Taking Control of Lower Limb Lymphoedema with The Deep Oscillation® Personal Basic in Self-Care

As the UK and Ireland exclusive distributors for Physiomed in Germany, PhysioPod® UK Limited supplies and teaches NHS Lymphoedema Nurses and private MLD DLT Lymphoedema therapists to deliver Deep Oscillation therapy to the patients in their care.

smiling blue eyed lady with blonde hair and camel coat

PhysioPod® also shows patients/supportive others/carers, where appropriate, how to use Deep Oscillation in self-treatment via the DEEP OSCILLATION® Personal Basic at home and abroad (where in-flight gravity and cabin pressure can increase swelling).

This article covers:

  1. What is Deep Oscillation?
  2. Self-care feedback with the Deep Oscillation Personal Basic
  3. Clinical evidence supporting the use of Deep Oscillation
  4. Tips for Self-Care of Leg Lymphoedema from Catherine Groom, Specialist Lymphoedema Practitioner
  5. Link to L-W-O Community for patient focussed, practical and emotional support in primary and secondary lymphoedema (Gaynor Leech of LWO Community was recently awarded the Pif-Tick for trusted healthcare information)

1. WHAT IS DEEP OSCILLATION®?

deep oscillation going through the tissue layers to a depth of 8cm

Deep Oscillation Therapy (DOT) is a patented electrostatic lymphatic massage therapy delivered by the light vinyl gloved hands of the therapist/parent or supportive other to the patient, or via special applicators enabling patient self-treatment at home. The personal unit has many pre-programmed indications for sporting injuries and occupational and aesthetic conditions and now has a setting for Lymphoedema too.  DOT reduces swelling, 'pain with associated swelling' and fibrosis, aiding mobility and improving skin quality reducing the likelihood of infections.  The sensation is that of a gentle, relaxing vibration on the surface of the skin, and yet, it is clinically proven to permeate an 8 cm depth, impacting upon all tissue layers: including the connective tissue. It is in the connective tissue, we find the build-up of protein solids and lymphatic fluid, evident in Lymphoedema.

2. Which product is most suited to self-treatment at home and abroad?

The Deep Oscillation Personal Basic is designed for individual, mobile use. Lithium battery operated, with a wall charging cable. It's handy size guarantees flexible use, both on the road and at home. The comprehensive indication list with helpful information and graphics additionally simplifies the application. Pricing on request to info@physiopod.co.uk

3. Self-Care Testimonial Summary

Mary

Mary has used the Deep Oscillation Personal daily, sometimes twice a day, for six weeks and is pleased. Her leg has reacted nicely to therapy, reducing its size to pre-pelvic cancer levels. After her therapist stopped providing manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), her leg lymphoedema deteriorated. Since she can treat at home, she does two 15-minute sessions a day, especially on holidays, to stay active with her family.

Lindsay

Lindsay, diagnosed with primary lymphoedema at age 18, has used Deep Oscillation therapy for about seven years, initially receiving treatments from a therapist. She noted immediate positive effects, stating the therapy enhanced MLD and softened her leg tissues. In 2012, she purchased a Deep Oscillation Personal for home use, allowing her to target specific areas like the knee, calf, and ankle. She combines this with self-bandaging, achieving excellent results. Following liposuction for her lymphedema, she finds the treatment particularly effective in reducing postoperative oedema, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Lindsay emphasises that consistent use of the PhysioPod has been life-changing, giving her control over her condition and confidence in its long-term benefits for managing her lymphoedema.

Mary

"I am so thankful that I bought my PhysioPod (aka Deep Oscillation Personal) five years ago after seeing how it helped my condition when it was used as part of the lymphatic massage treatment I began. Without doubt, it has helped control my symptoms and it offers me such relief each time it is used. The results were so immediately palpable that I was keen to have my own machine so I could continue treating my lymphoedema at home."

Pauline

Pauline who has Lymphoedema of the legs provided a video testimonial after 5 years of use of the DEEP OSCILLATION personal. She maintains her symptoms with just three half hour sessions a week.

Pauline Bexon, Lymphoedema in legs, video testimonial of deep oscillation self treatment

Stephanie Baker S.R.N.,S.C.M. Retired Midwifery Sister

"Dear Julie

I am delighted with my recently acquired PhysioPod, it has improved the Lymphoedema in my right leg and relieved painful feet.

Your friendly help and advice on the phone is reassuring. Thank you so much."

Patty

The testimonial highlights the effectiveness of the Deep Oscillation therapy for managing leg lymphoedema over nearly four years. The user, who utilises the device about four times a week, reports significant improvements in tissue softness, definition, and flexibility in their leg, which has positively influenced their yoga practice. The therapy has allowed them to reduce their manual lymphatic drainage sessions from biweekly to monthly. Additionally, the portable device provides peace of mind during travel, as it helps manage fluid build-up during long journeys.

Lynda

In this testimonial, Lynda shares her remarkable improvement in managing her lymphoedema in her right leg since purchasing the PhysioPod in December 2013. She describes visible changes, such as a defined knee and ankle shape, and reports the absence of pain and heaviness in her leg. Lynda notes that both her quality of life and others' perceptions of her leg have changed positively.

Angela

Angela purchased her PhysioPod a few months after visiting the lymphoedema clinic for five years on a 6 to 8-week basis. Although the clinic staff did an excellent job, their busy schedules prompted her to seek more regular treatments. After trialling the machine for a week last October, she noticed a significant reduction in the swelling of her leg from daily use. This led her to decide to buy her own device, which she considers the best decision ever. Angela feels empowered with complete control over her condition, and her leg looks great. She is also on long-term antibiotics for recurring cellulitis and is now focused on getting off them.

Agnes

Agnes has suffered from lymphoedema in her leg for twenty years, experiencing two episodes of cellulitis that resulted in painful fibrosis. Throughout this time, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and bandaging helped manage her condition. However, after only three weeks of daily use of Deep Oscillation therapy, she noticed a significant reduction in pain, softening of fibrosis, and a return to the shape of her ankle.

The ongoing struggle with lymphoedema had left Agnes feeling isolated and depressed, but she now feels optimistic about the future. She appreciates that the unit is small and easy to use, and she finds Julie at PhysioPod to be consistently kind and helpful with any questions. Agnes is delighted with this remarkable treatment and hopes that more patients will have the opportunity to benefit from Deep Oscillation in the future.

Kate

"I wanted to offer some feedback for my experience with the personal machine so far. I have been so pleased with the results, and they have gone beyond any expectation I had previously thought, and to think I am only just getting started is really exciting. Just a couple of years ago my leg shape was very typical of someone suffering with lymphoedema in the lower limbs. I had no real calf/ ankle definition and my feet remained constantly puffy. With this, tightness in the skin due to the swelling has often been very uncomfortable, especially during the summer months. I would also show signs of pitting on my lower legs when pressure was applied. I have now been using the machine most days for the last few months and combined with gentle exercise I feel I own a whole new pair of legs."

Victoria

At the age of 19, Victoria was diagnosed with Primary Lymphoedema in one of her legs. Over the years, she has undergone various treatments, including lymphatic massage, laser therapy, and several courses of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Among all the methods she tried, she found DEEP OSCILLATION® to be the most effective tool for daily maintenance of her leg's condition. DEEP OSCILLATION® enhances her Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) techniques and is easy to use. With this equipment, she has peace of mind, knowing she can self-treat any fluid accumulation. She appreciates the portability of the personal device, which she has successfully brought along on her extensive travels.

4. CLINICAL EFFECTS OF DEEP OSCILLATION

5. TIPS FOR SELF-CARE

More Information/Get In Touch

If you would like to enquire about investing in Deep Oscillation therapy please get in touch on info@physiopod.co.uk or call our office on 01159 167 685 or mobile at 07886 925 715

PhysioPod® UK work closely with Pif-Tick awarded Gaynor Leech from L-W-O Community who provides evidence-based, up-to-date, easy-to-understand, lymphoedema information.

L-W-O Community provides support for those living with primary and secondary lymphoedema, promoting emotional wellness, lymphatic health, self-care, patient empowerment, online and in the community. For more information visit https://www.lwocommunity.co.uk/