Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as increased fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (brain fog), and poor sleep.
While not enough is known about fibromyalgia generally, studies have indicated that vibration is a good fit for people with this diagnosis.
To test how T-Zone vibration machines would be tolerated by people with fibromyalgia, we partnered with Tami Stackelhouse, founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. Tami hosts the Fibromyalgia Podcast®, is executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, Invisible, and has written the award-winning books, Take Back Your Life and The Fibromyalgia Coach.
Together, we created an informal study with 9 participants. While people with fibromyalgia often have trouble finding a way to exercise that doesn’t flare up their symptoms, we anticipated that vibration would be something they could tolerate as an exercise modality.
We asked these participants to provide data for a month, and report on three symptoms immediately before and immediately after using the machine, which were:
We were amazed by the results!
Not only did the participants tolerate vibration, but it also made them feel better. Virtually every time, for every participant, they had an improvement in one or all of the categories.
Many participants used the machine for 10 minutes but most used it for less, sometimes as little as 1 minute.
The final results for our fibromyalgia test were as below:
| Fatigue | 17.7% Decrease |
| Stiffness | 32% Decrease |
| Pain | 18.7% Decrease |
| Avg. Time | 5.5 minutes |
| Avg. Effort | Standing |
| Avg. Speed | Low |
We were surprised by the nearly instant results, even knowing that vibration has been shown in studies to be a good option for fibromyalgia patients. Other studies on vibration for fibromyalgia have also shown improvements in balance, inflammatory biomarkers, and more. It’s important to note that T-Zone machines use the “oscillating” type of vibration recommended for fibromyalgia, which provides the greatest benefit.
What this means for you: Even if you don’t have fibromyalgia, these benefits may also apply to you. Exercising or just standing for 5 minutes or less on your T-Zone Vibration machine can help with your own energy and aches and pains!
We welcome any questions you may have. We are considering putting together a larger trial of at least 20 participants. If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, please get in touch.
For more fibromyalgia resources, including free copies of Tami’s books, videos, and more, visit FibromyalgiaPodcast.com. Listen online or in your favourite podcast app to gain a deeper understanding of fibromyalgia, learn effective coping strategies, and hear inspiring stories from real people.
***Individual results may vary. This statement has not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA and is provided as information only.
1Mingorance, José Antonio et al. “A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,6 3007. 15 Mar 2021. Web. 28 Jan 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001601/
NOTE: The information presented is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Pain can be from many causes, be sure to consult your health care professional before starting this or any exercise regime.