Therapeutic Vibration with the Galileo System
Therapeutic vibration has been around since the late 19th century, but its benefits are still being discovered today. Learn more about vibration therapy and how recent advances are helping treat many conditions in children.
What is therapeutic vibration?
The Galileo whole body vibration system is a platform that uses a see-saw, side alternating movement pattern, where the left and right plates move up and down independently of one another. The system is very similar to walking, which makes the Galileo system unique when compared to other vibration systems.
The purpose of this type of therapy is to help optimize neuroplasticity in children. Neuroplasticity is the nervous system’s ability to change how it does things when given external stimuli by reorganizing its connections, structure or even functions.
“The Galileo has a unique feature compared to other whole body vibration systems called the “Wobble” which randomly varies frequency change of vibration so that the musculoskeletal system has to constantly adapt to the changes. This can be good for a child’s balance because it means the body is forced to use different muscles to help with balance,” Jane Knowlton, a physical therapist at PTC Kids, says.
“The vibrations can go from five to thirty hertz,” Jane adds, “And each level of frequency helps differently. For instance, the higher frequencies reduce spasticity, or stiff and rigid muscles, which is great for children with Cerebral Palsy. The lower frequencies can help kids maintain their equilibrium and improve overall balance.”
What conditions does the Galileo Vibration System help treat?
“We’ve been using the Galileo System at PTC kids since 2022, after I discovered it while attending the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine,” Jane explains, “When I saw how the vibrations positively affected my body and read through the research to back up the benefits, I knew it would be a great asset to our practice.”
At PTC kids the Galileo System is used to treat conditions like:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hypotonia (decreased muscle tone)
- Muscle contractures
- Muscle tightness
- Spasticity
Some of the conditions it can help improve include:
- Bone growth and density
- Head and trunk control
- Symmetry, muscle strength and endurance
- Respiratory, circulatory and digestive function
- Joint mobility and flexibility
- Blood supply to muscles and bones.
Pediatric Therapy Center of Houston provides highly specialized Physical , Occupational, Speech/Language and Motor/Feeding therapy as well as other comprehensive services for kids. Call 713-772-1400 or visit our website for more information.
