Genital Swelling helped with Deep Oscillation

Feedback from Berkshire West Sue Ryder Service

"I used the Deep Oscillation therapy using "the paddle" with a patient with genital swelling.  They had quite engorged swelling which was very uncomfortable and tight, but mostly very distressing.  They had other health problems too, and because of this, conventional methods of treatment would be contraindicated.

Using the paddle to self treat (because of the private area being treated),  there was no embarrassment from the patient, they felt in control, and I guided them to use stroking movements up towards the groin/trunk - for SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT ONLY.

After one treatment the swelling was much softer to one side of the groin and the genitals felt less full. After the 2nd treatment a week later, both sides of the groin felt softer and the genital area was much softer and less swollen and stayed improved until the next appointment with mild intermittent swelling.

After the 3rd and final treatment (the trial period) the swelling felt more comfortable.

The patient experienced it as "really good, it helped a lot, it was really comfortable"

Other methods of gentle compression to the genitals were used, but alone, they were not as effective. The introduction of Deep Oscillation and self-treating made a big difference to the patients quality of life and symptoms.

Jan Bell

Lymphoedema Specialist Nurse

Berkshire West Sue Ryder Service

Read on Press Release Point 25.07.2016

The DEEP OSCILLATION® Personal SPORTS enables treatment in clinic or at home following instruction from a qualified Lymphoedema Practitioner

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

 

To read Testimonials from Patients and Practitioners please click here

 

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

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  including new precis of study in The Primary Care Nursing Review and The Journal Of Lymphoedema

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) and The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN).

 

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 Practitioners 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.

 

 

"Lymphoedema most commonly affects the arms or legs. But it can develop in other body areas, such as the chest, abdomen, genitals, head and neck, face, back, breast or armpit and the pelvic area. It is a long term (chronic) condition which can’t be cured, but can usually be well controlled Source: www.cancerresearchuk.org/"