Using Local Vibration Therapy to Support Wheelchair Transfers
A Supportive Guide for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
This guide is intended to support strength, motor activation, and body awareness. It does not replace medical care or physical therapy. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure what is appropriate for you.
Why Transfers Can Feel Difficult with MS
Wheelchair transfers require coordination between several systems at once:
- Arm and shoulder strength to push and stabilize
- Core control to stay upright and balanced
- Hip and trunk awareness to shift weight safely
- Clear communication between the brain and muscles
With MS, fatigue, altered sensation, and delayed muscle activation can make these movements feel unpredictable or exhausting.
Our wearable local vibration therapy device is commonly used as a neuromuscular support tool to help “wake up” muscles, improve body awareness, and encourage more confident movement — especially when used before or during movement practice.
How Local Vibration Therapy Can Help
Many users report that vibration therapy helps them:
- Feel more connected to their muscles
- Improve awareness of joint position and posture
- Activate muscles more easily before movement
- Feel steadier and more confident during transfers
The device is best used as a primer or companion to movement, not as a replacement for exercise or therapy.
Device Settings (Simple Guidance)
For all protocols below, use the device’s:
Performance → Select Target Muscle mode
This mode is designed to deliver appropriate vibration patterns within a therapeutic range that supports:
- Sensory input
- Muscle activation
- Motor control
If you are new to vibration therapy or sensitive to fatigue, always start at a lower-intensity muscle setting and progress gradually.
Where to Place the Device for Transfers
1. Triceps (Most Important)
Why: These muscles help push the body up and control lowering during transfers.
Placement:
- On the back of the upper arm, midway between shoulder and elbow
- One arm at a time, or both if you have multiple devices
2. Shoulders & Upper Back
Why: Shoulder stability helps prevent collapsing or shifting during transfers.
Placement options:
- Back of the shoulder
- Upper back between the shoulder blades (if accessible)
3. Core & Trunk
Why: Transfers depend heavily on trunk control and balance.
Placement options:
- Lower abdominal area
- Side of the torso (obliques)
4. Hips & Glutes (If You Use Any Lower-Body Assistance)
Why: Even small improvements in hip activation can make transfers feel smoother.
Placement:
- Side of the hip
- Upper glute area
How to Use the Device: Sample Protocols
Protocol 1: Before Practicing Transfers
Purpose: Prepare muscles and improve body awareness
- Placement: Triceps and/or shoulders
- Setting: Performance → Select Target Muscle
- Time: 30–60 seconds per muscle area
- When: Immediately before transfer practice
Many users describe this as helping their muscles feel “ready” or more responsive.
Protocol 2: During Seated Strength or Transfer Practice
Purpose: Support muscle activation while moving
Placement:
- Triceps (primary)
- Core or shoulders (optional)
Pair with exercises such as:
- Pushing down through armrests
- Seated weight shifts (side to side or forward/back)
- Assisted partial lift-offs (only if safe and approved by your therapist)
How to use:
- Keep vibration on while performing the movement
- Use short sets (30–45 seconds at a time)
- Rest between sets
Protocol 3: Low-Energy or Sensory Support Day
Purpose: Maintain neural input without over-fatiguing
- Placement: Core, hips, or shoulders
- Setting: Performance → Select Target Muscle (lower-intensity muscle option)
- Time: 1–2 minutes per area
- No exercises required
This can be helpful on days when strength work feels like too much.
How Often to Use
- 2–3 days per week: Use with strength or transfer practice
- 1–2 days per week: Sensory-only or low-effort sessions
- Avoid long or high-intensity sessions on consecutive days if fatigue increases
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Important Safety Notes
- Stop if vibration increases spasticity, discomfort, or fatigue
- Less is often more — especially with MS
- Stay hydrated
- If symptoms worsen later in the day or the next day, reduce intensity or duration
- Always follow guidance from your physical or occupational therapist
