Kidney Stones and Whole Body Vibration
The kidneys act as a filter for blood and help to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. The kidneys
filter out waste and produce urine. Urine is passed from the kidneys to the bladder through a small tube
called the ureter. In some individuals, salts found in urine crystallize and become small particles known
as kidney stones or the condition nephrolithiasis. When the stones are small (smaller than a speck of
sand) and when they remain in the kidney they do not pose a problem. However, kidney stones can
become large (1/10th of an inch or larger) and when they pass through the ureter they can often become
stuck. The kidney continues its normal duties but the stones create a blockage. This results in swelling of
the kidneys and pain. As the pressure builds up the stone is slowly pushed through the ureter. The
symptoms subside when the stone reaches the bladder. If the stone does not resolve on its own, a
urologist may need to perform a procedure to assist the removal. The main symptom of a kidney stone
blocking the ureter is known as renal colic. This is waves of intense pain in the side radiating into the
groin that may subside at times, but usually an underlying achy pain is felt. Sweating, nausea and
vomiting are also common symptoms along with blood in the urine due to irritation of the ureter.
Heredity, geographical location, diet, medication and an underlying chronic illness may predispose an
individual to kidney stones.
There is little information regarding the appropriateness of exercise for an individual with kidney stones.
In most circumstances, exercise is not possible when someone has an acute episode of kidney stones
due to extreme levels of pain. One article has suggested that strenuous exercise may increase the risk of
developing acute renal colic 1. Another study found that certain salts that form kidney stones may
crystallize following moderate exercise if an individual is not adequately hydrated 2. However, along with
appropriate hydration, exercise has been recommended as preventive measure in the formation of
kidney stones 3, 4. It is always advisable for an individual with an ongoing medical issue to discuss
beginning any new form of exercise with a physician to ensure it is appropriate and will not exacerbate
the condition.
There is no available research examining the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) in individuals with
kidney stones. Like any exercise it is not advisable to use WBV during acute episodes. Kidney stones are
considered a relative contraindication for using WBV. This does not mean that an individual with kidney
stones cannot use WBV however; he/she must get clearance from their physician before using the
platform. One possible risk is that the vibration may cause a stone from the kidney to go into the ureter.
If the stone is too large to pass, it may cause an acute exacerbation. If the kidney stones are a result of
an underlying medical issue, it is important to ensure that the condition is also not a contraindication for
using WBV.
If an individual has been cleared to use WBV, it is important to start at a reduced intensity and duration
until he/she is comfortable with the machine. It is also important to follow any of the physician’s
recommendations regarding exercise and hydration. If an individual begins to feel any symptoms related
to his/her condition it is important to discontinue WBV and discuss the symptoms with a doctor. Once
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTH
PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
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an individual has become accustomed to the WBV machine and no symptoms related to his/her
condition has arisen, both intensity and duration may be increased. Appropriate exercises can also be
added if desired. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath while
using the WBV platform, it should be discontinued immediately.
References
1. Bihl G, Meyers A. 2001. Recurrent renal stone disease-advances in pathogenesis and clinical
managment, Lancet, 358(9282), 651-6.
2. Sakhaee K, Nigam S, Snell P, Hsu MC, Pak CY. 1987. Assessment of the pathogenetic role of
physical exercise in renal stone formation, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism, 65(5), 974-9.
3. Straub M, Hautmann RE. 2005. Developments in stone prevention, Current Opinion In Urology,
15(2), 119-26.
4. Lonsdale K. 1968. Human stones, Science, 159(820), 1199-207.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTH
PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com