Chiropractors: Vibration Plates in a Nutshell

Introduction to Vibration Plates

Vibration plates have become increasingly popular among health and wellness professionals, including chiropractors. These devices use whole-body vibration to help with weight loss, muscle strength, and bone density for therapeutic purposes. For chiropractors, using vibration plates in their practice can enhance patient outcomes and provide an additional revenue stream. This guide will explain their benefits and how to use them in your chiropractic practice.

What Are Vibration Plates?

Vibration plates are exercise machines that generate vibrations to stimulate the body’s muscles. The vibrations cause rapid muscle contractions, which can enhance muscle strength, improve circulation, and aid in lymphatic drainage. Chiropractors use these plates for different therapeutic purposes and can add them to chiropractic care.

Benefits of Vibration Plates for Chiropractic Patients

Weight Loss and Muscle Strength

Vibration plates are an effective tool for weight loss and muscle strengthening. The vibrations encourage muscle contractions that help burn calories and build muscle. For patients looking to improve their fitness without long workout sessions, they offer a convenient solution.

Lymphatic Drainage

The vibrations help stimulate the lymphatic system, which is crucial for cleaning toxins from the body and reducing swelling. Improved lymphatic drainage can aid in faster recovery and overall better health.

Bone Density

Regular use of vibration plates has been shown to improve bone density. This is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis or those at risk of bone density loss.

Full Body Activation

One of the key advantages of vibration plates is their ability to activate muscles throughout the entire body. This makes them suitable for both upper and lower body exercises, enhancing overall muscle activation and strength.

For a full article on the myriad benefits of whole-body vibration therapy, feel free to check out these articles:

• The Benefits of Vibration Therapy
• The Most Common Questions About High-Quality Vibration Machines
• The Resonance of Excellence: Investing in High-End Whole-Body Vibration Plates for Optimal Benefits
• Top 3 Benefits of Vibration Therapy for Elderly Wellbeing

How Chiropractors Can Use Vibration Plates in Their Practice

Integrating Vibration Plates into Treatment Plans

Chiropractors can use vibration plates as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, using a vibration plate for 10 minutes before getting an adjustment can help relax muscles and make the adjustment more effective. It can also be used for therapeutic or range of motion exercises, such as bending over or performing squats while standing on the machine.

Dr. Larry Ziegler endorses the use of the LifetimeVibe plate. The plate generated over $50,000 in billing for vibration therapy last year with his LifetimeVibe machine. The effectiveness of the plate is the reason for this success.

Recommended Vibration Plates

Not all vibration plates have the same quality. Chiropractors often prefer models that offer robust features and proven effectiveness. Our recommended brands are:

• LifetimeVibe: Top-of-the-line vibration plate, made in Utah, and known for its reliability and effectiveness in patient care.
• T-Zone Fitness: An affordably-priced machine that offers a range of settings for customized therapy.
• VibePlate: Metal plates that come in a large variety of sizes, featuring multiple vibration settings for versatile treatments. These are designed for fitness training but may also be used for therapy.
• VibraWav: A robust machine that includes support handles, available in silver and black.

Insurance Billing for Vibration Plate Therapy

CPT Codes and Billing

Understanding how to bill for vibration plate therapy is essential for maximizing revenue while providing quality care. Generally, the therapy must be attended and conducted for at least 8 minutes. Here’s a brief overview of CPT codes relevant to vibration plate therapy:

• 97110 Therapeutic Exercises: Used for strengthening and rehabilitation of soft tissues. Patients can use this code to perform therapeutic exercises on a vibration plate for around 10 minutes.
• 97530 Therapeutic Activities: For activities that improve functional performance. You can use this code if you perform functional exercises under observation for 15 minutes on a vibration plate.
• 97112 Neuromuscular Re-education: Applies to re-education of movement, balance, and coordination. Ideal for using a vibration plate to improve proprioception and balance for 10 minutes.
• 97533 Sensory Integrative Techniques: For patients with neurological conditions needing cognitive skill development.
• 97116 Gait Training: To improve those with impaired walking abilities due to age, disease, or injury.

CPT Code Lookup

Billing Considerations

Billing practices can vary by location and insurance provider. For example, in Utah, the rate for NMR 97112 is approximately $55. Always refer to local guidelines and adjust your billing practices accordingly. Keeping up with CPT codes and ensuring accurate documentation and coding is important to prevent problems with insurance claims.

Here is a sample billing statement.

Practical Tips for Using Vibration Plates

Setting Up the Vibration Plate

Ensure that the vibration plate is set up correctly and is stable before use. Instruct patients on proper positioning to maximize the benefits and minimize any risk of injury.

Duration and Frequency of Use

For optimal results, patients should use the vibration plate for about 10 minutes per session. The typical maximum time for therapy is 15 minutes. You can do this before chiropractic adjustments or as part of a rehabilitation plan or package.

Combining with Other Therapies

Vibration plates can be used alongside other therapeutic modalities, such as manual adjustments or physical therapy exercises, to enhance overall treatment effectiveness.

Conclusion

Vibration plates offer numerous benefits for chiropractors and their patients, from improving muscle strength to aiding in lymphatic drainage. By incorporating vibration plates into your practice, you can provide enhanced care while also opening up additional revenue streams. Stay updated on billing practices and CPT codes to get the most out of technology in your chiropractic practice.

For more information and updates on vibration plates, including billing and coding, please refer to our updated guide. You can also check the latest ChiroCode DeskBook for additional information. Always ensure compliance with local guidelines and regulations to provide the best care for your patients.

If you have any questions regarding how whole-body vibration plates can add value and revenue to your business, feel free to book a free consultation with us. We're here to help!