of a whole-body
vibration program on muscle performance and flexibility in female athletes, American Journal of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(12, 956-62.
4. Moezy A, Olyaei G, Hadian M, Razi M, Faghihzadeh S. 2008. A comparative study of whole body
vibration training and conventional training on knee proprioception and postural stability after
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(5), 373-8.
Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a
variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have
been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration
machine.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com