Vibration Plates -
Standing on this vibration plate for 10 minutes can lessen spasticity, improve circulation and help heal tight stiff sore muscles. Its vibrations release muscle fascia, and it can efficiently improve strength, flexibility, speed, and balance. But the type of vibration plate you choose matters...
Galileo was the first company to create the vibration plate and they have lots of studies to back it up. Galileo operates with side by side vibration/levels similar to walking/running. This is important for HSP. The Galileo seems to loosens ALL of my spastic muscles - especially the muscles deep inside that are so difficult to otherwise reach. When you feel the whole body vibrations you become less sensitive to your pain sensations - so you feel less pain. The vibration plate reduces muscle tightness, restores spinal motion, and improves postural alignment. Galileo is effective, but expensive $7,658. Try looking for Galileo at a neuro physical therapy clinic near you.
The Hypervibe uses side by side rotational vibration which helps with destabilization (to regain and improve balance), circulation (and assists lymphatic drainage, improves complextion, reduces swelling, improves your warm-up), and increased muscle relaxation (reduces muscle tension, improves recovery, reduces muscle soreness). See the Hypervibe buyer's guide for more information. The tower is advised for balance with HSP in combination with exercises like half squats. Price: Hypervibe G17 Business Use $5,749. Hypervibe G14 Home Use $3,999. Hypervibe G10 Compact Use $1,799 (has no tower option).
The less expensive vibration plates that you'll find on Amazon do not have the side by side rotation and thus may not have the same results. Such rotation is like actual exercise vibrations and the plates above have studies to back them up. The cheaper ones on Amazon don
Massagers
These massagers can assist in loosening muscles before or after exercise. Note for HSP: Massagers are usually good when used lightly on glutes, hamstrings, quads. Use only very gently on calves. Avoid or be careful using massager on hip flexors, lower back, inner thighs, and anywhere you feel twitchy or 'wired.' If your muscle tightens- stop usage.
Toloco
Good baseline model. Deep tissue percussion massager with up to 3200 rpm. Low noise. Battery arrived 80% charged. $40 Amazon best seller
Hypervolt Go 2
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go2 is a smaller massager for deep muscle tissue and enhanced recovery. Used at StretchLab. $139
Hypervolt -Heated Head Attachment
Adding this heated attachment head to the massager seems to speed up the muscle relaxation process. Used at StretchLab. $59
Infrared Heating Pad
Infrared Heating Pads use stones like jade to penetrate heat into your muscles. This brings deeper and longer-lasting heat than regular heating pads. It can ease tightened spastic muscles in the middle of the night - so you may not need to get out of bed to do stretches. Just set your timer so you don't fall asleep with the heating pad on. (24 x 16) $82
Exoskeletons
Dnsys exoskeletons use AI to sync your movements with neurological gait assistance. Dnsys has two modes Assist and Aqua (for endurance). Assist is what I use since I have HSP. It lifts the thighs and displaces the weight off of the hips to help walk, hike, or climb stairs in a breeze. Requirements for usage: 1.You need to walk at a pace of 1+ meter per second. 2. You need to have good balance - it will not assist with balance issues. Its torque/power ~900W, ~40-50Nm. Battery lasts ~20 km. Dnsys weighs about 3 & 1/2 pounds. $899 X1
Hypershell exoskeleton uses AI for performance optimization. It is geared for outdoor adventuring with built-in terrain/mode diversity. There are multiple modes for different terrains: stairs, uphill/downhill, running, and cycling. It delivers ~800 watts of power with up to ~32 Nm torque on stronger models. The battery lasts 17.5 kms. Hypershell weighs 4.4 pounds. $899 X
Aqua Therapy Tools
Benig in the water helps with weight displacement and lightens your load, so DPTs recommend doing water exercises. Water supports much of your body weight (reducing it by up to 90% when waist-deep), lessening impact on joints, and allowing for easier movement, while its natural resistance (viscosity) and hydrostatic pressure work muscles harder for toning and calorie burn creating a low-impact, high-resistance workout. Win win!
The Aqua Trip Flotation Belt can be worn for side step, marching, and other aquatic exercises working the lower body. $44
Lower Body Alignment Helpers
These soft, stretchy toe spacers help correct bunions, relieve foot pain, and maintain proper toe alignment. Local trainers recommended these to build strength in toes and feet. $15
Lordosis is common for people with HSP. It is the tilting out of the lower spine. The Posture Belt helps with spine realignment and it can even be worn to bed. $30
Automotive Support Handle
This devise allows you get in/out of the car more easily. Place the device in the door (the U-shaped door stricker or latch) and then you can push upon it to help you rise/lower more easily. This grab bar can fit in your glove box or purse and can help prevent falls. $25