Head and Neck Lymphoedema - Self Management with Deep Oscillation Personal

"My name is Amanda Winter and I am 53 years old. In January 2022, I visited my dentist, as it felt like I was biting my tongue in my sleep.

"Cancers in the head and neck account for approximately 3-5% of all cancers and as many as 90% of patients treated for head and neck cancers report some degree of lymphoedema"

Source: BLS Lymph Facts

The dentist took one look and referred me straight away to the Oral Health Clinic. I was seen in early February and told straight away that it was stage 2 cancer in the tongue and had a biopsy, which confirmed this.

On 14th March this year, I went into Blackburn Hospital and had the cancer removed and a skin graft from my left arm was used to rebuild the tongue. I also had selective neck dissection to remove lymph nodes on my left side to check if the cancer had spread. Luckily it had not and I did not need any further treatment.

However, in April, I had issues with my neck and tongue swelling and it hurt around my scar tissue on my neck. My cancer nurse knew how now much pain I was in and referred me to the Lymphedema clinic at St Ann’s in Manchester. Upon arrival, I was advised it was Lymphoedema and straight away they used the Deep Oscillation machine on my neck and left side of face. It was unbelievable, that within 25 mins, I could move my head around and my speech had improved drastically.

I attended the Lymphoedema clinic twice a week for a month where the Deep Oscillation machine was used on the Lymphoedema setting on my face, neck, and the scar on neck and arms.

I was so impressed, I then looked at purchasing the Deep Oscillation machine myself. The nurse at the Lymphedema clinic suggested I try using theirs on myself which I did and it was so easy to use.

I purchased the Deep Oscillation machine on 31 May 2022 and it was delivered the next day – a fantastic service! I could have had a video call with Julie on how to use but as I was going abroad so I didn't do that.

The machine is so easy to use, in a morning, I do the full lymphoedema cycle which is 25 mins long and whilst in this cycle, I use on my arm scar as well. Then at night time, I use the fibrosis cycle on my arm and neck scars, this is a 20 min cycle. Also, at night time I have used the ordeal cycle which is 25 mins

If in the day I feel like I'm starting to feel bloated or I have got an important meeting, I use the dark circles under eyes setting, which is a quick 8 min cycle and it works quickly.

I would be lost without this deep oscillation machine; it has given me the confidence that my speech is 100% better after use and my scars are not as tight and painful"

Sue Hansard Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist

commented on Amanda's feedback:

"I am so pleased that lymphoedema was quickly diagnosed and appropriate referral to a specialist lymphoedema clinic was made. This is key to helping this patient group to achieve optimum reduction of swelling and return to function and a good quality of life after treatment for oral cancer. Over my 20yrs as a Lymphoedema practitioner, I have developed a special interest in treating patients with Head and Neck Lymphoedema .

I use my knowledge of the lymphatic system and my understanding of the impacts of treatment for oral cancer to assess, plan and treat each  patient according to their specific presentation.

Before I started using Deep Oscillation, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and Kinesiology taping, was the mainstay, with some head and neck supportive garments. MLD was effective especially when patients were taught (and performed) self-lymphatic massage with shoulder and facial mobilisations.

Other Patient Feedback

Nick from Wales explained how Deep Oscillation has helped with both swelling in head and neck and leg and has also worked well at reducing the appearance of the post op scar on his neck.

"Following treatment for a cancer on my jaw, including mandiblectomy, removal of a lymph gland, Fibula free flap reconstruction, chemo and radio therapy, I developed lymphoedema in the head and neck area, especially around the operation site scar tissue.  I also have a quite large scar on my left lower leg from the 'donor site wound' left after bone and tissue were removed to be used in the jaw reconstruction. 

Initially I managed with 'Simple Lymphatic Drainage' techniques but was still experiencing swelling both in the region of my head and neck and also in my lower leg.

I started using the 'Deep Oscillation Personal' supplied by Physiopod UK Limited just over six months ago and since using a variety of programmes on my neck, head and leg there has been a noticeable reduction in swelling.   I have also been pleased with the healing of the scar on my neck which is now barely visible and the lower leg wound is also healing very well."

Read all testimonials appertaining to deep oscillation in head and neck lymphoedema management

MORE ABOUT DEEP OSCILLATION®..

DEEP OSCILLATION® is a unique, non-invasive and non-traumatic therapy method with strong pain-reducing potential.

DEEP OSCILLATION® is an internationally patented, proven technology based on the effects of creating an electrostatic field in the tissue of the patient. Easy application is from therapist to client via hygienic, vinyl gloved hands; utilizing all normal massage movements or via circular movements over the tissue with a handheld applicator. The handheld applicator also enables self-treatment.

The special structure of DEEP OSCILLATION® allows the creation of biologically effective oscillations in the treated tissue using electrostatic attraction and friction. In contrast to other therapies, these pleasant oscillations have a gentle and deep-acting effect on all tissue components to an 8 cm depth (through skin, connective tissue, subcutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels.

Because of the non-invasive, non-traumatic, gentle nature of this therapy, very early possibilities of application are possible following injury and from Day One post operatively. Chronic conditions can also be worked upon with effective results.

The following physiological effects of DEEP OSCILLATION® are clinically proven: 

• Highly effective in reducing pain
• Anti-inflammatory
• Effective in reabsorbing oedema (swelling)
• Encouraging wounds to heal
• Fibrosis Reduction
• Improving trophicity
• Rubor reduction (haematoma/bruising)
• Detoxification
• Improving quality of tissue

Learn more about DEEP OSCILLATION® biological and clinical effects

DEEP OSCILLATION IS NOT...

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