Contraindications
Shiftwave is designed to improve your well-being, but first it's important to ensure it’s safe for your use. The vibrations are similar to what you'd feel during intense exercise or when riding a motorcycle. And we intentionally engineered it so that you can always modulate the intensity of the vibrations at all times.
Here are some of the contraindications you should be aware of:
Do NOT use Shiftwave if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a retinal tear or detachment
- Have blood clots or thrombosis
- Have unstable angina
- Have epilepsy or are prone to seizures.
- Have severe vibratory urticaria
Consult your doctor before using Shiftwave if you:
- Have a heart condition
- Recently had heart surgery
- Have a surgical implant (e.g., shunt, stent, mesh, pacemaker, aneurysm clip, venous filter, etc.) or a medical device implant (pacemaker, neural stimulator, etc.)
- An active or symptomatic spinal disc injury.
- A history of recurrent disc herniation or disc-related back pain that is aggravated by seated lumbar flexion, prolonged sitting, or vibration exposure.
- Have any condition that worsens with vibration or causes concern
We recommend starting at low intensity and turning off the top Shiftwave transducers behind the head/neck if you:
- Have vestibular issues, vertigo, or vestibular migraines
- Have a history of “floaters,” intraocular surgery, or lens implantation
- Are on anticoagulant therapy
- Are suffering from symptoms related to recent traumatic brain injury
About Vibratory Urticaria ("Runner’s Itch")
Some people experience itching from vibrations, scientifically known as vibratory urticaria. It's usually mild. One of our cofounders has it and now no longer experiences symptoms when using Shiftwave. To help, Shiftwave includes a control to lower intensity and reduce the chance of itching. However, if you have severe vibratory urticaria, we recommend not using Shiftwave.*
About Raynaud’s Phenomenon
We’ve received two reports of users with Raynaud’s experiencing cold or uncomfortable hands and feet during use. If you have Raynaud’s or are very sensitive to temperature changes, we recommend using Shiftwave in a warm environment and keeping your hands covered, such as under a blanket. If you experience discomfort, reduce the intensity or discontinue use.
About Trauma History and Emotional Experiences
For some individuals—particularly those with a history of significant adversity or trauma—the Shiftwave experience may feel emotionally meaningful or unexpectedly intense. The combination of vibration, guided breathing, sensory reduction, and focused attention can make emotions, memories, or physical sensations more noticeable.
While many people feel deeply relaxed, others may encounter emotions they were not previously aware of. As with mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and other body-based practices, individual experiences vary.
If you have a history of trauma, we recommend using Shiftwave in a setting where you feel safe, comfortable, and supported, and allowing time afterward to process your experience if needed.
