Electrical Burns and Whole Body Vibration

Electrical burns are considered a thermal type injury with severity of symptoms dependent upon the voltage, current flow and resistance of the skin. Electricity will travel through the body following the path of least resistance. There are three ways in which electricity can injure the body. The eyes can be damaged when the electrical energy is converted into light, the heart and brain can be affected from the electrical current sent through the body and finally electrical energy converts into heat causing burns to the skin or internal muscle, nerves, organs and other tissue. The extent of damage to the body’s tissues is dependent on their sensitivity to heat. More resistant tissue with likely have more damage done to it. This is why individuals with electrical burns tend to have significant musculo-skeletal damage. An individual suffering from an electrical burn will likely have had a long hospital stay(depending on the severity of the burn) with potential injuries to the skin, muscles, organs and nerves in which the current passed through as well as damage from secondary complications such as infection. The result of tissue damage and prolonged immobility result in significant loss of strength in the muscles affected.

An individual with significant electrical burns has likely had a period of both inpatient and possibly outpatient rehabilitation to return to community living and independence with daily activities. Once the injured tissue has healed it is important to maintain and even increase a strengthening and exercise program to help train and rebuild muscle as able. When beginning a new exercise program or adding a new component to an exercise routine it is essential to discuss any changes with a doctor. When beginning Whole Body Vibration (WBV) as an exercise program discussion with a doctor is important to ensure that there are no contraindication from direct injuries sustained from an electrical burn and any other complications that may have occurred from a prolonged hospital admission.  It doesn't sound like you have any particular issues you are concerned about, but we recommend you speak to your doctor just to be sure.

Once an individual has approval from a doctor a WBV program should be started slowly with a decreased time and intensity to ensure the user is comfortable with the equipment. If considering buying a machine it may advisable to begin the program at a studio or clinic so that progress can be monitored by an experienced staff to maximize the benefits of the machine. Studies have shown improvements in balance, bone density, blood flow and muscle strength by using WBV. More information on these studies can be provided by a local T-zone Vibration Clinic - we can provide information to you on the closest appropriate place. Once an individual feels comfortable with the equipment a program can be progressed. 

If any previous symptoms increase or new symptoms develop it is important to stop using the WBV platform and discuss the symptoms with a doctor.  In general, if an individual experiences an increased pain, dizziness or shortness of breath while using WBV it should be discontinued immediately.

The daily maximum time recommended on the WBV platform is 10 minutes and exercise positions are recommended for 30 seconds with a maximum hold of 60 seconds.  You do not have to do all the suggested exercises - if there is a specific area that an individual would like to target, the exercises selected can be focused on those muscle groups with several exercises designed specifically for strengthening and stretching for the upper and lower body and trunk. All exercises should be done at an intensity that each individual feels comfortable with to avoid injury and achieve the maximum gains. 

Again, if you are interested please let me know your location and I will be happy to send you the address of the closest appropriate studio - hopefully there will be one close to you.

Babik J., Sandor S. (1998). Electrical Burn Injuries. Annals of Burns and Fired Disasters,  11, 3.

Haberal M., Bayraktar U., OztOrk S., Oner I., Bilgin, N. (1990). Early Neurological Complications in Electrical Burns. Annals of the MBC, 3, 2.

Scoop & Save Natural Health Foods

3133 Portage Ave.

Winnipeg, MB R3K 0W4

888-1967 myscoopandsave@shaw.ca