Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England., January 29, 2014 -- Self-management plays an important role in the care of Lymphoedema in order to reduce and keep symptoms under control. Lynda kindly provided her account of using DEEP OSCILLATION® therapy to maintain her condition. The electrostatic massage system, which permeates an 8cm depth; through skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels and the connective tissue, is both portable, easy to use and is an effective tool for keeping symptoms maintained.

PhysioPod™ UK Ltd received this lovely email from Lynda, a lady they met at The LSN (Lymphoedema Support Network) Annual Patient Meeting in Birmingham in the Autumn of 2013. They located Lynda a therapist nearby using DEEP OSCILLATION®, Catherine Groom MLD UK, CDT, Vodder and Casley Smith MLD Practitioner and Lymphoedema Therapist (BLS Member) based in Leeds LS29 7SX. Lynda received DEEP OSCILLATION® treatment and was so delighted with the results she went on to buy her own DEEP OSCILLATION® Personal SPORTS with a bespoke card that suited her needs exactly.

PhysioPod™ UK Ltd sought the permission of Lynda to share her feedback and she replied :- "Of course you may use it as a testimonial, I am so pleased I found you at the LSN conference, I am taking it to the lymphoedema exercise class next Wednesday to show them - Best Wishes Lynda.."

"Hi Julie
I just wanted to let you know that my right leg with the lymphoedema has improved beyond belief.I now have knee with knee cap that can be seen, an ankle with shape, no pain behind the knee or the heavy and solid leg. Since purchasing my PhysioPod at the beginning of December 2013 my quality of life has changed thanks to my PhysioPod and people have also noticed the difference to my leg. The therapist who does my massage used it to do my massage treatment last week, we were both stunned with the results.
Thank you again for your help and support.
Regards Lynda"

What is DEEP OSCILLATION® and is it proven to help Lymphoedema?
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 above)

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

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)

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 Practioners 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.

About Us:
Mary Fickling and Julie Soroczyn, Sisters and Directors of PhysioPod® UK Limited. Now in their seventh year of trading are delighted to have been instrumental in the introduction of DEEP OSCILLATION® therapy into the UK and Ireland and to help lymphoedema and lipoedema sufferers to improve their quality of life.

Contact:
Mary Fickling
PhysioPod® UK Limited
Sherbrook Road,
Daybrook, Nottingham NG5 6AS
0-115-916-7685
[email protected]
http://www.physiopod.co.uk