DEEP OSCILLATION® Electrostatic Massage - An Overview for the Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage (ISRM)

PhysioPod UK were delighted to be invited by Tanya Ball of ISRM to introduce to the nature and benefits of Deep Oscillation to ISRM members in a new strand of their newsletter entitled 'ADDING STRINGS TO OUR BOWS'.

The aim of the new feature is to enhance readers awareness of professional options that are 'out there', which they may wish to consider combining with their existing and growing clinical skills. This article is replicated with the express permission of ISRM; a digital version of the full newsletter can be read here. Members will receive the newsletter in printed format also.

DEEP OSCILLATION® is an internationally patented, electrostatic massage therapy, which, as opposed to externally applied mechanical forms of vibration massage (only acting on the surface of the skin), works through the entire tissue layers, including the connective tissue, to a depth of 8 cm (Solangel Hernandez Tapanes et al, 2010).

Biologically effective, intermittent, electrostatic impulses are delivered via the therapist’s vinyl gloved hands (the vinyl acts as the medium for the therapy to flow). Because little to no pressure is required to apply the therapy, the therapist’s hands are protected from the usual demands placed upon them when providing deep tissue massage, yet the effect is still able to permeate an eight-centimetre depth.

Application

The client hand-holds a small titanium bar, the therapist slips on thin vinyl gloves and fits an electrode to their arm; the electrode and the bar are connected to the machine. There are no new massage techniques to learn; the biologically effective oscillations work within the targeted tissue area, and the tissues are attracted to the hand and then released between 5 and 250 times a second.

Trapped excess residual metabolic matter following injury or surgery, is broken down and pumped to the lymphatic system for removal, enhancing the speed of natural physiological healing processes. Deep Oscillation® is thus believed to promote a more effective lymphatic drainage, quickly improving tissue quality.

Non-invasive and non-traumatic

The resonant vibrations emitted by DEEP OSCILLATION® are non-invasive and non-traumatic, most patients love the subtle tingling sensation, and it is also enjoyed by therapists, who benefit from their own hands receiving treatment whilst delivering it. Because of its gentle application, it is a unique and ‘unrivalled’ treatment for acute injury, where deeper therapeutic massage would normally be contraindicated. This means that Deep Oscillation® can help boost the rehabilitation process, which accounts for its growing popularity in the world of elite sport. It can be very effective in early post-operative care in reducing resultant scar tissue volume and rugged texture, swelling and bruising, and even in some cases lessening pain medication requirements. With some chronic conditions, including for example Secondary Lymphoedema of Head and Neck, where other therapies have perhaps struggled to make an impact, Deep Oscillation® has been found to make a really positive difference. One illustration is the case study below:

“The Leeds Lymphoedema team has been using HIVAMAT® 200 (DEEP OSCILLATION®) in conjunction with Manual Lymphatic Drainage for over 2 years. Manual Lymphatic Drainage as a stand-alone treatment gives good results over time. Since introducing HIVAMAT® 200 we have found the results happen more quickly, especially when softening fibrosis or scar tissue. The advantage for the Practitioner is that they are still delivering a hands-on treatment, just with the addition of gloves. This enables them to feel the tissues as they work, adjusting their movements and depth of working alongside the frequency of the oscillations to obtain optimum results for the patient. It also still enables good control of their hands in delicate and small areas. The treatment is pleasant to receive and we have only ever had positive feedback. The treatment of Head and Neck Oedema can be challenging for both therapist and patient, so to be able to achieve effective results more quickly is hugely positive for both, as it also frees up clinic slots to enable more patients to be treated. The use of HIVAMAT® 200 has definitely improved the overall treatment opportunities we can give our patients.”

Catherine Groom, Leeds Lymphoedema Service, BLS, MLD UK, PHIA Vodder and Casley Smith, MLD DLT Practitioner and Lymphoedema Therapist , extracted from article “Eight Years On – An MLD DLT Practitioners & Lymphoedema Therapist Review of DEEP OSCILLATION® (HIVAMAT® 200) Therapy” in: Journal of Manual Lymphatic Drainage UK, Autumn 2015.

Where there is hardened scar tissue and/or fibrosis, the treatment works quickly to break down problem areas – softening of fibrotic breast tissue in as few as 20 minutes has anecdotally been reported (see physiopod. co.uk references). Deep Oscillation has been proven to be effective for “Prevention of fibrotic remodelling processes, reduction of fibrosis” (Schönfelder, G and Berg, D 1991; Jahr, S and Schoppe, B Reisshauer, A 2008; Gasbarro, V et al. 2006; Gao Y C et al. 2015).

Clinical Effects

Clinically proven benefits (see physiopod.co.uk references) include: significant pain reduction, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, detoxing, oedema and haematoma-reducing effects, and promoting of the wound healing process. Unlike other treatments, Deep Oscillation® can be safely applied over metal pins and plates, prosthetics and breast implants. It can be used safely over the eyes and is frequently employed in anti-aging and address dark circles under the eyes, swollen eyelids, as well as cellulite in the lower limbs (proven improvement in 80% of grade I and II cellulite cases [Korkina et al. 2007]).

THE SCIENCE behind Deep Oscillation®

For a detailed scientific review, please read Dr Jens Reinhold’s Mechanisms of Deep Oscillation (2017) who presented the therapy in 2018 at the MLD UK Annual Conference. Products DEEP OSCILLATION® equipment is available in four products: The Personal Basic, Personal Pro, Evident (Sports/Aesthetic/ Clinical versions), and the Ionoson-DO-Evident – a combination unit which includes Electrotherapy, Ultrasound, Simultaneous Therapy, and Deep Oscillation® in the fourth channel. PhysioPod are happy to discuss with therapists which unit would best suit their needs.

Training

Training can be completed over the phone and/or therapists can train in Nottingham, one-to-one with Managing Director of PhysioPod UK Julie Soroczyn. Julie is the person responsible for having brought Deep Oscillation® to the UK from Germany in 2006. Most therapists initially train over the phone (it is very easy to use), as the skills required have already been acquired by the therapists’ hands. It is a simple case of slipping on the gloves, connecting the device, and starting the massage. Pre-programmed conditions allow for ease of use and a sound indicates the end of the session. PhysioPod are always on hand for any questions and queries, no matter how small, via email or phone.

Therapist Map

All therapists investing in Deep Oscillation® are included free of charge on the PhysioPod UK’s Therapist Map on completion of a website questionnaire. Mary Fickling, Julie’s sister and Co-Director, is deeply committed to creating high quality web representation, which she shares through the powerful tools of social media. Mary also helps with providing the correct wording and images to support marketing efforts of therapists who have invested in a device.

Insurance

Deep Oscillation® is covered by the majority of Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance providers, including Balens and PhysioPod provide a certificate of training suitable for adding Deep Oscillation® to existing policies.

For more information, please email info@physiopod.co.uk or call 01159 167 685, or Julie on 0788 692 5715.