Head and Neck Lymphoedema and DEEP OSCILLATION® by David McConnachie
"Deep Oscillation Makes A Difference to the Quality of Peoples Lives living with Head and Neck Lymphoedema...
Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage two throat cancer. After three operations on my neck and throat and the removal of 150 nodes, I’m today cancer-free, but not without my wounds.
Immediately post-surgery, it was clear I now had lymphatic issues and was diagnosed with moderate lymphoedema.
I was eventually referred for treatment, and after assessment and waiting list times, I was given nine treatments with the Oscillator. Within six treatments, I felt like a different person. My neck was free of this bulk, and the movement increased by 50% at least. It literally changed my life, and I was so sad and fearful that I was going to be left this way.
Every three to four months, they would ask to see me again, but they didn’t want to use the machine on me, as I didn’t have one at home, so they wanted to teach me at-home techniques that I could use daily. Nothing at all compares to be honest, but what choice did I have but to keep doing my daily massages?
My neck is never the same for two days; with any lifting/carrying, it immediately struggles and gets very hard. I asked for more treatments with the machine, and they gave me two more; it was apparent that I needed to invest, as this was life-changing.
Most recently my neck had been strange again, and a new lump appeared. After 10 weeks and more cancer checks, I’m pleased to say I was clear again.
I contacted PhysioPod, who have been excellent, and I am now the owner of my own device. The machine has now helped move the fluid that appeared on my collarbone.
It’s very easy to use at home, and it’s there for when I need it. I am so glad I have invested, as my neck will never heal, but this allows me to manage my neck and gives me 100% improvement.
It has literally been a solution to what I thought was my new normal.
Thank you,
David McConnachie"
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2025 Research Review of
Head and Neck Lymphoedema Management Strategies
DEEP OSCILLATION® Therapy in the Management of
Head and Neck Lymphoedema
Head and neck lymphoedema is a challenging condition that can significantly affect a person's quality of life effecting upto 90% of individuals on completion of treatment. It often presents with various complex symptoms, impacting physical function, appearance, and emotional well-being. DEEP OSCILLATION® therapy provides a promising adjunct in managing these complex issues.
Individuals living with head and neck lymphoedema may face numerous difficulties, including:
• Airway Obstruction: Severe swelling can lead to compromised breathing and breathing difficulties, which may be lethal in extreme circumstances.
• Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing): This condition impairs swallowing, potentially resulting in nutritional difficulties. Patients may also experience odynophagia, or painful swallowing.
• Facial and Neck Disfigurement: Lymphoedema can cause asymmetry of the face or neck, leading to cosmetic disfigurement, facial deformity, or an abnormal facial appearance, which significantly affects how someone looks.
• Pain and Discomfort: Common symptoms include pain or discomfort, which may also manifest as headaches. This pain can arise from swelling, fibrosis, or nerve compression.
• Limited Mobility: There can be a decrease in range of motion, particularly in the cervical spine (neck), leading to limited neck mobility, restricted neck range of motion, and difficulty moving the neck, head, and jaw. This hampers daily activities and reduces quality of life.
• Skin Issues: Cellulitis or Skin Infections: Patients face an elevated risk of persistent cellulitis or skin infections, which are often linked to lymphoedema. Skin Breakdown or Ulceration: Swelling can cause skin damage, leading to skin breakdown or ulceration, sometimes with oozing or bleeding from lesions. Fibrosis and scarring exacerbate this risk.
• Psychological and Emotional Effects: The visible disfigurement, functional limitations, and ongoing medical issues can result in social disengagement, anxiety, emotional distress, increased social isolation, and reduced self-esteem.
• Ocular Difficulties: Severe eyelid lymphoedema can cause difficulty regaining normal ocular aperture (ability to open eyes), potentially leading to vision problems or even effective blindness in extreme cases.
• Speech Difficulties: Individuals may experience modified speech or difficulty speaking, signifying a functional impairment that can impact social interactions and overall quality of life.
How Deep Oscillation Therapy Provides Relief
• Reduces Swelling: This therapy promotes lymphatic drainage, helping to decrease persistent oedema and swelling around the face, neck, and eyes.
• Improves Mobility: By reducing fibrosis and softening scar tissue, deep oscillation can enhance movement of the neck and jaw, alleviating limited range of motion and improving flexibility.
• Relieves Pain and Discomfort: The therapy has analgesic effects, which can ease pain arising from swelling, fibrosis, inflammation, or tissue tightness.
• Enhances Skin Health: Deep oscillation improves circulation, promoting healthier skin and reducing the risk of ulceration, infections, and skin breakdown.
• Reduces Fibrosis and Scar Tissue: It helps in softening fibrotic tissue and scars, improving flexibility, restoring more natural tissue flexibility, and reducing contractures that limit movement.
• Improving Lymphatic Flow and Skin Health: Deep Oscillation can lower the chances of cellulitis and other skin infections, which are common issues for people with lymphoedema.
• Improves Breathing and Speech: Reducing oedema and fibrosis around the airway and oral structures can facilitate better breathing, speech, and swallowing functions, enabling greater independence and quality of life.
• Improved Relocation of Lymph: After lymph nodes have been removed it is necessary to relocate the lymph to other regions in order for it to drain effectively. This distance can be considerable, and the use of Deep Oscillation makes it significantly simpler to relocate to the necessary location than it is to do so manually.
• Psychological Benefits: The reduction in discomfort, aesthetic improvements, and enhanced mobility can significantly boost emotional well-being. Patients often experience increased self-esteem and reduced social isolation.
• Facilitates Tissue Regeneration: The therapy stimulates cellular activity and tissue healing, which can help in repairing damaged tissues, reducing fibrosis, and promoting overall recovery.
Deep oscillation therapy offers a non-invasive, supportive treatment option that can address many of these issues. By reducing swelling and fibrosis, enhancing mobility, alleviating pain, and promoting skin health, deep oscillation therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals managing this complex condition. It serves as a valuable adjunct in tackling the intricate problems associated with head and neck lymphoedema.
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