Chartered Physiotherapist Reviews Deep Oscillation Therapy After Ten Years of Clinical Use
"In 2009, a colleague handed me a brochure on the Hivamat 200 which was the first generation Deep Oscillation device from Physiomed in Germany (there are now a range of second generation devices for 2019). It looked interesting, so I made enquiries and attended a demonstration with Julie Soroczyn and Mary Fickling of PhysioPod UK in Nottingham.
After just one month of using the machine on acute, sub-acute and chronic injuries, I was delighted with the results, and ten years on, I still am.
I run a physiotherapy clinic within a fitness centre which also has facilities for athletes training at all levels and disciplines; so I am often presented with an interesting array of injuries.
Notable effects are:
- Joint injury: reduction of oedema around joints, sometimes noticed in one treatment session
- Reduction of pain
- Reduction of muscle spasm
- Soft tissue injury: reduction in bruising/oedema by stimulating the lymphatic system.
- Scar tissue breakdown
Deep Oscillation therapy does take time to deliver (20 mins on average) but the length of time taken to deliver is far outweighed by the positive effects gained with an improved healing environment.
When an area is very acutely injured, swollen and too sore to touch, Deep Oscillation really comes in to its own, because no pressure is required to apply the therapy and reach a depth of 8cm. It is totally non-invasive for the patient and I have seen it considerably reduce pain and swelling. Initially, I combined equally the use of Deep Oscillation therapy (DOT), Interferential (IF) and Ultrasound (US) . I can honestly say that in 2019, I use DOT and IF more, perhaps 50/50 and use US less, although I still like its therapeutic effect.
On some acute injuries, I use Deep Oscillation as a stand-alone therapy. Hardly a day goes by really when the HIVAMAT is not in use and I very often use it after acupuncture which echoes the findings of Chris Boynes and others as presented at the AACP Conference 2018.
Deep Oscillation really is unique, especially with the gloved hands on application; I can easily incorporate with massage and the varying sized applicators are great, especially when I need to work on small bony areas and on scar tissue.
When I meet other Physiotherapists on courses, I am often surprised that more of them don't have this method of treatment in their clinics. It is a very safe and effective form of electrotherapy which delivers effective results for my patients; whilst taking the pressure off my own hands into the bargain.
I hope this review helps those who are considering investing in Deep Oscillation to make their decision. The after-care support is also to be commended.
Simon Cooper
MCSP, AACP, HCPC
The Physio and Sports Therapy Clinic
Tudor Grange Leisure Centre
Solihull, West Midlands
Email: simon@solihull-physiotherapy.com
For more information on the therapy visit www.physiopod.co.uk or call office on 01159 167 685
