Calling on the experts

MOTC, you're our exercise hero.

Kira

I think LindaLou is the resident expert, but I have a rebounder and use it sporadically.  I do know that you don't jump up and down on it, but rather bounce lightly without letting your feet come off the surface.  It is not said to prevent or cure LE, so far as I know, but it can help control it.  The gentle bouncing moves the skin in a similar way to MLD and without as much effort. I have arthritis in my hands, and so I appreciate the help I get.  It also works for the whole body at the same time, so it only takes a few minutes.  I hope LindaLou comes in with more info!

Dawn 

I do use a rebounder and find it both fun and helpful.  It obviously does not "prevent" LE but I do believe it can promote improved lymphatic flow and general stimulation of our muscles, circulatory and lymphatic systems for better health.

I do what is called the "Health Bounce"  which involves leaving my feet on the surface of the rebounder at all times and just gently bouncing up and down for 2-3 minutes a couple of times a day or whenever I feel I need it.  There is no question that this type of movement affects the entire body as I feel my superficial tissue and body fat moving against gravity as I bounce.  It is a pleasant activity and one that can gently loosen up the joints and warm up the circulation in the mornings to get a little "jump start"  on the day!  I do advise using a rebounder that has a safety grab bar so you can easily maintain your balance.

I just saw a recent article on the LiveStong.com website which also promotes the benefits of rebounding for lymphedema.  Here is the link:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/305690-lymphedema-rebound-exercise/

Rebounding is not a cure or anywhere near a substitute for continuing to do the gold standard LE treatment of CDT,MLD, wrapping, compression garments, exercise and good skin care. But it can serve as a complimentary and adjunctive therapy that may have a positive effect on our general lymphatic health and thus help our LE.

Hi Sher,

There is indeed a wide range of quality and pricing on rebounders.  I would stay away from anything in the $50 range.  The primary criteria is that it should be sturdily made with heavy duty springs and frame to support the weight of the user.  I also feel the safety grab bar is essential.

The Needak brand rebounder is the promoted "top of the line" at well over $300 - $400  depending on which version you get. Personally for the use intended as a boost to the lymphatic system I do not believe you need to pay this much.

 http://www.amazon.com/Needak-R02-R05-Non-Folding-Rebounder-Stabilizing/dp/B000KIUIRC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1302105960&sr=1-3

 I have not heard of the soft bounce feature so can't really comment other than to say you do not need to do any hard exercise routines for the purposes of lymphatic benefit.  Most rebounders will come with exercise DVDs and exercise plans that you will most likely be better off ignoring.

You may need to consider if you have other family members or visiting children who will give the rebounder a much harder workout than someone using it strictly for easy bouncing.  It is a magnet to young children who try to see if they can touch the ceiling when they bounce....so keep that in mind!  I try to keep my rebounder downstairs in an area where it will not be a temptation to visitors because they are indeed quite fun to use.

I bought my rebounder almost 4 years ago on HSN for around $100.  It is the Urban Rebounder and I believe very well made when it comes to the springs, frame and bouncing surface.  The grab bar is adequate for keeping me stabilized when I need it.  My rebounder is considered a "foldable"  unit but once I assembled it and put it in place I have not tried to take it anywhere else.  It does take some strength and caution when initially opening the unit after installing the springs so you may need assistance with that part of the setup.

The Urban Rebounder is now available for under $100.  Here is a link to it currently on Amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Rebounder-Folding-Trampoline-Workout/dp/B000Q6JO0U

I can only speak from my personal experience but my rebounder has held up very well without any deterioration or failure of the components.  It has not had rough usage either though.

Hope this helps!

I knew Linda would have all the goods!  I also have the Urban Rebounder that can fold in half, and like Linda, I have never tried to do that since I put it together a couple of years ago.  I bought mine at a local sports store, and it was $100.  I've been more pleased with it than with me.  It just waits for me to show up!  Thanks, Linda!

Dawn 

it works for me.

Instead of getting frustrated, pls give it a try.

I followed YouTube clip and jump for a little less than 30min. But I do more than health bounce....my feet do leave the rebounder and I want to sweat a little as well. I am in my 40s....so I want to do more than health bounce.

I only had LE in my fingers not arm. But I also drink a lot of water during the day. I love coffee and had to cut back.