The invention comprises a vibration probe protection apparatus and method of use thereof. The sensor protection system dynamically moves the probe away from the shaft in response to radial movement of the shaft and subsequently repositions the sensor probe at a set distance from the rotating shaft. The sensor protection system optionally: (1) positions a protective element closer to the shaft than a tip of the probe, where radial movement of the shaft strikes the protective element and the protective element uses a portion of the resulting striking force to move the probe away from the shaft; (2) resists bounce of the probe upon delivery of force from movement of the shaft to the protective element; and/or (3) provides a return spring force to the probe tip toward the shaft to reposition the probe against a hard stop.