Vibroacoustic Therapy

Vibroacoustic Therapy is a technique in which a combination of two different sounds is played to the patient through Soundbed or Soundchair.

1. Music to relax and focus the mind

2. A Pulsed Low Frequency Sine Tone to relax and ‘massage’ the body

The physical experience of this combination of sounds can lead to a reduction in muscle tone, blood pressure and heart rate in such a way that just music, without the Pulsed Low Frequency Sine Tone, does not. Whilst music on its own can be very relaxing, it’s the Pulsed Low Frequency Sine Tone that makes Vibroacoustic Therapy special.

Professor Tony Wigram has established a specialist Vibroacoustic Therapy unit at Harperbury Hospital, Hertfordshire, England. Research carried out by Professor Wigram and others has shown Vibroacoustic Therapy to be effective in treating a range of conditions, including the symptoms of:

  • Cerebral Palsy (and other spastic conditions): (Skille & Wigram, 1995)
  • Multiple Sclerosis: (Skille & Wigram, 1995)
  • Cystic Fibrosis: (Skille, Wigram & Weekes, 1989)
  • Constipation: (Skille & Wigram, 1995)

For more information about research into the therapeutic benefits of Vibroacoustic Therapy and an overview of the published literature, please download What is Vibroacoustic Therapy (PDF).

Additional Requirements: In addition to a Soundbed or Soundchair, the following equipment is required for Vibroacoustic Therapy:

1. Twin CD Player / Mixer in order to play both relaxing music & pulsed, Low Frequency Sine Tone CDs simultaneously
2. Low Frequency Sine tone CDs
3. Amplifier to power Soundbed or Soundchair
4. External Powered Speakers (with stands) in order to clearly hear the music, as well as experience it Vibroacoustically through Soundbed or Soundchair

Music for Vibroacoustic Therapy

A selection of relaxing music CDs is also needed for Vibroacoustic Therapy. We do not sell music CDs, but can recommend suitable material if necessary. Here are some general principles when selecting music for Vibroacoustic Therapy:

1. Select music that the person receiving the therapy enjoys & finds relaxing!
2. Music with singing or vocals tends not to be as relaxing as purely instrumental music.
3. Try to avoid music with strong rhythms or drum beats.
4. Avoid music with sudden changes of any kind, whether in tempo, timbre or key.
5. Select pieces, or combinations of pieces that will last for the duration of a 20 to 30 minute treatment without having to cause interruption by changing Cds.

These are not strict rules, but general guidelines. Ultimately you should use whatever you find works best for each individual patient.