{"id":223967,"date":"2026-01-08T22:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T22:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/223967\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T22:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T22:25:13","slug":"vibration-plates-are-viral-on-tiktok-experts-have-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/223967\/","title":{"rendered":"Vibration Plates Are Viral On TikTok & Experts Have Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the start of a new year, it\u2019s tradition to rethink your wellness game and dream up a few new habits you\u2019d like to add to your life. It\u2019s why you\u2019re suddenly eyeing red light therapy masks, drinking hot water<\/a> before bed \u2014 and also why \u201cvibration plates<\/a>\u201d are taking over your FYP.<\/p>\n

A vibration plate is a machine that quickly shakes you while you stand on it, and they\u2019re a huge hit on WellnessTok. Creator @eskybeauty<\/a> joked, \u201cNot easily influenced at all over here<\/a>,\u201d as she stood on one while wearing a red light mask at the same time. In her comments, she said being on the plate felt \u201camazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a viral clip, health coach @chelciejomay<\/a> said she noticed a whole list of benefits after using her vibration plate for 15 minutes a day, like lymphatic drainage, better blood flow, and less uncomfortable bloating<\/a>. Others have said they use their plate as a mini workout<\/a>, to wake themselves up in the morning<\/a>, to reduce stress<\/a>, and for back pain relief<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At the same time, it seems like vibration plates could easily be a fitness fad, and one that promises benefits that are a little too good to be true. Here\u2019s what the experts have to say.<\/p>\n

What Is A Vibration Plate?<\/p>\n

According to Tom Denninger, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, a doctor of physical therapy and vice president for clinical development at ATI Physical Therapy<\/a>, there is some truth to the idea that vibration plates boost your well-being, though maybe not as much as the hype suggests.<\/p>\n

One thing it can help with is a boost in strength and balance<\/a>. \u201cVibration plates cause your muscles to quickly tighten and relax over and over, as they are working to keep your balance<\/a>,\u201d he tells Bustle. \u201cBecause your body has to work a little harder to stay steady, you may feel like you’re getting more out of simple movements, or feel like \u2018your whole body is working.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Since it helps your muscles turn on and work harder, especially if you stand on the plate while doing bridges or squats, it could also be a helpful tool to add to your workout gear collection. That said, Dinneriger says it should only support your exercise routine \u2014 not be the entire thing.<\/p>\n

While vibration plates have been studied, the bigger claims about lymphatic drainage, boosted circulation, lower back pain relief<\/a>, and improved bone health<\/a> aren\u2019t as supported by research quite yet. \u201cA vibration plate isn\u2019t a magic fix,\u201d he says. Because the vibration is pretty intense, you should use them with caution and avoid them altogether if you\u2019re pregnant, have a heart condition, joint instability, or other health issues. Always ask your doctor first.<\/p>\n

How To Use A Shake Plate<\/p>\n

If you want to test it out for yourself, Denninger says timing and duration matter. \u201cMost of the benefits come from short sessions, usually around 5 to 15 minutes,\u201d he says. \u201cMore time doesn\u2019t translate into better results.\u201d In other words? Don\u2019t sit on it all day.<\/p>\n

According to John Gallucci Jr.<\/a>, MS, ATC, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy<\/a>, adding a vibration plate to your existing workout could be a good way into the trend. Think squats, lunges, step-ups, and calf raises. <\/p>\n

\u201cUsing the plate during lower body workouts can help improve your balance and get the most out of these movements,\u201d he tells Bustle. \u201cYou can also use them for upper body work like planks, pushups, and triceps dips.\u201d Make sure your feet are firmly on the plate and adjust the vibration speed to an intensity that feels right for your goals.<\/p>\n

On TikTok, many vibration plate fans say they hop on theirs in the morning to wake up, before a workout to activate their muscles, or afterward to relieve stiffness. Do you need a vibration plate? Absolutely not. But if you love a gadget and are curious to give it a try, go for it. Who knows? You might end up loving it.<\/p>\n

Studies referenced:<\/p>\n

Dade Matthews, OO. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analyses on the effects of whole-body vibration on bone health<\/a>. Complement Ther Med. doi: 10.1016\/j.ctim.2022.102811.<\/p>\n

Rogan, S. (2011). Effects of whole-body vibration on postural control in elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/a>. BMC Geriatr. doi: 10.1186\/1471-2318-11-72.<\/p>\n

Tan, X. (2023). Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength and Physical Performance Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis<\/a>. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. doi: 10.1016\/j.apmr.2023.04.002.<\/p>\n

Zafar, T. (2024). Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Pain, Disability, Balance, Proprioception, Functional Performance and Quality of Life in People with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis<\/a>. J Clin Med. doi: 10.3390\/jcm13061639.<\/p>\n

Sources:<\/p>\n

Tom Denninger, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, doctor of physical therapy, vice president for clinical development at ATI Physical Therapy<\/a><\/p>\n

John Gallucci Jr.<\/a>, MS, ATC, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy, CEO of JAG Physical Therapy<\/a><\/p>\n

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