Arm Lymphoedema much softer with daily self treatment of DEEP OSCILLATION®

Janet came to see Julie just before Christmas 2013, and purchased a unit to take back to Leeds with her. On 10th January 2014, she wrote to Julie to let her know how she was getting on. Not only is Janet happy to share her feedback, she is also happy to speak to other sufferers about her experience. Her daughter's back ache has also been sorted with the therapy.

DEEP OSCILLATION® applied via gloved hands from therapist or via applicator as self treatment

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"Hi Julie

Thought I'd drop you line and let you know how i'm getting on with the 'DEEP OSCILLATION'.  It's been 4 weeks since we bought the machine and i've used it everyday (sometimes twice) and have seen some improvement to the lymphoedema in my arm, it's softer for a start! 

When I first started to use the machine, my hand in particular was quite swollen and I couldn't feel the oscillation, however after only a couple of days the swelling in my hand reduced significantly which felt so much better and I can now feel the vibrations in my hand.

The swelling around my elbow is slowly reducing but it's taking time, which I expected.  I get instant relief in my arm immediately after using the machine and I have managed to start wearing the softer compression gloves again, this makes everything so much more comfortable, especially when I'm at work.

We've also used the machine to relieve back ache - WOW instant relief! I used it on our daughter who's been hunched over her law books revising and she couldn't believe how quick the effect was.

Thanks for seeing us at such short notice before Christmas - I'm so glad we came, here's to a good year and a thinner arm!!

Best wishes

Janet"  please email info@physiopod.co.uk for Janet's email address.

What is DEEP OSCILLATION and is it proven to help Lymphoedema?

DEEP OSCILLATION® is a patented electromechanical therapeutic procedure using resonant vibration of the tissue with DEEP OSCILLATION® equipment from Physiomed, Germany. A special design makes it possible, using electrostatic attraction and friction, "to produce mechanical vibrations in treated tissues of the body, not only at the skin on the surface but also in deeper tissues" (Brenke and Siems 1996). Schönfelder and Berg (1991) refer to a "penetrating vibration and pumping effect deep into the tissue". The frequency can be varied in the range from 5-250 Hz. The treatment applicator and the patient are connected to the equipment (voltage source). A vinyl film between the applicator and the patient functions as a dielectric. This results in a weakly conducting capacitative layer between the contact surfaces. In action, pulsed electrostatic attractions draw the tissue to the applicator and release it at the rhythm of the chosen frequency. The therapist sets the pressure gradient, speed and direction of the movements. The patient can treat himself if appropriate. The treatment procedure is characterised by minimal external mechanical effects, which allows it to be used in cases of acute pain, fresh injuries and in treatment of wounds. Numerous pilot studies have demonstrated pain reduction, minimisation of oedema and anti-fibrotic effects. It is commonly used for the treatment of Lymphoedema (Jahr, S., Schoppe, B. and Reißhauer A. (2008) Effect of treatment with low intensity and extremely low frequency electrostatic fields (Deep Oscillation®) on breast tissue and pain in patients with secondary breast lymphoedema. J. Rehabil. Med. 40, 645-650). For other study references see section References above)

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system does not work properly. This results in the long-term swelling of part or parts of the body. It can can be classified as Primary or Secondary, depending on the cause. It may be present at birth, develop at puberty or in mid-life. Secondary lymphoedema may occur following treatment for cancer, surgery, radiation therapy, recurrent infections or trauma.

What happens in the body when Lymphoedema is present?

When the lymph nodes or vessels are blocked the lymph fluid is unable to pass through them, the extra tissue fluid cannot then drain away normally and it builds up. This causes (oedema). Although not reversible, (because the causes cannot be reversed) an early diagnosis is very helpful for managing its progression.

What type of massage is advised?

Manual Lympathic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy in which the practitioner uses a range of specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. It is a specialised massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of fluid and reduce swelling and must only be performed by a qualified practitioner. DEEP OSCILLATION® can be combined with MLD techniques. To read a list of practitioners combining the two therapies for effective results please click here

Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) massage (including deep breathing exercise) is performed by the sufferer. The SLD technique is taught to sufferers by MLD & Lymphoedema Practitioners. It is vitally important that sufferers and relatives are taught the correct technique, in order to push the lymph fluid and its contents in the correct direction of flow. Self treatment can be combined with DEEP OSCILLATION® using the DEEP OSCILLATION® Personal SPORTS - to read more testmonials click here

Further Helpful advice for Lymphoedema sufferers can be read at the Macmillan website, at MLD UK and The British Lymphology Society (BLS)

Controlling and managing symptoms - self care can greatly help improve quality of life:

Making changes to diet following advice from a practitioner

Keeping to a healthy weight and avoiding smoking.

Wearing properly measured compression garments

Performing remedial exercises which are designed to activate the muscles in the limbs to improve lymph drainage

Regular skin care routines to prevent infection and injury

Qualified Lymphoedema Practioners offer MLD and Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) which will include:

Multilayer lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB) and compression garments to move the fluid out of the affected limb.

Lymphoedema Kinesio taping - a special stretchy tape is applied directly onto the skin. It gently lifts the top layer of skin, allowing the superficial lymph fluid to flow more easily. (Combined with bandaging/and or compression).

Skin care and exercises.