The WAVE system, which stands for Whole-body Advanced Vibration Exercise, allows patients with medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis to improve their fitness at a cellular level before spinal surgery.

Recent scientific research indicates the type of vibration process WAVE technology produces, which is similar to vigorous exercise, can improve circulation, reduce pain, and increase flexibility, with minimal stress to joints – and in a fraction of the time of conventional therapies. Increasing circulation helps prepare the surgical site by stimulating the body’s natural healing response and also promotes revascularization and recovery after surgery. WAVE technology can also stimulate and produce growth factors to recruit regenerative cells that play an important role in healing and recovery. 

“Surgeons are coming to realize that a good strengthening program prior to surgery leads to better outcomes,” says Dr. Jasper Sidhu, chiropractor and vice-president of clinical services at WAVE Manufacturing, Inc in Toronto. “For this reason, the WAVE has been chosen as the exercise of choice since it puts less stress on the joints and is easier to use for people that have health-related disabilities.”

Sidhu goes on to note, “Pre-habilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation are two functions that can be realized with the WAVE, by chiropractors, for their patients. We are definitely excited about being able to expand practice opportunities for chiropractors, in addition to providing tools that allow DCs to provide the entire continuum of care.”

According to Dr. Larry Leigh, Director of Research and Training for WAVE, the company’s vibration therapy helps speed up a patient’s recovery time by recruiting more muscle fibres – thus increasing strength and circulation prior to surgery. Additionally, he says: “Vibration exercise pre-op may help elevate the quality of cells that are harvested, thus further aiding the body’s healing process.”

“This is all about creating the best healing environment for the patient, and WAVE technology makes that possible,” said Kevin Dunworth, SpineSmith founder.  “The most recent scientific literature indicates an up-regulation of stem cells, hormones, and growth factors when a patient undergoes vigorous exercise. We believe the up regulation of stem cells will stimulate better surgical outcomes.”

“The WAVE system uses vibration plates to simulate the body’s natural stretch reflex, recruiting more than 90 per cent of muscle fibres to push the body upwards against gravity.  WAVE advancements include bringing revolutionary vertical controlled vibration (VCV) technology to the market. Physiological effects on the body include an increase in muscle activity, bone density, and circulation. WAVE whole-body advanced vibration therapy allows patients to achieve the therapeutic benefits of vibration-assisted exercise - but with less stress and friction on joints, ligaments, and tendons than with existing vibration devices.