Deep Oscillation Therapy?

Nitocris

Hello Ladies,

I recently came across an article published in the Spring 2011 Issue of the Lymphoedema Support Network periodical 'Lymphline' about Deep Oscillation Therapy.  The article was written by Christine Talbot registered nurse in the UK (MLD and Bowen Therapist) who has used this therapy with success, as a complementary method for lymphedema patients.  Besides the professional machine, there is also a Personal Unit that patients can use for self-management. In the UK, it seems that it is considered as quite an effective tool by MLD therapists.   Do you ladies have information about the use of this therapy for lymphedema patients in the States?  I know that there are a lot of complementary methods on the market and for many of them, there is a lack of "clinical evidence", but anything that could help with lymphedema is worth investigating.  I am putting the following links for information.

http://www.physiopod.co.uk/assets/files/CHW-Lymphoedema-Dec-Jan-11.pdf

http://www.physiopod.co.uk/lymphoedema-sufferer-turns-to-deep-oscillation-self-management.shtml

Greetings to all of you

Nordy

So, here is my take on this... I always approach these things with a bit of skeptism AND also a bit of optimism. I always wonder if it is too good to be true, and then hope that it isn't. I have always thought on a personal and professional level that because of the way the sound waves move through the tissue, that ultrasound treatment makes so much sense to break up fibrotic tissue resulting from LE. The issue is that ultrasound as a modality (not diagnostically) is contraindicated in cancer patients... but it is SO good at breaking up scar tissue and bone spurs... I have often thought of using it on my arm at a level that is non-thermal (pulsed) and seeing what it does... however, I haven't done it. SO, anyway, on with the point I wanted to make - this deep oscillation unit seems to be similar to ultrasound treatment in that it would cause the underlying tissues to move - effectively breaking up fibrosis. I think it is probably a great concept, and would love to hear more about it, but like I said, I always approach things with a bit of skeptism... I would LOVE for this to work, but would love to hear more, including people that have actually used this on people or have had the treatment.

Nordy

A lot of what I was finding were postings from 2007 and earlier, which said there were no current studies and no double blind studies - however, I also found this from 2008:

http://elektro-stim.no/file/34776.pdf 

 It seems as though they use this in conjunction with MLD, not as a replacement. Hmmm... I am sure people that have been around this thread longer than I, have already discussed this one... but I am certain they will give some feedback to you too! 

... just an fyi - this would be something I would be willing to try... LOL... I will try most anything...

cookiegal

interesting...keep pushing....there has to be something better....my ID calls LE treatment medieval